WALT 1610

03/24/2024

FREEBIRD by
WOODSTOCK 2024


Davidson College

09/22/2018

Lein Drives

09/06/2018

05/08/2018

12 Track Mind! The Reunion Episode! WALT Lives!
Join the crew at 12 Track Mind for our final episode as we recap the semester, ponder life's deepest questions, and listen to some tunes.

A big thanks to our mystery listener from Kansas and Elena from the library front desk for shouting us out at the coveted 11:30 front desk check-in.

-Nathan, Abhi, Jack, and superguest/friend of the show Gabe,

04/22/2018

Dylan --
Fresh and hot out of the oven is Unknown Mortal Orchestra's S*x and Food. The fourth studio album from New Zealand/American based artist Ruban Nielson was released just last week and it has already become one of my go to albums to put on as I get ready for my day. Believe it or not, I was not so excited for this album after hearing the singles American Guilt and Not in Love We're Just High. These two singles however were not indicative of what was to come upon release. I believe that this new album is Nielson's most reserved album sonically, however, the lyrics stab my ears and cement themselves into my noodle like no other UMO album has done before. I would consider the general atmosphere of this album to be akin to late seventies, early eighties dance/RnB. The song Hunnybee is the center of this groovy atmosphere. Featuring a four on the floor kit, melody driven bass line, and sporadic horn lines, it is hard to not think of Donna Summer or Marvin Gaye, but Nielson adds his own twist with fuzzy guitar leads and mumbling vocals. Nielson is known for his dance inspired grooves, but they are typically very high energy whereas S*x and Food in general is very laid back or "in the pocket". Lyrically, I enjoyed the final track on the album, If You're Going to Break Yourself, the most. The song focuses on his simultaneous discontent and yearning of his partner. This tension builds as Nielson continually exclaims "If you're going to break yourself/You're gonna break me" in order to drive home the emotional agony he feels with his relationship. These lyrics have nested themselves into my ears with their immense harmonic satisfaction. The molasses like delivery is so pleasant and is tastefully used as to not become over bearing. I enjoy the live version that Nielson and his brother Kody perform with just an acoustic guitar and a vocoder. Wake up a few minutes early one day and throw on this live version, I know you will enjoy it over your cup of coffee.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPNSLUcRA3w

Watch Unknown Mortal Orchestra perform a stripped back version of a new album track in the 6 Music Live Room. The New Zealand brothers Ruban and Kody perform...

04/22/2018

Dylan -- Having Sirius radio in my car is a godsend that allows me to keep my ears up to date with the latest in the indie music community. A recent single by Courtney Barnett perked my ears and from the first listen, I knew that it had to be this week's earworm. The single titled Nameless, Faceless is a pretty simple song; verse, chorus, repeat. But what makes this song standout is its conversational and memorable lyrics. The song opens up with a gritty, descending hook that propels you into a light, poppy verse. Though the verses sound uplifting, lyrically, they deal with Barnett feeling sorry for narcissists and cynics:
"Don't you have anything better to do?
I wish that someone could hug you
Must be lonely
Being angry"
-----
"Man, you're kidding yourself if you think
The world revolves around you...
I'm real sorry
'Bout whatever happened to you"
Barnett makes it seem like she is simply conversing with you over a cup of tea, but also wants you to know what she really thinks. Continuing with the song, the contrasting lyrics and poppy feel spin into an aggressive chorus that deals with Barnett's longing for a simple night stroll through the park:
"I wanna walk through the park in the dark
Men are scared that women will laugh at them
I wanna walk through the park in the dark
Women are scared that men will kill them"
But more importantly, Barnett is discussing the difficulties women face compared to men. The way Barnett croons these choruses is her unique way of making sure you don't forget her stance on this popular social issue. Overall Nameless, Faceless is a great single from her forthcoming album. Take some time and chat with Barnett through her memorable tune; don't be afraid to be open minded.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZZSYDhx0FI

'Nameless, Faceless' is taken from Courtney Barnett's upcoming album 'Tell Me How You Really Feel' out on 18th May 2018. Pre-order here: https://courtney-bar...

04/20/2018

Come hang out at Battle of the Bands today! 5-7pm on Commons Patio!

04/13/2018

April 20th, 5 - 7pm, Commons Patio
-Bouncy house
-Cotton candy
-Kebobs
-Corn on the cob
-Lawn games
-Chalk
-T-shirts
-Bands battling

S t a y t u n e d f o r m o r e i n f o !
walt1610.com

Thanks to Maura Tangum for the dope video

03/27/2018

Thank you to our lone listener. You know who you are and what you have done. Get ready for a marathon episode this Monday during Spring Break! We're tentatively scheduled from 1pm-Midnight Monday April 2nd. Stop by the studio to share your music with a global audience! Any visitors welcome!

03/14/2018

Dylan -- Driving back to school from break, I needed music to listen to while I took in the bare landscapes of the Midwest. I needed something to keep me intrigued and awake; the perfect background music. I have recently gotten into a man named Dan Deacon; an artist who mixes live, organic instruments with nostalgic, electronic sounds to create other worldly spaces. I downloaded his album Glass Riffer and was taken on a sonic journey. My favorite track was When I Was Done Dying because it highlights Deacon's strengths the best. The track opens up with what seems like non-Western influenced instrumentals; a combination of percussion, drone tones, and a sarod sounding instrument (similar to a sitar). Following the introductory vocals, Deacon introduces crunchy synths and retro drum machines in order to bring two musical worlds together. The marriage of organic and electronic instruments is strangely soothing; a combination of unfamiliar and familiar sounds that complement each other perfectly. Rhythmically, the harmonized voices and xylophone push the song forward without making it seem too busy. It is this motion that mirrors the lyrics and subject of the song. Deacon questions immortality and the idea of reincarnation with his opening lines:
When I was done dying my conscience regained
So I began my struggle a nothingness strained
Out a flash made of time my new form blasted out
Throughout the song, Deacon explores the transformation of his consciousness into new forms of life like seeds, trees, and fruits. He makes us passenger on his journey from sprouting seed to eaten fruit. I felt like I was witnessing the continuity of life through his lyrics. He continues his investigation of reincarnation with these lines:
And the earth looked at me and said "wasn't that fun?"
And I replied "I'm sorry if I hurt anyone"
And without even thinking cast me into space
But before she did that she wiped off my own face
She said better luck next time don't worry so much
The imagery Deacon creates allows the listener to really question the continuity of life and the experiences we have as human beings; only one form of life! I love how he can create deep meaning out of organic experiences and really make the listener question their own opinions on life. If you are looking for meaningful background music that vibrates the ear (and mind), take a chance on Dan Deacon.

https://open.spotify.com/track/69L4d5HlE0YOCwWFYVFGoW?si=f2GX-wWrT2-gnxAXphTyQQ

When I Was Done Dying
open.spotify.com
When I Was Done Dying, a song by Dan Deacon on Spotify

Dan Deacon · Gliss Riffer · Song · 2015

03/13/2018

From SZA and Charli XCX to Gucci Mane and Jake Paul, 25 writers — John Jeremiah Sullivan, Angela Flournoy, Hanif Abdurraqib and more — tell us what’s happening to pop.

03/12/2018

Hey, did you know Davidson has TWO radio stations? Did you know one of them is a TASTY casserole of spicy songs?? SERVED STEAMING FRESH BY YOUR VERY OWN FRIENDS??? Check out WALT 1610 (and this schweet video made by the wonderful Ariel Chung)
https://walt1610.com/
Music cred: https://soundcloud.com/gbeats/youthatineed-full

02/28/2018

Dylan -- I think Spring Break has come early for me because I am starting to get really lazy. My body has begun to root itself into my bed as I find myself lounging around and just listening to tunes. I think the self titled album by Loving is a perfect companion to the sloth inside of me. I would be hesitant to put this album on while you work though because it will attach itself to the insides of your ears and before you know it, you will be leaning back in your chair just soaking in the noise like a sponge. There is something so relaxing about the lo-fi, warm recording and the soft, gentle voice of Loving. This is the perfect album to play as the days get warmer and you find yourself just walking around to soak in the sun. My favorite track is She Refused to Say. There is a real beauty to the uplifting instrumental contrasting depressing lyrics. On one hand, the airy synth and the feeble acoustic guitar complement each other perfectly, addressing each other's sonic weaknesses. And on the other hand, the song paints a bleak scene of heartbreak and loneliness as he utters "Most things remain forever imaginary". You can feel the tension in the way he plays his instruments and the way he croons so elegantly. I love this constant battle for your emotion in this song, as well as the rest of the songs on the album. Please do yourself a favor and go check out Loving by Loving on Spotify.

Peace and Love,

Dylan

https://open.spotify.com/track/3ePnpJnNUUmcMOsyMZZH2w?si=JKOn4E47TmSjF9G1mCk47A

Loving · Song · 2016

02/27/2018

Tune in to 12-Track Mind, featuring Liz Phair's Exile in Guyville!
Tonight at 11!
The Album lives! WALT lives!