Music
AOTW: Yo La Tengo – “This Stupid World”
Monday, March 13th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Ameila Dunat ’25
Yo La Tengo – “This Stupid World”
Release: February 10, 2023
Rated: 8/10
RIYL: Pavement, Guided By Voices, Built to Spill, The Flaming Lips, Wilco, LCD Soundsystem
On February 10, 2023, Yo La Tengo released their seventeenth studio album (wow…), “This Stupid World.” Yo La Tengo is an American indie-rock formed in 1984, in Hoboken, New Jersey. Since 1992, the band members have included Ira Kaplan, Georgia Hubley, and James McNew. Although only 9 songs long, this self-produced album is the group’s first full-length album release in a few years. After listening, I found it to be perfectly mellow, consistent with their typical sound, and particularly reminiscent of their releases from the 1990s.
“Fallout” was undoubtedly my favorite song from the album- it was both catchy and lively. “Aselestine”, sung by drummer Georgia Hubley, was a close second, as it was a peaceful acoustic tune. “Brain Capers” had a fun beat, despite the distorted lyrics, and “Miles Away” only had a few lines of lyrics, but the melody itself was hypnotic and magical. “My Bloody Valentine”, “The Kinks”, and “The Velvet Underground” are some of Yo La Tengo’s principal influences and I think this album is a consistent combination of those sounds. Sweet-sounding melodies and smooth basslines join together with noisy fuzzy guitar sounds and thoughtful lyrics. If you enjoyed this album, I recommend the songs, “Nowhere Near” and “Green Arrow” from their preview albums.
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DJ Spotlight: The Mint Show
Monday, March 13th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
Show Name: The Mint Show
DJ:Liz Ottenritter ’25
When: Thursdays 4-5pm
Q: Tell us about your show
A: The Mint Show is a mix of mostly Indie Rock/Pop and Alternative
Q: What made you want to host a show?
A: I love sharing music, it’s one of my favorite things to do. I have always wanted to talk about the music I like with a larger audience.
Q: What is your favorite part of hosting a radio show at WLOY?
A: My favorite part about hosting a show is being able to create something that I am proud of and sharing it with my family and friends. (more…)
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Sign Up For Battle of the Bands & Songwriter Skirmish
Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 by The Professor
Do you want to perform at Loyolapalooza? Here is your chance! Enter to compete in the Battle of the Bands, or the Songwriter Skirmish. Songwriter Skirmish is open to solo or duo acts (rappers, songwriters, duos, and mixers), while Battle of the Bands is for bands of 3 or more- perfect for any and all groups that would like to enter!
To enter, you must be or have at least one active member connected to Loyola University Maryland. They can be employees, current students, or alumni. Bands entering for Battle of the Bands must be able to perform a 15-20 minute set of original songs to compete. By entering, you are confirming that you are able to perform at Songwriter Skirmish (4/1) or Battle of the Bands (4/13), and are able to perform at Loyolapalooza on 4/30.
Songwriter Skirmish will take place on Saturday, April 1st with Relay for Life! WLOY will be DJing for the event and welcome all to request a song of their choice for $1 in support of Relay for Life. Battle of the Bands will take place on Thursday, April 13th. The winner of Songwriter Skirmish will be the first act of Loyolapalooza, and the Battle of the Bands winner will open for the national headliner! Loyolapalooza takes place Sunday, April 30th. Think you have what it takes? Enter for Songwriter Skirmish or Battle of the Bands HERE!
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AOTW: Paramore – “This Is Why”
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Analia Cortez ’25
Release: February 2022
Rated: 9/10
RIYL: Tonight Alive, PVRIS, Fall Out Boy, All Time Low, Boys Like Girls, The All-American Rejects, You Me At Six
After five and a half year wait, this alternative-indie band has released their seventh album! The writing of this album took place during the quarantine lockdown period that affected the whole globe. After such an experience, Paramore wanted to write those feelings and moments into an album to let their audience know they are not alone. The issues they use to theme their album heavily revolve around mental health issues caused due to the effects of Covid-19 left on the lives of many. Self-reflection is such a prominent key in the assembling of the album. (more…)
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AOTW: Mako Road – “Stranger Days”
Friday, February 10th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Analia Cortez ’25
Release: 2021
Rated: 8.5/10
RIYL: Peach Fur, Gromz, The Shambles, Letters to Lions
Mako Road is a four-member indie-rock band from New Zealand, consisting of two guitars, a bassist, and a drummer. Being highly popular in New Zealand, and the Australian area, these guys are very fond of at festivals. Now with a larger music selection, they just had their first official tour! This album was heavily anticipated as several singles and EPs had been released, leading up to the album. Before this album release, they came up with three EPs- those being “The Green Superintendant”, “Local Safari”, and “Stranger Days” before releasing the “Stranger Days” debut album. The sound revolving around “Stranger Days” captures the groovy sound of indue-rock and “psych-surf” vibes. This makes it the perfect soundtrack for the long summer days that are also waited for in anticipation. Overall good vibes while listening to this album, not just for Aussie or Kiwi listeners, but everyone. (more…)
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SOTW: Billy Jones and the Delta Blues Outlaws – “Someone New”
Wednesday, February 8th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Daniel Carter ’26
Billy Jones and the Delta Blues Outlaws – “Someone New”
Rate:8/10
Billy Jones and Delta provide a wide variety of traditional Blues and notes of R&B. Coming from the group’s self-titled album, the song “Someone New” is one of my favorites. “Someone New” definitely exudes an Isley Brothers vibe with blues infused into the music, giving a classic R&B feel to the song.
“Someone New” really captures the hopelessness many feel about the ending of a relationship. We hear a story of a man who is devoted to a woman who unfortunately doesn’t reciprocate those romantic feelings for him. He blesses us with a lyrically beautiful and tragic realization that she is finding love in someone else. I align this theme with songs such as “Out of Time” by the Weeknd, in both artists’ depictions of loss and love.
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AOTW: The Alchemist – “The Alchemist Sandwich”
Tuesday, February 7th, 2023 by Liz Kosik
by Amelia Dunat ’25
The Alchemist – “The Alchemist Sandwich”
Release: December 16, 2022
Rate: 7/10
“The Alchemist Sandwich” is a compilation album of collaborative singles the producer has created over the past few years, combining the track lists of two EPs from 2018- “Lunch Meat” and “Bread.” The compilation includes two new tracks in addition to the EP’s, with features from artists such as Schoolboy Q. I found the overall production and beats better than any of the verses themselves, as no track was significantly better than the rest, but my favorites were “The Hopeless Romantic” featuring Action Bronson, “E. Coli” featuring Earl Sweatshirt, and “Roman Candles Burning” by Roc Marciano.
These tracks may be a few months or years old, but The Alchemist has managed to combine them in an imaginative and raw way, making sure to add his trademarks like soulful elements, innovative samples, and heavy bass. “E. Coli” is dense with symbolic lyrics, “Mac 10 Wounds” features a memorable beat change and Action Bronson’s flow on “The Hopeless Romantic” is unmatched. With only 10 tracks adding up to 30 minutes, the ambient album featuring some of the best rappers today is for sure worth a listen.
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Vakili Band in town
Friday, February 3rd, 2023 by The Professor
REPOST from October because…
They’re finally coming to Baltimore 2/11 at Joe Squared
Wooo! We are BACK! In studio with the Vakili Band during a stop on their way to their show in DC at The Runaway tonight. Ben Ostrowski ’24 hung out with the full band for our first in studio band visit since the dreaded closure of 2020… So glad to start having bands back in and they were a great one. The whole band hung and talked process, their new Walking Sideways album, recording vs live versions, and how well Gordon packs the van. A lot of fun and a great way to get back into live interviews. Can’t wait for them to come back in the spring for a show in Baltimore. Meanwhile check out their new album and listen to the interview in case you missed it live.
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Christmas 2022 Specials
Saturday, December 24th, 2022 by The Professor
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! To help you celebrate, our amazing DJs and staff have put together incredible Christmas show specials – including Nick Centanni’s annual Moldie Oldies Christmas Eve and Christmas Day specials, specials from The Volcano Chronicles, Retro Rockin Road Show, Quarantine Takeover, and vintage specials from 6 alumni, Crucial Cuts and a brand new Retro Rocking Christmas! At 4pm on Christmas Eve we finally open the floodgates and let the elves in, just in time to start your festivities and while you do your last minute wrapping. We’ll let them play all through Christmas Day until midnight, to be the soundtrack for all of the day’s gatherings and celebrations. Tell your smart speaker to “Play WLOY Loyola Radio” and just leave us on all day long… Merry Christmas Everyone!
(more…)
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AOTW: La Femme – “Teatro Lúcido”
Monday, December 12th, 2022 by Liz Kosik
by Anabel Martin Llanusa ’25
Release: November 2022
Rated: 9/10
RIYL: Rosalia, Tatiene Hazel, L’Imperatrice, Stereolab, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Melody’s Echo Chamber.
La Femme is a french “psycho” rock indie band. They released their fourth album “Teatro Lúcido” on the 4th of November and it’s sung in Spanish! The band comprises a keyboard player and a guitarist, Marlon Magnée and Sacha Got. They started La Femme, added a drummer, bass player, and finally Clémence Quélennec, the lead singer- and the rest is history!
I like the uniqueness of this band because the lyrics are super weird and if you listen to this album, every song sounds like a different genre. Their music is inspired by Spanish, French, and Brazilian sounds, creating a versatile range. My favorite songs were “Sacatela”, “Y tu te vas”, and “Maialen.” “Sacatela” was the first song I listened to and even though the lyrics are super short, it’s incredibly catchy! Definitely couldn’t get it out of my head!
La Femme is an innovative band and even if you can’t understand the lyrics, the power is transmitted through the music.
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