Category: Playlists
Playlist: Favorite Covers
With Ryan Adams’ cover of 1989 releasing today, it’s only appropriate to take a moment to appreciate the allure that a good cover can have. In the case of Ryan Adams and Taylor Swift, it combines two totally different genres, giving pop songs a singer/songwriter feel. Other covers take old school classics and mold them into modern day hits. No matter where your tastes lie, these covers are sure to spark an interest and put a unique spin on the familiar originals.
https://open.spotify.com/user/1224015150/playlist/6c9c9efQnMCpUZgjrq3gB5
Preview: Campfest 2015
With the recent news that Wet Hot American Summer is getting a Netflix reboot, it’s easy to slip into campy (sorry) nostalgia. Think back to the halcyon days of food on sticks, eau de bug spray lingering in the air, and weirdly intense two-month friendships which end in unfulfilled promises to “totally write to each other like all the time!!” If you find yourself missing summer camp, then boy, do we have good news for you: Campfest. Is. Here.
In the same way that Dave & Buster’s is a Chuck E. Cheese for adults, Campfest is a return to the cherished American tradition of outdoorsy, activity-packed summer camp – with a musical twist. We could tell you about the crafting on crafting on crafting, or the karaoke and cornhole competitions, or even the festival’s preposterously picturesque location at a real summer camp in the Blue Ridge mountains of Georgia. But this being Vinyl Mag we’re gonna tell you about the surprisingly rad band lineup.
Making an appearance at the inaugural event are Cold War Kids, the Whigs, Langhorne Slim, Roadkill Ghost Choir, Hey Rosetta!, and Margo and the Pricetags. What better way to stay warm (as warm as you’ll want to stay on a September night in Georgia) in the mountains than a few great bands playing anthemic, ringing rock and roll?
Indie rock is a broad umbrella. If you’re into the harsher, rawer chord assault side of things (as this writer surely is), the Whigs are your bag – check the nuclear bomb that is “Someone’s Daughter”. And you know we always love giving shoutouts to the hometown heroes. But for the mellower folks out there, Cold War Kids and Hey Rosetta! make what I like to call midnight music. It’s contemplative, heavily reverbed, and is generally good for looking thoughtfully out of a car window at the world racing by. Hey Rosetta!’s excellent 2015 record Second Sight is full of such offerings. Cold War Kids, as most of you probably know, make alternative piano ballads that are the perfect comforting nightcaps after a long day of adult league dodgeball. And then there’s the funk side of things, brought to Campfest courtesy of Alanna Royale and her Dap-Kings vibiness. Goes without saying that this lady has a killer voice.
Alternately, Langhorne Slim (nee Sean Scolnick) prefers the rootsier side of bouncy acoustic rock. Though he hasn’t released music since 2012, his discography goes back nearly a decade and is full of fantastic bluegrass-informed numbers like “Coffee Cups” and “Set Em Up”. Speaking of roots music, you mainly need to get your ass here to see newcomers Margo and the Pricetags. They hail from Nashville and unfortunately aren’t on Spotify yet, but that’s no excuse not to fall in love with her whip smart back-t0-basics country.
It’s worth mentioning that Campfest, which runs September 18-20 in Camp Blue Ridge, GA, isn’t even done announcing its full lineup. Wristbands and day passes are on sale here, but why the heck wouldn’t you want to overnight it?
Campfire Playlist
Campfires are the best part of summer for a few reasons. They make for good photo ops; they make you smell FABULOUS; and, most importantly, they repel mosquitos. But to make your next campfire even better, you need some mellow, vibey tunes wafting through the smoke. We’ve got you covered with this chill playlist.
10 Quirkiest White Stripes Songs
Though The White Stripes helped to pioneer the garage rock renaissance of the early 2000s, their bizarre aesthetic often (intentionally) distracted from the ingenious minimalist blues pumping through their Sears amps. Frontman Jack White has often stated that the color scheme and childlike mannerisms of the band were meant to juxtapose the music they played, and to reinforce blues as the people’s genre, interpretable in literally any way. Whether due to freakish sonic experimentation or unintelligible riddles for lyrics, here are their ten quirkiest songs.
10. “I Think I Smell A Rat”
Jack’s lyrics are often aimed at hypocrisy and entitlement, and that’s probably what this song is about too. That or the White residence had a pest issue.
9. “Little People”
The Stripes mostly outgrew their weirdness after Elephant, so you can be damn sure their first record was full of it. “Little People” imagines random, somewhat disturbing vignettes of what children do in their downtime – like playing with spiders or sleeping with tigers.
8. “Black Math”
The super catchy power chord riffage in “Black Math” often distracts from the anti-STEM message at its core. We know Jack hasn’t always been the biggest fan of K-12 – he was brought up in Catholic school and almost went to seminary – but this is a little much!
7. “The Hardest Button To Button”
Otherwise known as “the White Stripes song from that one episode of The Simpsons.” Besides the awesome dabbling in bass and righteously furious cymbal bashing, “The Hardest Button To Button” pretty casually glosses over the topics of kidnapping, voodoo, and space-age technology.
6. “Astro”
Some have posited that “Astro” is also about hypocrisy, given the disdaining nod to Thomas Edison (#TeamTesla). But it could just be a weird dance move that only Detroitians know about.
5. “Rag And Bone”
Put simply, this is the greatest spoken word Jack has ever put to tape (yes, even considering “Old Mary”). He and Meg go on a thrifting adventure that would put Macklemore to shame, and Meg learns a valuable lesson about the line between stealing and borrowing.
4. “Let’s Build A Home”
Few things in life are as ~quirky~ as children’s poetry, as demonstrated by the short intro to “Let’s Build A Home”. Other than that it’s a pretty straightforward chunk of Stripes randomness, but to write a song about a kid’s poem is pretty cool in and of itself. Plot twist: the kid at the beginning is a young Jack, whose family members are prompting him to sing a song about putting the Devil in a box. Is it any wonder he turned out the way he did?
3. “Little Room”
Speaking of architecture, this is a 30 second song about rooms of varying sizes and is probably a metaphor about the band growing in popularity. But it’s also a 30 second song about rooms of varying sizes.
2. “Aluminum”
No self-respecting musician hasn’t, at one point or another, sung into a Wurlitzer. So here is proof that the White Stripes are self-respecting musicians: “Aluminum” consists of Jack and Meg yelling “AAAAHHHH” over a distorted freakshow riff. It is abstract to say the least.
1. “Lafayette Blues”
My personal favorite Stripes song of them all, “Lafayette Blues” simply has Jack singing all of Detroit’s French street names over a manic punk beat. This is the embodiment of the band’s quest to mix the absurd with the fist-pumping, and it works perfectly.
15 Must-See Artists At AthFest [PLAYLIST]
You already know you can count on Vinyl Mag for all your AthFest coverage needs, and we figured that with such a killer lineup this year, you might need help cherry-picking which artists to see. Peep this playlist of some of our favorite bands, both big and small. As per the usual, don’t overlook the deep cuts.
As with every year, the free outdoor stages are fantastic – but you’re REALLY missing out if you don’t do the club crawl. Get your wristband here.
15 Beachy Songs to Add to Your Summer Playlist
One of the most important components to any beach trip is the playlist. Laying out in the sand and surf demands a special collection of vibey tunes, and we’re here to make sure you have those tunes at your disposal. Here are 15 songs you definitely need to add to your summer playlist – 2015 is already heating up, so grab your gear and hit the shore.
Songs For You To Cry To When You Graduate
It’s that time of year again. The Hallmark teddy bears don caps and gowns, college towns are flooded with relatives and their flash photography, and “Pomp And Circumstance” is stuck in everyone’s head. It’s a time of reflection and anxiety and wonder and pride, so of course it requires a decent playlist. Some songs on here are cheeky, some are guilty pleasures we can ALL ADMIT TO, most are anthemic, and some’ll just bring a smile to your face before you walk across the stage. Congrats to the class of 2015… we did it, y’all!
Your Finals Pop Playlist
Pop Songs for the Various Stages of Finals
Realizing Finals Are Right Around the Corner
1. “Be Calm” – fun.
For when you forget you have a cumulative final tomorrow morning…and you’re out downtown.
2. “Everything’s Just Wonderful” – Lily Allen
Sometimes being delusional helps, or maybe you’re about to graduate and really don’t care.
3. “Treading Water” – Alex Clare
Your grades are probably alright, stick to what you’re doing.
4. “Forget” – Marina and The Diamonds
This can go both ways, you either forget about the existence of finals or you’ve already forgotten everything you learned last week in the review session.
5. “More Than A Miracle” – MNEK
Yup, it’s definitely going to take more than a miracle to pull that C to an A-.
6. “Get Myself Together” – Robyn
Some schools have a week to prepare for finals. You have two days to remember the entire semester.
After A Night of Hardcore Stu(dying)
7. “Recover” – Chvrches
“It can be over / or we can just leave it here”
8. “Move in the Right Direction” – Gossip
“Motivation a powerful strength / Hesitation was my first instinct”
9. “Technicolor Dreaming” – Cardiknox
“I learned everything I know from watching movies”
10. “Crying for No Reason” – Katy B
“I push all my problems to the back of my mind”
11. “So Over You” – Charli XCX
An ode to finals: “I’m so over you”
12. “Back and Forth” – Operator Please
“Give it up for all the times I’ve drawn short”
13. “I Blame Myself” – Sky Ferreira
“You don’t understand that I blame myself”
14. “U Got the Power” – Swiss Lips
“All things are going against you / We’ll fight them in the avenues”
Waiting for grades
15. “Waiting Game” – Banks
The hardest part of the semester is waiting for those final grades to be put up a week after the exam
16. “Out of My League” – Fitz & the Tantrums
That A definitely isn’t happening now; there’s always next semester
17. “Let Me Down Gently” – La Roux
For when you have to tell your parents about that unexpected C
18. “Lean On” – Major Lazer
You’ll need to lean on your friends after you go downtown to de-stress.
19. “Sometimes” – The Noisettes
Forget that final you just bombed and go on to the next one
20. “Trying to Be Cool” – Phoenix
For when you’re pretending like that test was easy around your friends
21. “Sail On” – Ryn Weaver
Just in case you have that one awesome professor who doesn’t believe in the evil of finals
Your Finals Rock Playlist
1. “Do I Wanna Know?” – Arctic Monkeys
No, you don’t really want to know what you made on the final you didn’t study for.
2. “Ironic” – Alanis Morissette
Isn’t it ironic…that the class you never showed up had the easiest final?
3. “It’s Up to You Now” – Black Keys
The power is in your hands, choose your fate.
4. “Rollercoaster” – Bleachers
Appropriately named for the wave of emotions felt throughout a day of studying
5. “Bad Timing” – Bombay Bicycle Club
Is there ever really a GOOD time for an exam?
6. “It Ain’t Easy” – David Bowie
It’s not, but you got this!
7. “Never Going Back Again” – Fleetwood Mac
For those of us taking classes that we’ll never use again
8. “Basket Case” – Green Day
How you’ll feel studying for a cumulative final
9. “I Predict A Riot” – Kaiser Chiefs
When the teacher says the final was optional, after it’s already happened
10. “Why I Wait” – Kitten
It’s much more fun to be blissfully unaware of how much you didn’t actually remember
11. “Dazed and Confused” – Led Zeppelin
Wait, there was a textbook for this class?
12. “Passing Out Pieces” – Mac DeMarco
Pieces are what’s left of your brain when Cinco de Mayo rolls around
13. “Give Me Hope” – New Politics
Graduation might be around the corner and C’s get degrees, right?
14. “Don’t Speak” – No Doubt
Those annoying girls in the study room next to you have got to stop talking so loud!
15. “Champagne Supernova” – Oasis
Let the partying at the end of finals commence.
16. “Graduation” – Only Real
GRADUATION!
17. “So Long” – Rilo Kiley
It’s been real!
18. “Swimming” – Shivery Shakes
Grab your friends and head to the pool
19. “Buried Alive” – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Is grad school right around the corner? Be prepared
20. “Pressure” – The 1975
None whatsoever.
Top Five Acts to See Each Day at Shaky Knees 2015
Shaky Knees has an incredible lineup this year. If you’re overwhelmed by the sheer amount of bands or just want to see one you’ve never heard of before, check out Vinyl’s top five picks for each of the fest’s three days.
Day One
The Strokes
As Friday’s headliners, it seems like an obvious choice to see The Strokes. The New York based rock band hasn’t toured extensively in close to a decade and with Shaky Knees being only one of four announced live shows this year; this is not one to be missed.
James Blake
James Blake is a fantastic musician and producer. Though he borders the line of being an alternative act and doesn’t quite qualify as a rocker, his unique fusion of R&B music and post dubstep electronica is sure to entrance any passersby.
Death from Above 1979
Death from Above’s sophomore record came a decade after its first and the wait ended up being well worth it. Though the band has toured the world and back to promote it, there’s no telling when there’ll be another opportunity to see them. Do it.
The Mountain Goats
The Mountain Goats are one of the most prolific rock bands releasing 15 studio albums in 20 years. Recent single “The Legend of Chavo Guerrero” is a perfect introduction into an album about wrestling and it’ll certainly be interesting to see how this translates live.
Kaiser Chiefs
The Leeds-based band isn’t hugely known in the states. However, one spin of any of Kaiser Chief’s five studio albums shows extreme replay value. Shaky Knees is one of a handful of 2015 appearances the band will be making, and their live shows do not disappoint.
Day Two
The Avett Brothers
Saturday’s headliners have become somewhat of a music festival mainstay in the last few years. Though the group began in the early 2000s, their 2007 album Emotionalism caught the attention of famous producer Rick Rubin. Its work with Rubin propelled the band to the top of the Billboard album charts where each subsequent release has charted in the top 10. The Avett Brothers continue to push the boundaries of folk music and seeing them would definitely be time well spent.
Wilco
It’s been awhile since Wilco has released a new studio album (almost five years, but who’s counting?), but the vast back catalogue the band tours with remains unparalleled. One moment the band will take listeners back to “Too Far Apart” off the 20 year old A.M. before slingshotting to a rarity off last year’s compilation. Jeff Tweedy’s strength in leading the band has always pushed them towards new sonic territory and this is not an opportunity to be missed.
Interpol
As a 90s child, the influence of Interpol on contemporary alternative – and rock — music is undeniable. The group was one of the pioneers of post-punk revival music alongside bands like The Strokes and The National before going in its own direction. The heavy blend of lo-fi sounds; restless guitars and penchant for contrastingly gloomy lyrical content have kept the band in the game setting the bar higher for other alternative bands. 2014’s El Pintor showcased a strong, gloomy stylistic restraint that will be interesting to see live in the context of its more up-tempo cuts.
Neutral Milk Hotel
No, you shouldn’t go see NMH just to see grown men cry to all three parts of “King of the Carrot Flowers.” Upon its release in 1998, In the Aeroplane over the Sea was met with lukewarm reception. It wasn’t until a decade later that the genius of Mangum’s hybridization of psychedelic music with low-fi pop music straight out of the 1960s was realized. By then it was too late as the band had taken an indefinite hiatus until the dust was brushed off in 2013. This is the band’s last leg of the tour before another indefinite hiatus and is quite possibly its last Atlanta show for the time being.
FIDLAR
To fully understand what FIDLAR is all about, one must first understand what the acronym stands for – go ahead, Google it. With that mantra firmly in mind listen to its self-titled debut — but don’t take it TOO seriously. The surf punk band sings about everything from getting high to making fun of guys who can’t surf without ever coming across as a joke. Subtle choices in the instrumentation demonstrate a punk band with far more musical knowledge than you’d be led to believe with fleeting moments of acoustic guitar and banjo. Vinyl isn’t liable if you head bang too hard.
Day Three
As Shaky Knees draws to a close, organizers have devised a clever power punch to get crowds staying until the very last minute. A dizzying performance by Tame Impala waits for those as a reward for surviving what looks to be an unbearably hot weekend. A Ryan Adams set waits for those looking to cool down between heavier rock shows and a Best Coast set is there for everyone who’s been impatiently waiting for the new record.
Tame Impala
Australian psychedelic rockers Tame Impala rose to prominence in 2010 following the release and critical acclimation of Innerspeaker. Here in 2015 the band is set to make one of its first few live performances behind its just announced third LP Currents. Its live set revolves around a highly complex light show that always captivates the audience so this is the perfect set to end this year’s Shaky Knees.
Ryan Adams
Ryan Adams has laid the foundation for his career by releasing 14 albums in 14 years with each one being starkly different from the rest. His recent self-titled record seems like a far more organic progression than him starting a punk band with rich vocal intonation and a tight arrangement of drums, electric guitar and acoustic guitar. With a massive back catalog, there’s going to be something for all fans at Ryan Adams’ set.
Old Crow Medicine Show
In the upper echelons of folk music sits Old Crow Medicine Show, a group that has inspired many other contemporary bands throughout its existence. Don’t be fooled by the genre though as the band can match the intensity of other headliners The Strokes and Pixies with its highly energetic set. Expect soaring crowd sing-alongs to the choruses and several covers of seminal country classics.
Panda Bear
As one of the co-founders of the highly acclaimed group Animal Collective, Noah Lennox has made quite a name for himself outside of the band as Panda Bear. His material takes a decidedly different direction with the occasional gurgling synth, nonsensical lyrics and a root in ambient rock. In his shows he frequently recreates each song live using a variety of synths onstage instead of relying on a backing track – oh, and he does it completely solo too.
Best Coast
Best Coast’s big make or break moment will be its first show following the release of its third LP California Nights not even a week earlier. After dividing its fanbase with a noticeably polished sound on its last album, legions of listeners are waiting in the wings to not only hear the new record but to also see vocalist Bethany Cosentino pull off a captivating set. Don’t fret if another band is scheduled to perform at concurrently as Best Coast will also be playing a night set on a different day.
*Enjoy our Shaky Knees 2015 playlist below!