Throwback Thursday
In this week’s edition of Throwback Thursday, we’re taking you to the final frontier – to the depths of space! Well…not really (thanks, Recession!), but we’re coming closer than expected thanks to the futuristic sounds of Electric Light Orchestra. Just listening to a song like Mr. Blue Sky gives you that elated feeling, similar to that of leaping around on the moon.
ELO’s classical foundation mixed with futuristic synths, swirling vocal arrangements and other-worldly, deeply-sentimental lyrics created an entirely new universe for its audience to explore. And let’s face it: listening to an ELO record through is a ride of its own, taking you on an emotional roller coaster. The wonder and marvel of Xanadu, the hopeless melancholy of Telephone Line, the hard-hitting blues of Evil Woman,there’s so much passion there – you’ll experience a lifetime of emotions in just one sitting.
Now take ELO out for a spin yourself – just don’t fly too close to the sun!:
More after the jump…
November Album of the Month!
After listening to dozens of CDs so far this month, we’ve decided to give Devendra Banhart’s newest release, What Will We Be, the honor of being our November Album of the Month! Devendra’s new music has just the right amount of funk and pizazz to perk you up this fall and to hear it, listen in to WERS all day Friday, November 20th, as we’ll be spotlighting tracks from the album. You’ll also have the chance to win your very own copy — you won’t want to miss this!
WERS Top 5 of 11/10
1 DEVENDRA BANHART What Will We Be
2 MONSTERS OF FOLK Monsters Of Folk
3 AVETT BROTHERS I And Love And You
4 INGRID MICHAELSON Everybody
5 GRIZZLY BEAR Veckatimest
Celebrating The Fall Of The Berlin Wall
Today is the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. One of the most important events in the 20th century was marked by celebration around the world, especially through music. Everyone knows David Hasselhoff sang the night the wall fell (we really don’t need to see that again, do we?) but others joined in the act as well. Roger Water’s held a concert in July 1990 where he played Pink Floyd’s classic album The Wall where the Berlin Wall once stood. Here’s Comfortably Numb from that performance:
What other major events can you think of that were marked by music?
- Jeff Penfield
Throwback Thursday
After a long week (I know it’s only Thursday, but we’re college kids, Friday is a part of the weekend) there’s nothing I like to do more than get dressed up nicely, put my dancing shoes on and boogie until the sun rises. No one shared this philosophy more than the Hardest Working Man in Show Business, Mr. James Brown.
Have you ever seen that one move of his? The one where he gets down on one knee and one of his band members comes up and places a bejeweled cape around his shoulders and BAM, he gets back up and keeps grooving. Too classy… See for yourself:
But I’m getting sidetracked here…
What I’m trying to say is that James Brown had some serious soul. There are few people I know that can stay that funky well into their 70s. He pushed the boundaries of Funk and Soul and made sure everyone had a great time in the process. So the next time you’re out dancing with your friends, be a little daring, try out that cape routine. The Godfather of Soul himself would be proud.
Here’s some more JB for you to enjoy:
New Spoon Release Date Announced
Spoon recently announced that they are releasing their new album on January 26, 2010.
Transference is a follow-up to the band’s 2007 album, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, as well as their two follow-up EPs, Don’t You Evah and Got Nuffin’. Currently, you can listen to the single, “Got Nuffin’”, on the WERS Daytime playlist. To read more about Spoon and Transference, as well as to hear a sneak peek of their new sound, visit their homepage.
Norah Jones – “Chasing Pirates”
Norah Jones will be releasing her upcoming fourth album, The Fall, on November 17th! Apparently Jones took a new direction on this album and collaborated with an engineer who has also worked with such notable acts as Kings of Leon and Modest Mouse. She also worked with a songwriter who has written for both Ryan Adams and Okkervil River. Sounds like Norah has surrounded herself with many talented people in the field!
For a sneek peak of what is to come with this new album, check out Norah’s music video for her first single off of The Fall, called “Chasing Pirates.” Enjoy!
Elvis Perkins in Dearland – “Doomsday”
Now that Elvis Perkins in Dearland has released The Doomsday EP it seems that I can’t shake the title track of the EP from my head. A great sidenote as well is that a live performance of this track is now featured on our newest WERS Presents Music For the Independent Mind, Vol. IV compilation. This morning, I found a great video of Elvis Perkins in Dearland performing “Doomsday” with special guest Bon Iver. This video was taken during their show together in Orlando, FL this past summer! Check it out below!
If this video is making you want to see Elvis Perkins in Dearland live, you’re in luck because WERS is Welcoming them to the Paradise Rock Club on November 30th. Hope to see you there!
Live Music Week Preview – Sondre Lerche
Tomorrow (Friday), Norwegian singer/songwriter Sondre Lerche will be coming to the radio station as part of Live Music Week. Quickly gaining success in the United States since his 2002 release of Faces Down, he is currently on tour for his newest album, Heartbeat Radio, which was released last month. Lerche is also known for composing the soundtrack to the major motion picture, “Dan In Real Life”. Be sure to listen tomorrow morning at 7 AM if you want to wake up to some lovely, jazzy tunes!
Here is a video of him performing “Good Luck” off of Heartbeat Radio at the Mod Club in Toronto last month; check out the album version, which incorporates a beautiful segment of strings.
Also, please remember to continue pledging your support for WERS by calling 617 824 8700 or by going online to WERS.org! Your help is appreciated in order to continue our non-commercial radio for your listening enjoyment!
Throwback Thursday
Here at WERS, we’re always trying to stand up for the little guy (I think LMW is getting to my head…). I mean, think about it, our Weekly Top 5’s give love to the underdogs of the music world, the bands and artists who don’t always get the attention that they deserve. With this sentiment in mind, this week’s Throwback Thursday is here to pay tribute to a true musical underdog, Big Star.
In the three years that they were together, 1971-1974, Big Star recorded some of the most memorable and catchy tunes of the decade, showcasing their Memphis roots and a mastery of the Pop song. The band’s legacy continues to live on through their occassional live appearances and the innumerable amount of covers that have surfaced over the years, ranging from artists such as Elliot Smith to Superdrag to Cheap Trick (not to mention the That 70’s Show theme).
Listening to these guys makes me want to grow my hair out, wear flashy sweaters (see for yourself), fall in love and write all about it.
More videos after the jump…
