Weekly Playlist (9/24/24)
Image: Requia & Other Compositions for Guitar Solo by John Fahey. Image Courtesy of Spotify.
Bryce Russell | Arts & Entertainment Editor
“It Girl” – The Brian Jonestown Massacre
The Brian Jonestown Massacre is one of the most eclectic and bizarre bands to come out of the early 90’s shoegaze craze. However, what separates the work of Anton Newcombe (leader and only constant member of the Brian Jonestown Massacre) is the mix of 60’s psychedelic rock and country folk music. This track, from their 1996 album Thank God For Mental Illness, is a creepy and atmospheric song perfect for the approaching Halloween season.
The late Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor was one of the greatest alternative rock stars of the late 80s / early 90s. This song, from her 1987 debut Lion and the Cobra, perfectly encapsulates her beautiful, strong voice. It also showcases her politically charged lyrics, which she was widely known for, as the song is based on the novel Roots by Alex Haley.
“Requiem For John Hurt” – John Fahey
Being basically the creator and main innovator of what is known as “American primitive guitar,” John Fahey is arguably the greatest fingerstyle / fingerpicking acoustic guitar player to ever live (which makes him one of the greatest guitar players period, if you ask me). This song from his 1967 album Requia shows Fahey’s mastery of the acoustic guitar, as he plucks the complex melodies and bassline simultaneously throughout the song. When you are listening to “Requiem For John Hurt,” you won’t believe it’s one guy playing guitar.
Irish rap trio KNEECAP have had a huge year. With the release of their biopic film starring themselves along with Academy Award nominated actor Michael Fassbender, their first sold-out North American tour, and the release of their second full length album, KNEECAP have been a busy group. The Belfast trio are gaining momentum through their aggressive drill style of rapping in both English and the Irish language, mixed with electronic house beats.
American rock band Little Feat only existed in its original lineup from 1969 to 1979. Despite low commercial performance and the untimely death of lead guitar player and singer Lowell George in 1979, Little Feat (which reformed in 1987 and has gone through many lineup changes) is still regarded as one of the greatest live bands of all time, often in the same conversation as the Grateful Dead, and has been hugely influential on later bands like Phish. This version of “Willin’” comes from their 1972 album Sailin’ Shoes and is a country rock ballad about a long-haul trucker.