Hello, music lovers! We've been searching for some more in-depth album reviews, and boy did we find some! This week, we have WUVT DJ Skyler Rapp reviewing two of his favorite albums, Because Maybe! and Police & Thieves, with more coming soon!
In 1976, a young Junior Murvin wrote and auditioned just a single song for famous reggae producer Lee “Scratch” Perry’s iconic Black Ark Studio. The song, being about police brutality and gang wars in 1970s Jamaica, immediately caught the producer’s attention. Perry found the song to be so moving that he would record it the same day. That powerful song would be known as Police & Thieves, and it would quickly become a major hit in not just Jamaica, but the US and especially the UK as well. Abroad, it became an anthem against the police and famously caught the attention of famous punk rock band, the Clash, who later famously released a cover of the song (which sparked an interesting chain of events on its own). A year later, Junior Murvin would work with Perry to release an album of the same name, which would see some success too. Junior Murvin would release more music, but nothing would ever come close to matching his initial success with that one hit single. Nowadays, he’s best known for it and his later single, Cool Out Son, which famously appeared in the popular 2010s skateboarding game Skate 3. Knowing this, is there a reason that not many people talk about his other work- particularly his first album?
ClickRead morefor Skyler's FULL review of the Album, as well as his review of Because Maybe!
I'm so sorry we're late. . . I hope you missed us as much as we missed you! See you next week!
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds- Wild God
Label: Play it Again Sam Genre: Folk/Americana Reviewed by: Brody Toth For Fans Of: Wilco, LCD Soundsystem, Willie Nelson
Nick Cave continues to put out phenomenal music with The Bad Seeds, and I'd argue that this release is his best work with the group. With a common theme of louder tracks and heavier lyrics, Wild God completely immerses you for a wonderful listening experience. The backing reminds me a lot of the Arcade Fire album from a couple years ago if it was balanced better and down tempo.
ClickRead moreto see the full album reviews from this week!
Rich of beauty and tradition, Floyd, Virginia serves as a cultural hub for music within the
state. For decades, The Floyd Country Store has hosted a multitude of talented
bluegrass and old-time artists during their Friday Night Jamborees. If you have yet to
stop by for one of their festive gatherings, mark your calendar. Located just south of
Blacksburg, Downtown Floyd is a mere 40 minute drive from Virginia Tech. Not only is it
a perfect day trip, but a visit to Floyd provides a wonderful opportunity to discover new
music by exploring the greater New River Valley community.
ClickRead moreto read Meredith's full FloydFest 2024 review!
Did you miss us? WUVT is back with weekly new music album reviews every Friday. See you next week!
Fontaines D.C.- Romance
Label: XL Recordings Genre: Alternative Reviewed by: Jack Carroll For Fans Of: IDLES, Sports Team. Wet Leg, Arctic Monkeys, FEET
This album hits. Romance marks the definitive start of a new era of Fontaines D.C. Their first three albums heavily focused on Ireland and the Irish experience, and leaned heavily into post-punk revival and crank wave styles. This album, though, brings a whole new sound and energy with the help of Arctic Monkey’s producer, James Ford. For instance, Starburster (FCC) takes you through a hip-hop-inspired claustrophobic feeling track that'll make you want to flip a car. While Here’s the Thing will make you kidnap an engineering student to make a time machine to bring you back to the '90s rock scene. Or perhaps you’ll start the haunting and ominous Romance and wake up in the steam tunnels with the Hokie Bird chasing you. Throughout the album, though, there is a strong feeling of doom, despair, and wanting. The balance between contemplative pain, such as calm Horseness is the Whatness and energetic hedonistic Death Kink is a hallmark of this album. Without a doubt, Romance leaves one with a strong sense that it could be better. Although I believe this is mainly due to the realization that this creative jump for the band has upped the potential of what they can do next and I can’t wait to hear it.
ClickRead moreto see the full album reviews from this week!
Hey babes, I know you’re all sweating and stressing right now thinking: What music am I gonna play while grilling for my wife and kids!?. Fret not, sweet child, for I come to you today with the best albums for all of your memorial day grilling needs. To clarify, these albums don’t necessarily represent patriotism (or America, for that matter). These picks have more of an emphasis on the barbecue itself. I decided to focus on this subject to make it more inclusive to those who celebrate American holidays not for their history, but to exploit any instance to engage in the rare joy of throwing some shit on the grill.
In 1976, a young Junior Murvin wrote and auditioned just a single song for famous reggae producer Lee “Scratch” Perry’s iconic Black Ark Studio. The song, being about police brutality and gang wars in 1970s Jamaica, immediately caught the producer’s attention. Perry found the song to be so moving that he would record it the same day. That powerful song would be known as Police & Thieves, and it would quickly become a major hit in not just Jamaica, but the US and especially the UK as well. Abroad, it became an anthem against the police and famously caught the attention of famous punk rock band, the Clash, who later famously released a cover of the song (which sparked an interesting chain of events on its own). A year later, Junior Murvin would work with Perry to release an album of the same name, which would see some success too. Junior Murvin would release more music, but nothing would ever come close to matching his initial success with that one hit single. Nowadays, he’s best known for it and his later single, Cool Out Son, which famously appeared in the popular 2010s skateboarding game Skate 3. Knowing this, is there a reason that not many people talk about his other work- particularly his first album?
Rich of beauty and tradition, Floyd, Virginia serves as a cultural hub for music within the
state. For decades, The Floyd Country Store has hosted a multitude of talented
bluegrass and old-time artists during their Friday Night Jamborees. If you have yet to
stop by for one of their festive gatherings, mark your calendar. Located just south of
Blacksburg, Downtown Floyd is a mere 40 minute drive from Virginia Tech. Not only is it
a perfect day trip, but a visit to Floyd provides a wonderful opportunity to discover new
music by exploring the greater New River Valley community.
