Welcome back to Weekly Gems at KCSU! We are your hosts, KC Flanagan and Miriam Hill, and we are excited to update you on what KCSU has been spinning! Let’s get started!
- Mud by Remi Wolf
Remi Wolf’s new album has gained a lot of traction since its release earlier this month. Mud is an indie rock album that pulls inspiration from alternative pop and r&b, creating a fresh sound that evolves Wolf’s discography. The album was inspired by feelings of burnout and breakups, and throughout the record, themes of addiction and romance also appear. Many critics and fans have praised the album for its maturity while keeping Wolf’s previous sound and vibe. Our featured track this week is “Yellow Rose”.
- The Late Set, Live at Nocturne by Matt Smiley
Matt Smiley, a local jazz bassist and collegiate jazz instructor in Northern Colorado, released his new album a few weeks ago, recorded live in Denver. The bassist has been featured in many releases by colleagues over the years while writing and recording his own compositions. Matt Smiley has been a crucial part in maintaining the Northern Colorado jazz scene by educating students, playing gigs, and releasing his own albums to showcase his work. Our featured song this week is “Unerring”.
- New Avatar by Kelela
This album departs from Kelela’s previous r&b sounds, incorporating more grunge and shoegaze into her music. While she maintains synth and electronics throughout the album, contributing to the r&b and pop sounds, she also implements more guitars and instrumental moments during the record. While this is one of the older albums in rotation, it still maintains a fresh feel due to Kelela’s modern lyricism and genre-mixing. Our featured track this week is “Idea 1”, which incorporates grunge and guitar into her electronic and synth pads.
- The Confuser by Robyn Hitchcock
Hitchcock’s 25th studio release has been a favorite here at KCSU for his psychedelic rock sound. Often described as jangle rock, this album uses melodies and keyboard sounds reminiscent of the 1960s underneath the rock grooves, creating a very 60s-inspired album. Several of the tracks get closer to modern rock music with the drum groove and melody, however Hitchcock uses a wide array of instrumental sounds to refer back to his inspiration. Our featured track this week is “Ghost in Sunlight”.
- The Midnight Hour by Yoko Miwa and Mikayla Shirley
This album was released in late August and has inspired an influx of jazz music at the station. Yoko Miwa’s attentive and emotional piano comping supports Mikayla Shirley’s expressive vocals throughout the whole record, creating a soft, warm environment perfect for contemplation and reflection. Miwa’s comping fills space creatively, making a full sound between only two musicians. The album has several American Songbook standards, along with more bebop-era ballads and Latin tunes. Our featured track this week is “I Didn’t Even Know What Time It Was”.
- Melodie by Slow Pulp
Slow Pulp’s new album has an evolving sound from bedroom pop to rock. The album uses intensely layered vocals and guitars that create a grunge-pop sound, giving the album a youthful vibe. The album investigates feeling isolated and alienated, as well as reflecting on past mistakes and past relationships. With a matured sound and fresh lyrics, Melodie is a welcome evolution in Slow Pulp’s sound. Our featured track this week is “Entertainer”.
- There Near by Dinosaur Jr
Dinosaur Jr’s sixth studio album is full of exciting rock and grunge music. With the band’s maturity and experience, the album feels finely tuned and passionate, while maintaining a high level of musicianship and energy. The record ranges from more relaxed, slow grunge tracks to exciting, fast-paced rock songs with distorted guitar solos and upbeat drumming. The band’s high musicality on their instruments, along with their chemistry with each other, makes for a fun listening experience. Our featured track this week is “Take Me With You.”
- The Gem by Julia Jacklin
This album mixes folk music with acoustic rock and pop, which creates a comforting, intimate atmosphere throughout the record. Jacklin’s soft but powerful vocals across the songs support her lyrics about seeking love while rejecting intimacy, as well as dealing with the pressures of being an artist in a modern era. Some tracks, like “Get Away From Me (I Think I’ll Love You Soon)”, are more uptempo and energetic, however the overall acoustic feel of the album keeps it soft and smooth. Our featured track this week is “Walk On Me”.
- Pylon by Beabadoobee
Beabadoobee’s new album takes a swift turn from her previous light pop sounds into rock and grunge music. Including features from rock artists such as Hayley Williams and Chino Moreno, Pylon has an exciting and young sound that is a fresh addition to rock releases this year. After having a special early listen of “Nothing To Prove” feat. Hayley Williams, KCSU has been excited to spin Pylon throughout the fall semester. Our featured track this week is “Sun Has Set”.
- Lost Weekend by Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers recently performed at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. Part of Bridgers’ performance is that audience members are restricted from using their phones or taking photos, which creates an intimate experience of listening to the set. Lost Weekend changes from intense synth and electronics to folk and acoustic instrumentals, reflecting the artist’s challenges with losing relationships and her father. While she faces challenges throughout the album, she also reflects on how she is going to heal and get back on track. Our featured song this week is “Haunted”.
Check back next week for more recaps of KCSU’s top 10 albums of the week!