Welcome back to Weekly Gems at KCSU! I’m your host for this semester, KC Flanagan, and I’m excited to update you on what KCSU has been spinning! Let’s get started!
- Atlanta by Gnarls Barkley
Gnarls Barkley maintains a mixture between jazz and R&B. Throughout the album, the listener travels from neo-funk to old soul, from modern jazz to retro hip-hop. The lyrics often comment on current social and political issues, focusing on a sense of community, aiding those in need, and raising awareness about injustice. The genre-mixing across jazz, funk, R&B, and hip-hop emphasizes the historical and social messages that Atlanta hopes to deliver. Our featured track this week is “I Amnesia”.
- Electric Hour by Sword II
Electric Hour swings hard from hardcore, experimental rock music, to electronic grunge. Many of their lyrics are about challenging perspectives and fighting against toxic relationships and injustices, which is aided with their hard rock as well as electronic themes. Some tracks, like “Passionate Nun”, are more raw in their sound, creating dissonance and discomfort. Others are softer in their approach, with quieter, smoother guitar and backing pads. Our featured track this week is “Sugarcane”.
- Drive-Thru Confessional by Mise En Scene
Rooted in rock, dream pop, and modern indie-alt music, this record takes the listener from a garage-band experience to a quiet, bedroom scene and back again. The band has released music since 2012, and while their previous albums gained a loyal following, Drive-Thru Confessional broke into new circles. Our featured track this week is “Everything in Gold”, which mixes the dream pop vibes of reverb vocals with a driving drum beat.
- The Crooked Rugs by The Crooked Rugs
This record has a great mixture of rock, grunge, and blues influence. Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, The Crooked Rugs are a great example of the local music scene, especially in house shows where grunge and rock often meet jazz and blues. While some of the tracks are heavier, others lend themselves more to acid-rock. Our featured track this week is “Meaningful.”
- Paris In The Spring by Alexis Taylor
London-based singer songwriter Alexis Taylor sings about finding freedom in different areas of life, such as love, personal goals, and maintaining a sense of self. Paris in the Spring is Taylor’s seventh album, and his professional skills have been finely tuned to deliver emotional and open performances throughout the album. Our featured track this week, “I Can Feel Your Love”, models Taylor’s growth as an artist, drawing in new inspirations and fresh beats.
- Throw the Dice by Soft Loft
With influences from their home in Switzerland, along with other artists such as Big Thief and Lizzy McAlpine, Soft Loft has constructed a comfortable, folky, acoustic album that dips into jazz harmonies and grunge feels. The record discusses self-acceptance and looking for community within music, emphasized by the band’s close friendship that becomes evident in their recordings. Our featured track this week is “What Are The Odds”.
- Made It by Lucky Break
This album is one of the older records on rotation, however Lucky Break’s youthful lyrics maintain its young identity. Focusing on young adulthood and working through college and post-grad years, the album raises concerns about growing out of childhood habits and comforts. The lyrics are often uncomfortably close to home, however the backing instrumentals and soft vocals make sure to console the listener through uncertain times. Our featured track, “Red Balloon”, is a perfect example of Lucky Break’s modern and youthful feel.
- 5 Minutes of Passion by Michael Rubin
Rubin’s bluesy, harmonica album creates a fun environment for satire and commentary. His lyrics, accompanied by over-the-top harmonica and blues, nurtures a quiet action that Rubin emphasizes throughout the record. The album often raises concerns for environmental and community issues, which when laid over the heavy blues groove, maintains a protesting and outspoken sound. Our featured track this week is “Propaganda” featuring Greg Izor.
- Feels Like Destiny by Skinny Hightower
Skinny Hightower has created a unique modern jazz listening experience, mixing hip-hop with jazz and funk. The album is created almost entirely by Hightower himself, handling the producing and mixing, compositions, and performances. The album is rooted in 1970s jazz fusion with inspiration from Stevie Wonder and Steely Dan, which becomes evident upon listening to Hightower’s guitar and instrumentals. Our featured track this week is “Ridin’ High.”
- Lost Weekend by Phoebe Bridgers
Lost Weekend has been charting for several weeks in a row at KCSU. Lost Weekend released with high praise and an exciting early release available at planetariums across the United States back in August, and since then it has been a favorite here at the station. Ranging from more down, depression tracks that discuss grief and lost relationships, to upbeat and hopeful songs that inspire determination and perseverance. Our featured track this week is “Lost Boys”.
Check back next week for more recapping of KCSU’s top 10 albums of the week!