WRVU Nashville – Page 24 – Vanderbilt’s #1 Music Resource, est. 1953

Swans Are (Almost) Dead

February 3, 2016 Annalyse Clark

Thirty-four years ago, Swans hit the underground in New York with their self-titled EP. Now (thirteen studio albums, ten live albums, a heap of EPs and compilations, dozens of members, and a thirteen year hiatus later) the band is finishing up work in the studio on what is, according to the band, going to be the final work from this incarnation of Swans. After this album and its subsequent tour, Michael Gira and the rest of this current six-piece form of the band are ending a historic reunion run the likes of which just don’t happen.

Money’s “Suicide Songs” a Celebration of the Process of Identity Formation as Transformative, Transcendent, and Redemptive

February 1, 2016 Logan Wilke

In Galaxie 500’s incredible On Fire, the opener “Blue Thunder” immediately places the album—and the listener—into a state of motion. The iconic refrain of “I’ll drive so far away” never really addresses the place from which the speaker is so intent on leaving, letting the focus rest on the act of departure and the imagined “elsewhere” to which we’re going and being taken. Money’s sophomore album Suicide Songs is at times thematically and sonically reminiscent (with singer Jamie Lee even belting “I’m on fire” in “Night Came”), positing suicidal ideation as an act of departure from the self, offering a framework through which to explore and complicate the notion of identity formation as simultaneously oppressive and liberating.

Oh, Hello

February 1, 2016 Katie Linek

Allow me to introduce you to The Oh Hellos. Siblings Tyler and Maggie Heath (center) formed a folk rock duo in 2011 and have since released three albums. Today, as you can see, they are supported by an army of musicians. The Oh Hellos are an independent band, meaning they are self-funded and do not belong to a record label.

Before you say “oh no, not another indie folk band,” hold your judgment and watch their NPR Tiny Desk Concert from December.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwvCEWWWt7Q

Monday Music

February 1, 2016 Rachel Sapp

Everyone knows that Monday is the worst day of the week. Even if you don’t agree, it’s usually true to say that having a full week of meetings, assignments and…

The Death of a Bachelor and the Start of Something Great

February 1, 2016 Breanna Tuck

tumblr_nwlpwb7wQp1qzpuf4o1_1280 — The cover art of Death of a Bachelor. (Image courtesy of panicatthedisco.com)

Possibly one of the most notable things about Death of a Bachelor is that it is the first time Panic! at the Disco wrote an album with only one member. After the departure of drummer Spencer Smith in April 2015, Brendon Urie was left to carry on and write what actually may be the band’s best album yet. Already, it has done much better than the previous four. In its debut week, it sold more than 190,000 album units and scored a spot as number one on the US Billboard 200, the first album by the band to accomplish such a feat.

Rostam Batmanglij’s New Song and Vampire Weekend’s New Direction

January 30, 2016 Meredith Mattlin

Vampire Weekend in its true form as we always knew it. RIP. (Image courtesy of Rolling Stone) — Vampire Weekend in its true form as we always knew it. RIP. (Image courtesy of *Rolling Stone*)

When I was in high school, a close friend of mine introduced me to the hilarious and often ridiculous wonder that is Ezra Koenig’s twitter. I initially dismissed his posted jokes as self-indulgent banter with a worshipping fan base. But, admittedly, I was intrigued, and started listening to Vampire Weekend. I got almost immediately hooked, and rapidly transformed into a person who listened to their self-titled album and Contra every day after school.

Tool and Primus Bring Psychedelic Bliss to Bridgestone

January 28, 2016 Brandon Bout

I’ll the first to admit that I’m a bit of a fanboy of Tool, and I was definitely a pretty big Primus fan back in the day (I mean, with a bass style like Les Claypool’s, how could I not?), so when I read that the two bands were going to be playing Bridgestone Arena, I did the logical thing and set a reminder on my phone for when to stop paying attention in stats class to buy tickets as they went on sale. I was a little excited.

2015 AOTY: Semifinal Round

January 28, 2016 Roshan Poudel

We’ve narrowed it down to four semi-finalists (credit to Will Doran), so we’re nearly there! It’s crucial we get this right so vote below to see who goes on to…

Young Thug Remembrance Post #1

January 28, 2016 Linzy Scott

As always when we find ourselves awaiting a new soon-to-be-released Young Thug album/mixtape/symphony, we are living in a historic time. Slime Season 3 (SS3) is coming (Feb. 5th) and all we have to do is make it until then, which is easier said than done.

Jukebox the Ghost Sneaks In A Nashville Show In Between Snow Days

January 27, 2016 Alex Justice

Jukebox the Ghost managed to plan a perfectly timed show, performing for Nashville on Thursday night and celebrating the rain, as opposed to the snow, that lingered the day before and after. The band brought along Greg Holden to open the show, bracing the stage similarly to how Passenger did a few years ago, with just his songs and guitar to carry the mood. Although many voices were heard singing along to the Brit’s 2015 single, “Boys in the Street,” those just hearing him for the first time seemed pleasantly surprised based on the chatter in between sets. His stage presence paralleled his music, honest and heartfelt.

2015 AOTY: Round 2

January 15, 2016 Roshan Poudel

After an incredible Round 1 voter participation, it’s safe to say these winners definitely deserved their victory (credit to Will Doran). Now it’s time to see which albums will make…

2015 Album of the Year Tournament: Round 1

January 3, 2016 Roshan Poudel

The time has come to see who will take the esteemed WRVU Album of the Year title from last year’s winner, Run the Jewels. 2015 had it’s fair share of…

WRVU Presents: Top 10 Songs of 2015

January 2, 2016 Roshan Poudel

With 2015 in the books, it’s time to look back at the year and see what songs stood out and are worth carrying into 2016. After tallying up the numbers, here are the top 10 songs of 2015 voted for by our staff here at WRVU.

Two concerts to get you through finals week

December 10, 2015 Sara Keller

If you’re like me, you routinely neglect responsibilities in favor of going to concerts (or maybe you go to concerts as a reason to neglect responsibilities… um, also guilty). Whether that’s the case or you just need a study break (#treatyoself), definitely check out these concerts that are coming up in the next week.

Need some more help studying for finals?

December 8, 2015 Jordan Nunnelee

We can all get bogged down studying for finals or writing final papers, so I wanted to share some songs that get me focused while writing or studying. Good study music is a point of strong opinions for many people, but I am always open to suggestions. Music that gets old quickly can serve as another distraction while studying or writing papers, and students know that another distraction is the last thing we need. Hopefully my playlists will get you in the zone.

Five Songs to Get You Through Finals Week

December 7, 2015 Laura Hillsman

Everyone who has ever gone through finals week knows that it is quite possibly the most stressful week of the semester. While at other times during the semester you may have a lot of competing interests, over finals week you need to have laser-sharp focus on the upcoming assessments. For some classes finals can be worth half of your entire semester grade or more, so the pressure is most definitely on. Now, given the extreme proximity of finals for this particular semester, I present you with five songs to help you weather the upcoming week:

1.Tubthumping by Chumbawumba

Sure, the rest of the semester might have knocked you down, but now is the time to get back up again. We’re all tired after the work of the semester, but we can’t throw in the towel just yet. Chumbawumba is here to help you bounce back and power through this last trial before you go home for the holidays.

Let’s Talk About David Bowie’s “Blackstar”

December 6, 2015 Jamie Stoike

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/71/David_Bowie_-_Blackstar_song_cover_art.png — David Bowie — “Blackstar”. Image couresty of Wikipedia.

David Bowie released the title track off of his forthcoming album, a 10-minute behemoth complete with a disturbingly surreal music video, about two weeks ago now. And despite almost obsessive listening over the past two weeks, I’m not sure I know any more what “Blackstar” is than I did when I first heard it. All I know is that I can’t stop listening.

Parquet Courts’ Newest EP Will Make You Angry

December 3, 2015 Meredith Mattlin

There is a possibility that Monastic Living won’t make you angry, of course, but I’m willing to bet to the contrary. Angry, hurt, or—at the very least—a little cheated.

Stressed Out, Snowed In: A playlist to help you survive December

November 30, 2015 Madeline Goetz

If you can relate to this picture, keep on reading. — If you can relate to this picture, keep reading.

The distress of December is upon us. It’s cold. It’s wet. You have three papers, two tests, and a group project due within the next 4 days. Facebook just notified you about the 11 events you won’t be able to attend this week. To top it off, you might have just found your first gray hair–even though you can’t remember the last time you used a brush, or took a shower for that matter.

It may officially be socially acceptable to listen to Christmas music, but there’s nothing holly jolly about the massive pile of work you’ve got to plow through. Never fear! While I can’t pass your Spanish oral exam for you, do your Chemistry lab report, or help you with your thesis, I can provide you with a playlist to boost your focus and (marsh)mellow your vibes.

Concert Recap: Hibou & Metric

November 26, 2015 Katie Linek

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Before we all stuff ourselves in the spirit of celebration, here’s a belated concert review/interview.

Hibou & Metric – 11/18 – Marathon Music Works

When’s the last time you went to a concert and the music started ON TIME? That’s what happened last week when Hibou opened for Metric at Marathon Music Works. I wandered in around 8:02 thinking I was early but the band had already begun. I don’t know about you all, but waiting for a concert to begin is my personal hell. Thank you, Hibou, for your punctuality; I promise the audience appreciates it. Hibou played a solid set of songs from their debut album (also called Hibou). I definitely recommend “Above Us” and “Shutter Song”. The group certainly has a lot of energy. Michel, in particular, likes to spin around in circles with his guitar. Above all, they seemed to really enjoy themselves, which I think is the most important thing. After their set, I walked over to the singer and arranged an impromptu interview with the band.

Uncovering the Secrets Behind Rozwell Kid

November 24, 2015 Roshan Poudel

As I walked up to the Exit/In an hour before doors were set to open, to my surprise a sizable line was already beginning to form in front of the venue’s locked entrance. Based on the number of cut-off sleeves and smell of fresh cigarettes hanging in the air, it was safe to say these diehard fans were there for the folk-punk headliner Andrew Jackson Jihad. However, I was there early for a different reason: I had the opportunity to sit down with Jordan Hudkins of Rozwell Kid—one of the openers for the night alongside Nashville locals Pumpkinseed and touring buddies Jeffrey Lewis & Los Bolts.

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