Category: Music

Shakey Graves ‘Can’t Wake Up’

  By , ,

Shakey Graves 2018 World Tour

Shakey Graves’ new album Can’t Wake Up (March 2018)

Last Tuesday night in Philadelphia, Shakey Graves performed at the Fillmore, accompanied by the Wild Reeds. Alejandro Rose-Garcia, an Austin-born native who renamed himself Shakey Graves in 2007, released his most recent album, Can’t Wake Up, in early 2018. In December of 2017, Shakey Graves posted on twitter “Next album. New sound. Sell your Suspenders.” Diverging from his traditional sound of folksy guitar and suitcase drum, Shakey Graves has explored a more risky, eccentric sound that molds his past with new experimental harmonies, themes, and colors. This 13-track album includes similar on-going themes by Rose-Garcia, such as the difficulty of love, fighting the contradictions of everyday life, and, most importantly according to him, blaming problems on other people.

The Wild Reeds at the Fillmore 

At the Fillmore on Tuesday, Rose-Garcia gracefully melded songs together to create a seamless performance. The mixing of songs old and new brought out the true fans in the crowd, who sang every word along with the 4-piece band. Not only was the sound perfectly thought-out and exciting, Rose-Garcia’s presence on stage magnified the eccentricity of the show. Shakey Graves’ songs have such character, and this is made obviously when one finally sees the Rose-Garcia perform. His facial expressions, movement on stage, and individual edits and reforms he makes to each song to better match his and the audience’s mood reflect his sense of self on stage. These small acts make the show that much better.

Shakey Graves at the Fillmore

 

Shakey Graves’ new album consists of popular hits such as Kids These Days, Counting Sheep, Mansion Door, and Excuses. His notable songs from Shakey Graves and the Horse He Rode In On (2017) are Nobody’s Fool, War Horn, Pay the Road, and If Not for You.    

Notable songs from And Then the War Came (2014) are Family & Genus, Perfect Parts, Only Son, Dearly Departed and Hardwired.

 

 

 

Shakey’s world tour continues throughout the year with the Wild Reeds. His music can be found on Spotify and his website shakeygraves.com, and his instagram handle is @shakeygraves. His music will shake you from beyond the grave!

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Julia Ormond (’19). Listen to my show, Tall & Small, Thursdays at 7pm where I play Shakey Graves and music like his!

Mac Miller: 1992-2018

  By ,

Rest in Peace

In his short 26 years of life, Mac Miller developed into the definition of a complete artist. He played five instruments, sang, rapped and produced music for over a decade since his start as a promising young teenager. Pittsburgh loved him and was loyal before his career really took off, spreading his relatable college rap to young kids all over. Growing up with him, his audience stuck close as they also went through hardships and felt similar pains. Mac’s life and journey were transparent and portrayed through his amazing musical growth. Separate from music, Mac had his own TV show and was always seen cracking jokes. Watch any of his interviews or even most recently, his NPR Tiny Desk, where he puts all of his energy into his appearances and still is able to be in high spirits.

Musically, most know Mac for his 5 studio albums, but he was very busy off of the record (no pun intended) that led to 12 other mixtapes, adding numerous classics to his repertoire. To analyze his growth over 26 short years, we’ll dive into his albums and more popular mixtapes:
 

K.I.D.S. – released August 13, 2010

Mac starts getting noticed with his fourth mixtape, Kickin’ Incredibly Dope S**t (K.I.D.S.) with lyrics about rollin’ around hometown Pittsburgh, smoking with his crew, and the new shoes he cops. The mixtape is full of classic beats on Nikes on my feet, Traffic in the Sky, Knock Knock and more. Everything is about the bars and even the corny ones show that Mac was incredibly skilled, yet still had a lot of room to grow.

 

Personal favorites: Kool Aid & Frozen Pizza, Nikes on My Feet, La La La,  Senior Skip Day

 

Best Day Ever – released March 11, 2011

A few months later, Mac was finally seeing the money he deserved. The mixtape is filled with the swagger he gained from being 19 and famous. Songs like Best Day Ever and Donald Trump, which gained popularity after his feud with the entrepreneur/politician, are filled with lines about optimism for his career and about his love for touring for the fans. Mac’s bars were steadily developing, but his mind was all understandably wrapped up in his recent fame.

 

Personal favorites: Get Up, Best Day Ever, Donald Trump,  Wear My Hat

 

Blue Slide Park – November 8, 2011

In Mac’s first somewhat introspective album, he deals with heartbreak, fake fans, and the issues of fame. The album pays respect to his roots, named after a park near his High School, but shows that Mac is indeed growing both his mic skills and his perspective. Songs like Diamonds & Gold and One Last Thing take us away from Mac’s previous happy-go-lucky mindset, now clear that the teenager was growing up.

 

Personal favorites: Blue Slide Park, Under the Weather, Diamonds & Gold, One Last Thing,  Of The Soul

 

Macadelic – March 23, 2012

Mac becomes less concerned about what type of music he is making and more what we wants to be saying on the tracks. By this time, he has gathered quite the following and has enough exposure to gather Kendrick Lamar, Joey Badass, Lil Wayne and more to feature on the mixtape. Drugs are clearly an influence in his life, mentioned in a good and bad light throughout the tape, but also heard through the psychedelic-type beats. Mac is much more comfortable making what he wants to make, not what others want to hear and it works for him.

 

Personal favorites: Thoughts from a Balcony,  Angels (When She Shuts Her Eyes),  The Question,  F**k ‘Em All,  Vitamins,  Fight the Feeling
 

Watching Movies With the Sound Off – June 18, 2013

Mac completely sheds his frat-star skin with the most introspective album of his career at the time. WMWTSO was seen as a jumble of feelings put into songs – no real well defined flow, but a very transparent view into Mac’s life that included themes like drug addiction, mourning the death of one of his best friends and love. He self-produced a large part of the album as well, beginning to show that he was more than just a rapper. Good friends Schoolboy Q and Earl Sweatshirt, among others, stand behind him to tell his story.

 

Personal favorites: I’m Not Real,  Objects in the Mirror,  Red Dot Music,  Remember,  Someone Like You,  Aquarium, I Am Who Am (Killin’ Time)

 

Faces – May 11, 2014

My favorite project of his, “Faces” is filled with Mac rapping, singing, producing and more. He goes out on a limb to really dig into his drug addiction and it comes out through some very profound, introspective bars as well as psychedelic beats. The mixtape is full of movie and jazz samples and flows from start to finish beautifully. Lyrically, Mac is on a whole different level than he was back with K.I.D.S. and now he can bask in the recognition.

 

Personal favorites:  Inside Outside,  Here We Go,  Friends,  It Just Doesn’t Matter,  Therapy,  Polo Jeans,  Diablo,  Insomniak,  Rain,  Apparition,  Thumbalina,  New Faces v2,  Grand Finale

 GO:OD AM – September 18, 2015

Mac’s awakening from his drug-induced slumber is shown on this album (as well as the cover) as he pushes away from depression into another burst of energy to make one of his most solid rap-heavy albums to date. He’s clean and focused on some of his most famous songs like 100 Grandkids and Weekend feature on the album. With “GO:OD AM,” Mac was a household name.

 

Personal favorites: Brand Name,  Rush Hour,  100 Grandkids,  Time Flies, Weekend,  Break The Law,  When in Rome,  Perfect Circle,  Cut The Check,  Ascension,  Jump

 

The Divine Feminine – September 16, 2016

Mac is in love and through his relationship with singer Ariana Grande, his patience with life and world view have definitely changed. After his wake up call on “GO:OD AM,” Mac is clean and falling head over heels in this album. It’s mature album where his singing and rapping flow together perfectly. Mac goes through the motions to talk about relationships, love and how women have changed his life, although not specifically attributing all of this life to his girlfriend at the time. Mac, now with a wide array of fans that also happen to be popular artists, was able to conjure up features from artists like Anderson. Paak, Kendrick Lamar, CeeLo Green, Ariana Grande and Ty Dolla $ign among others.

 

Personal favorites: Dang!;  Skin;  Cinderella;  We;  My Favorite Part;  God is Fair, Sexy Nasty

 

Swimming – August 3, 2018

 

Mac’s last album. Weeks after his split from Ariana Grande, Mac seemingly rewrote the entire album to incorporate messages about his own self-care, heard on the titled song, as well as psychological growth from dealing with the pain of his breakup. Mac also speaks on certain topics like his temper and a continual struggle of dealing with fame. The album is brought together by beautiful instrumentals that span into several genres as well as Mac’s confidence to continue to sing. His journey through life is thrust into his art and we see that not only from new developments on the album, but through the look back to 2009 – the start of him rapping under the name Mac Miller. It ain’t 2009 no more. Yeah I know what’s behind that door. Rest in peace.

 

Listen to the entire album on your preferred streaming service.

 

-Written by Myles Parker (’19)

Tune into my show, Double Decker, from 11-midnight every Wednesday on WDCV 88.3 FM. Click here to listen.
 

WDCV Fall 2017 Review

  By , , ,

WDCV Fall 2017 Semester Review

 

This semester flew by at WDCV! The fall of 2017 started off successfully as two new station managers, Justine Hayward ’18 and Julia Ormond ’19, organized and planned for the semester. The executive board, comprised of inventive and enthusiastic juniors and sophomores, tackled many events which ultimately lead to an overall awesome semester.

                     

WDCV had around 75 new DJ sign-ups during Activities Fair. The DJs stuck it out through training and information sessions, and got their shows a couple weeks after signing up. There were 30 newly trained DJs, 10 returning DJs, 14 exec DJs, and 18 community DJs, rounding out to 72 DJs in total broadcasting their radio shows throughout the semester!

                                   

 

Because we had so many DJs, we had a lot of exciting events. WDCV DJs provided music for Farm Frolics on the Dickinson College Farm in early September and hosted two successful Pop-Up Record Shops with our friend Dennis in October and late November. WDCV also participated in College Radio Day and First Friday simultaneously by DJing for those strolling through Carlisle on a sunny Friday afternoon. We compiled a playlist dedicated to the queer and LBGTQAA+ community for Out on Britton and collaborated with MOB to introduce their fall concert through the airwaves. WDCV successfully broadcasted live for a full day during our 24 Hour Live Event in late November and put on a concert in the Social Hall in early November to celebrate underrepresented artists from Lancaster and Boston. It was a huge success for all WDCV concert planners and concert-goers alike! And to end the semester on top, the station hosted a DJ potluck during the last week of classes to wish their DJs good luck on finals and a happy winter break!

                     

Outside of the many events that WDCV hosted this semester, the station continued to thrive as new DJs joined, awesome CDs were added as featured artists, and more people came to appreciate college radio. We can’t wait for next semester, and hope that you are all excited too! Thank you for a great couple months, and see you back in the station in January!

 

If you have any questions, email Julia Ormond at ormondj@dickinson.edu

  By , ,

First things first: I didn’t spend enough time with the Kendrick album or the Lorde album this year to justify their inclusion. In most polls I’ve seen this year they’re the clear front runners and both will deservedly face off next year in the Grammys.  So no Kung Fu Kenny but what did make the most prestigious best of list of the year?

 

  X: Stranger in the Alps by Phoebe Bridgers

The title may be a Big Lebowski reference but unfortunately, this isn’t a stoner rock album about bowling.  Ms. Bridgers rights great music for staring out of car windows on a rainy day which is basically my favorite time to listen to music.  Check out “Motion Sickness” which throws heavy shade at her ex Ryan Adams (catch him later on this list). 

 

  IX: Colors by Beck

Beck original planned to release this around the same time as his 2014 Grammy winning folk snoozefest Morning Phase but the hype around the latter album convinced him to hunker down and work harder on the follow up.  Over the next three years, Beck dropped numerous singles, blew threw three release dates, and opened for U2 on their Joshua Tree tour before finally delivering an album.  Colors is his most optimistic and Pop-iest album yet.  In 2014, aka the year of “Happy”, this would’ve fit right in but in 2017 the album is jarringly escapist.  “Wow” was originally supposed to feature Chance the Rapper but it still bumps heavily.  

 

 VIII: Flower Boy by Tyler the Creator

AKA Blonde part 2.  If you liked Frank Ocean’s loosie singles this year like “Chanel” than you’ll love Flower Boy and not just the song Frank is on. It doubles as a coming out statement from one of rap’s most terrifying and often problematic voices.  Besides the previously mentioned Ocean featuring “911/Lonely Boy”, “Boredom” is a great song to start with.

 

 VII: The World’s Best American Band by White Reaper

That title is honestly not far off. If you like garage rock or power pop or whatever suburb kids make in their basements with distortion pedals then you’ll love White Reaper.

 

 VI: reputation by Taylor Swift

Is this a great album? No. Is it her worst album? Ehhhh maybe. It’s extremely entertaining and only like three of the songs are complete train-wrecks.  The more traditional second half of the album work is the best. “Getaway Car” sounds like a 1989 b-side which is a compliment coming from me.

 V. Harry Styles by Harry Styles

Who knew that Harry Styles would be this year’s’ most convincing 70s style rockstar?  Probably anyone paying attention to One Direction’s late career Fleetwood Mac fetish but back then I was too busy listening to Sun Kil Moon to bother.  Lo and behold, I barely made it through one of the new Sun Kil Moon albums this year but Harry’s solo debut has been a steady presence in my Spotify recently played. 

 IV. A Crow Looked At Me by Mount Eerie

This album is the sound of Phil Elverum grieving. It was recorded following his wife’s death from cancer, in the room she died in, on her instruments, Crow is among the most realistically sad albums you’re likely to hear.

 

 III. Pure Comedy by Father John Misty

His press antics always threaten to overshadow his music but his lyrics are still at least as interesting as his interviews, so I’ll keep listening.  The last one’s theme was marriage and sounded like upbeat NPR folk rock.  This one covers everything from religion to politics to something far scarier: Josh Tillman’s own thoughts.  Sure, it’s a 74 minute slog but the 70s soft rock production makes it a very pretty slog and the lyrics make it an extremely funny slog.

 II. Prisoner by Ryan Adams

His solo debut was entitled “Heartbreaker”, but after a divorce with actress Mandy Moore, Adams is now the one who’s heartbroken.  Following his full album cover of Taylor Swift’s 1989, Prisoner is Adams’s first album openly about his divorce with Moore and it sure shows.  Heartbreak has always been RyRy’s strong suit and Prisoner does not disappoint. By my ears, it’s his best album in over a decade. 

 

 I. Dark Matter by Randy Newman

Arriving nine years after Newman’s last album of newly written songs, Dark Matter is an absolute masterclass in songwriting. “The Great Debate”, “Putin”, and “It’s a Jungle Out There” are razor sharp satire.  “Lost Without You” and “Wandering Boy” are tear inducing. “Brothers” is an imagined conversation between Jack and Bobby Kennedy debating the merits of the Bay of Pigs.  The music sticks to Newman’s classic piano man leading a big band template, but rocks as hard as any punk record I’ve heard this year at times.

 

Written By Jonah Skeen

  By , ,

            The last time I heard Willow Smith’s name was in 2010 when “Whip my Hair” was at an all-time high. Any chance I got in 6th grade, I would attempt to “whip” my monochromatic, barely past shoulder-length hair in an attempt to mimic her iconic music video. She was the epitome of “cool,” embracing something unique to her. 2010 turned to 2011, and so on, and Smith’s funky, fresh beat turned into nothing but part of a Zumba workout playlist. Last year I started to wondered what ever happened to Willow, as do most millennials with childhood stars. I only just found an answer to this this past October.

Willow Smith in “Whip My Hair” music video 

 

            On Halloween of this year, Willow Smith dropped her album “The 1st.” It felt like it came out of nowhere with no advertising or before-hand hype. I only discovered it by the recommendation of a friend. Upon adding it to my music library, I was apprehensive. I knew I had grown out of the intense beats and pop-like music that Willow once made. Was it going to be a repeat of 2010 or had she also matured? I did my initial listen as I wasted away in the library, attempting to work on a physics problem set. Within seconds, I was in love.

The album cover of “The 1st” 

 

            On a whole, “The 1st” combines classic alternative beats, with subtle R&B undertones and acoustic vibes. Some songs even contain violin and piano. I listen to this album when I’m cleaning, when I’m walking to class or even in a “mood.” Her lyrics really analyze the workings of young love, relationships and growing up. Her voice is simply amazing and has a very raw feel to it. One of my favorite songs from the album is “Lonely Road.” The lyrics speak about messing up in life and feeling isolated through those mistakes. I enjoy listening to it when I’m in my “feels.” If Beyoncé and Florence and the Machine had a child, it would be this song. Another valid track is “Warm Honey.” This one has a strong resemblance of the sassiness that a young Willow once portrayed in “Whip my Hair.” The song’s lyrics talk about existence when in love.

Willow Smith at a redcarpet event

            Overall, this album will be a long time favorite of mine. Although I’ll throw down to “Whip my Hair” any day of the week, I am much happier sipping coffee and listening to “The 1st.” I admire Willow’s ability to mature and grow as an artist. I think her transformation can remind us all that we have the ability to change our style and that self-identity is ever evolving. I see big things her future and can’t wait to see what she will accomplish.

 

Written by Zoey Miller 

WDCV Live at Dusk Review

  By , , ,

WDCV’s plan for a live concert on the Dickinson campus finally came to fruition Saturday November 4th. Concert planners worked a majority of the semester to secure the musical acts of the night: Izzy Heltai, The Split Pistols, and The Skiffs. The Social Hall made for an exciting venue perfect for dancing to the upbeat pop rock of The Split Pistols and the wacky rock of the Skiffs. The opener of the night, Izzy, graced the audience with his alluring voice and mesmerizing acoustic guitar. A one-man band from Massachusetts, Izzy captivated the audience with his original music that centered around his unique, raw vocals and deep lyrical abilities. He ended with a new song, Anybody to Anybody, off of his upcoming new EP ‘Sweet Apathy.’ Izzy wowed the crowd with his heartwarming songs, and set the stage for the following acts. The Split Pistols, hailing from nearby Lebanon, immediately introduced themselves with their loud electricity, and pushed the audience to their feet. Playing mostly original songs, The Split Pistols turned the heads of students walking by in the HUB. The lead singer, Vaughn, repeatedly jumped off the stage to dance with the audience during solos. His ability to command an audience paired with his dancing resulted in an upbeat set that was a perfect segue into closing act, The Skiffs. Also hailing from Lebanon, The Skiffs showed their love for Ween by covering many of their songs, most notably Ocean Man. They continued to wow the crowd with their funny songs and dedicated musicians. The guitarist and singer both captivated listeners with their personalities, exemplified through guitar solos vocal range.

                                              

WDCV Live at Dusk was a success, and most audience members stayed for all three sets, leaving tired but satisfied from a night of dancing. If you’d you like to check out music from the three artists WDCV brought to campus, you can find their music below. Further, both Izzy Heltai and The Split Pistols will be releasing new music in early 2018!

 

Izzy Heltai http://www.izzyheltai.com/ and can be found on Spotify

 

The Split Pistols on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thesplitpistols/ and Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP8UGfwMsi0j_d6YLmnWFQA

 

The Skiffs on Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/theskiffspa/ciggy-song

 

If you have any questions, email Julia Ormond at ormondj@dickinson.edu 

Nearing the end of their tour, THATH still light up the stage

  By

 

The Head and the Heart engaged audience members with their rich harmonies, melodious guitar, and on-stage chemistry at the Fillmore in Philadelphia on September 22. The indie folk band, which hails from Seattle, performed at the Fillmore as part of their fall headlining tour for the album Signs of Light.

The band’s third and most pop-oriented album, Signs of Light was released in September 2016 and has been increasing the group’s fan base ever since. After sharing their music with audiences spanning the United States, Canada, Mexico, and several European countries, The Head and the Heart are now wrapping up their tour.

The Head and the Heart 9/22/17

THATH concert in Philly, September 22, 2017

 

 

I had the pleasure of standing among the crowd at the Fillmore for the second year in a row. The set list for this year’s Philadelphia show was essentially identical to that a year earlier—a well-thought-out mix of new and old fan favorites. Despite a year of touring with the same songs, the band members performed with the same vivacity and captivity that they had at the start of their tour, their rhythmic melodies traced by devoted audience members.

 

The Shelters, a rock band formed in 2015, opened up the show this time around, lighting up the space in preparation for the main act. Some personal favorites from The Shelters were the songs “Rebel Heart” and “Never Look Behind Ya.”

 

A few highlights of the Head and the Heart’s performance were vocalist Jon Russell’s sped-up rendition of the song “Let’s Be Still,” vocalist and violinist Charity Rose Thielen’s emotive performance of “Library Magic,” a song that she wrote about the band’s experiences on the road, and the constant expressions of pure joy on the face of drummer Tyler Williams.

 

One missing part of the show was the absence of former band-member Josiah Johnson, who sings many of the group’s songs, including “Rivers and Roads,” the band’s greatest hit, and who I once witnessed crowd surfing at a concert in Boston. As Josiah is taking time to deal with his health, artist Matt Gervais, who is married to band-member Charity, took the stage for the entirety of the tour and truly stepped up to the plate.

 

If you are interested in finding out what the Head and The Heart is all about, check out the following link to videos from their New York City concert in 2016:

http://teamcoco.com/music/head-and-heart?page=2

 

Additionally, songs from their three albums can be found at the links below:

Signs of Light full album

Let’s Be Still full album

The Head and the Heart full album

 

AND if you get the chance to attend a Head and the Heart concert before the final United States portion of their tour is complete on October 29, their magical live performance will not disappoint.

 

The remaining Signs of Light concert dates can be viewed on the The Head and the Heart’s website. After they finish up in the United States, the band will continue on to Maya, Mexico.

 

Written by Sarah Dembling ’19

Spotlight on Lake Street Dive

  By , , , ,

Last Tuesday night, July 11th, the attendees of the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg waited excitedly for 7:30 to finally roll around. The theater was packed; even those sitting in the farthest seats, like me, were surrounded by enthusiastic fans. Much of this excitement filling the theater flowed into the air when finally the lights dimmed and people walked onto the stage. Instruments were tuned, throats were cleared, and as the show lights lit the faces of the band Lawrence, the upbeat music began. 

Lawrence, a pop-jazz sibling duo from New York, set the scene for the bigger act to come. Gracie, the amazing vocalist with an extremely wide range, bopped around the stage, dancing with the saxophonists and trumpeter, while her brother wailed away on the keyboard. Though their sound compares similarly to pop music of today, their R&B and jazzy twist created an exciting and upbeat atmosphere that got the whole crowd cheering. Though they only played a couple of songs, their force and stage presence stuck with the audience, even once they were off the stage.

Lawrence brought the audience to their feet, but the band we were all waiting for, Lake Street Dive, drove us to dancing in the aisles. The moment Rachel Price and her three other insanely talented band members took the stage, the excitement in the Majestic Theater was through the roof. They sound like they belong at outdoor festivals, where the audience dances along, barefoot in the grass, to their rhythmic beats and relaxed tone. Even when playing their slower, more melodic tunes, the members of Lake Street Dive possessed a cheery, passionate aura that inspired others to continue their dancing and swaying. Last year, Lake Street Dive came out with a new album, Side Pony, and they played many tracks from it, such as “I Don’t Care About You,” “How Good It Feels,” “Call Off Your Dogs,” and of course the namesake, “Side Pony.” Sprinkled in throughout the set were some of their classics off their older album, such as “Bad Self Portraits,” “Seventeen,” and “Better Than,” and they ended the night with one of my favorites, “You Go Down Smooth.” Throughout the concert, audience members were bopping along to the music, and some more enthusiastic fans were swinging their arms around to their favorite songs. But it wasn’t until the second to last song, “Call Off Your Dogs,” that people started dancing in the aisles. Only a couple at first felt the urge to get up, but once an older gentleman stood up from the middle of the audience and motioned the rest of the crowd to join him did we all dance along to the upright bass, the jazzy guitar, and the incredible strength of Rachel’s voice. The audience demanded an encore, and the whole crowd sang along to “You Go Down Smooth.”

It was an incredible performance by both Lawrence and Lake Street Dive; there wasn’t a dull moment throughout both sets. Both bands will continue their tour throughout America, staying a couple more nights on the East Coast until they venture towards the mid-West. If you ever get the chance to see them, you should take it!                                              

If you are interested in hearing more from Lake Street Dive, check out this NPR Tiny Desk Concert! Also check out their website for more cool info!

As for Lawrence, here is their website and how to listen to them for free!

 

If you have any questions, email Julia Ormond at ormondj@dickinson.edu. Thanks for reading!

Bluegrass on the Grass Review

  By , , ,

Bluegrass on the Grass, a Carlisle summer tradition, took the Dickinson College Academic Quad by storm on Saturday, July 8th. Lasting 8 hours, the festival hosted five different bluegrass bands, hailing from Tennessee to West Virginia. Families, students, and devoted bluegrass fans from Carlisle and beyond alike showed up and gave their support for a festival that has been around for more than 20 years now. Festival-goers arrived as early as 8 am to claim the best spots on the Academic Quad, in the shade of course, and camped out there throughout the whole festival, proving just how loved this festival is! Children danced along to the quick fiddles, families enjoyed the crooning of their favorite bluegrass singers, hungry listeners appreciated the local food vendors, and Bluegrass on the Grass volunteers savored the support they felt from the festival lovers.

This tradition started many years ago by the infamous Davis Tracy. A retired Dickinson Counselor and faculty advisor for WDCV FM, Davis Tracy and other local bluegrass lovers hosted bluegrass concerts on Tracy’s farm back in the 90s. They wished to expand their barnyard concerts, invite other bluegrass musicians and listeners, and create a festival out of their love for bluegrass, and in 1996 Tracy and others created a reality out of this dream. Tracy and his band took the stage on the Dickinson campus for the first time in front of about 200 people, and since then the festival has grown to nearly 4,000 attendees and a multitude of bluegrass bands who have received high regard in the bluegrass world. There is no doubt that every summer, the town of Carlisle gleefully awaits this music festival.

                                            

The bands featured this year included some familiar faces, such as the Dismembered Tennesseans, but also comprised of new sounds, most notably from Mile Twelve, a relatively new band with a young, fiery sound. An astounding fiddler, Michael Cleveland, along with his band Flamekeeper, joined the line-up this year as well, and left the crowd in pure amazement of his incredible skill and musical ear. The music lasted from noon until 8 pm, interspersed with raffle contests, in which Bluegrass on the Grass merchandise and other impressive prizes were given to upwards of one hundred winners. Dennis Gotthard, a local vinyl collector, sold a multitude of vinyl to festival-goers, and impressed the crowd with his boxes and boxes of bluegrass vinyl for the true bluegrass fans. Bluegrass on the Grass was an immense success this year, attracting new faces both on stage and in the crowd. It was a lovely day filled with great music, and no doubt the town of Carlisle excitedly looks forward to next year’s event!

                        

For more information about this event, check out http://blogs.dickinson.edu/bluegrass/

 

If you have any questions, email Julia Ormond at ormondj@dickinson.edu. Thanks for reading!

10 Rap Songs You Should Hear

  By ,

10 Rap Songs You Should Hear:

Usually there’s too much music being released that I have a hard time keeping up on everything. Also being born in the generation that we were born in, so much good hip hop is in the past and needs to be brought back to light for those who also may have missed it. Below are 10 songs that I think everybody should hear, in no certain order! Leave a comment and let me know what you think or let me know if you like any of them!
 

 

 

 

Song: Rain

Artist: Vince Staples, Mac Miller

Quote: “We was raised on that fork in the road, no food on our plate, just meals that we stole.”

This trippy 90’s style beat produced by none other than legend 9th Wonder is the perfect pair for two lyrical beasts like these guys. Instantly you get trapped in their flow and they transition flawlessly between each other. The two have so much meaning in every line that you can’t just listen once. Listen to their joint projects on DatPiff like “Winter in Prague” and “Stolen Youth LP”.

 

 

Song: Divine

Artist: Kyle Bent, Mick Jenkins

Quote: “Let ‘em spray, man it’s time to eat. I’m a Jew about my dollar, I’m a Nazi bout the beef.”

The reverb track immediately puts you in a trance where you never want the feeling to stop. Once you’re settled, Kyle Bent’s message comes through and is laced with hidden meanings and crazy rhyme schemes. Almost flawlessly does he fade out of the chorus into Mick Jenkins. The change in rapper from verse to verse becomes almost eerie as the two layer their voices over the chorus and Bent’s voice fades out as they go into Mick Jenkin’s verse. Both sound very similar and have similar message-like verses where the song is almost more than rap. A masterpiece, easy enough to say. Go listen.

 

 

Song: Gottaknow

Artist: Royce Da 5’9″

Quote: “If I should get my own guilty verdict, may the next man learn from it then flourish. You could put it on the news, you could put my face on the front of a shirt, then the latest video, then blur it.”

Another long time lyricist is the Eminem collaborator and rap super group Slaughterhouse member Royce Da 5’9”. His numerous albums and refusal to adapt to the style of “new wave” rappers has gained him incredible respect over his career. “Gottaknow” off his latest album Layers is a testament to his raw lyrics and the power of his music. The song shows Royce’s poise as one of the best in the game as he spits realness over a hard beat. Get familiar with his discography.

 

 

Song: Alive

Artist: Norman Perry

Quote: “As a man I keep it moving, taking risks, getting to it, bein’ broke don’t amuse me.”

Norman Perry was a huge emerging artist for 2016 and has to date only released singles, so we might be expecting something big from him in 2017. As a Rap/RnB artist, he can rhyme whilst also being smooth over the distorted siren-sounding beat. Easy pick – short, catchy song that you can always vibe to. Give it a listen.
 

 

Song: Careless

Artist: Freddie Gibbs

Quote: “Freddie Kane, young Corleone. Hoppin’ out the van with the bows of the strong.”

Freddie Gibbs has long since been an OG in the rap scene and the addition of his album Shadow of a Doubt in 2015 confirms it. The song Careless off of it has a slow piano beat with a hard drum track that goes nicely with Freddie’s hard sound. The man does not let up on any track and his speed and rhymes will make you rewind it. Listen to his newest album out last month and others now.
 

 

Song: Zipporah (Gravez remix)

Artist: GoldLink

Quote: “What’s a n***a in America? Why the f**k is we here? Why you tell me go back where I’m from when you dragged me here?”

If you don’t know the names of rapper GoldLink or producer Rick Rubin, you have a bit of Googling to do. On GoldLink’s album heavily produced by industry legend Rick Rubin, the two pair up perfectly for the funk that one would expect after GoldLink’s freshman album The God Complex. After releasing his sophomore album, GoldLink released a remix album from mostly electronic producers, some with big names such as CRNKN, Falcons, Mr. Carmack and of course, Gravez. Gravez’ crazy xylophone beat paired with GoldLink’s vocals is a perfect addition to his collection.
 

 

Song: All Day

Artist: Jerreau

Quote: “I beat the trap like ya best point guard, I gout up out of the hodd but I didn’t go far.”

Partnered with on the most talented producers in the industry, Mr. Carmack, the new rapper Jerreau emerged with a single and a full album in 2016. The A+ production California breezy drive vibe with a funky distorted bass line is bound to get your head to nod. Jerreau is the young gun you’ve been searching for – give all day and his album “Never How You Plan” a listen.
 

 

Song: Webbie Flow (U Like)

Artist: Isaiah Rashad

Quote: “Scribble down, I’m rapping like Kool. Inspire all my local jokers who be quitting that school.”

Zay gets in his head about what he really wants to do when he’s feeling himself and there’s no better way to do it then spitting on this chill, drunk style beat that represents perfectly Isaiah’s style. None other than Mr. Carmack making the list again with his amazing production, go listen to the entire Cilvia Demo if you haven’t already. Webbie Flow isn’t necessarily the first stand out track, but everything that’s behind it makes it too easy to vibe to.
 

 

Song: Liberation

Artist: SiR, Anderson. Paak

Quote: “I’m a extraterrestrial, born in a telescope. Dressed like an Eskimo, on point like a decimal.”

The newest Top Dawg Entertainment signee SiR has only released one studio album, but already has support from one of RnB’s hottest hits right now: Anderson. Paak. SiR’s style is similar with a smooth voice and the silky beats that you’ll want to bottle up inside your headphones. “Liberation” is no different consisting of a funky guitar groove, nice bass, and a hard to match verse by Mr. Paak. This song is upbeat, as clean as they come and a definite must listen.
 

 

Song: Bout a Dolla

Artist: The O’My’s, Chuck Inglish, Chance the Rapper, Twista, Blended Babies

Quote: “Let me flash the bang, wait and see if they buck, Let me see if they miss, if they hit me it’s luck.”

So much talent on one track. Chance’s guest verse is a nice surprise and is paired perfectly with a twangy guitar melody that gives the song a similar feel to Chance’s song “Family” which has a Blended Babies remix. Twista’s speed, Chance’s rhymes and The O’My’s on the hook is all you need to fall in love with this song.
 

 

-Written by Myles Parker (’19)

Look out for my show Double Decker on the WDCV schedule directly across from the DDen by the mailboxes for next semester!