Did you know there’s a wikipedia page for “Throwback Thursday”? While researching the term throwback, attempting to figure out how it has become an increasingly popular term, I stumbled upon a very unnecessary wikipedia article. Thanks social media. But I can’t judge as this weeks theme is named as such.
Our contributors added songs that fit the theme providing 2 new tracks from the past year, 2 old and an additional track if they shared a music video. As always the theme’s interpretation was at that of the contributor. Here’s a breakdown of some of their picks:
CONTRIBUTOR: Tyler
1ST PICK: Colter Wall -Plain to see plainsman
DESCRIPTION: I had literally just discovered this artist a few days before the “Throwback” MC and it couldn’t be more fitting. This country artist from Swift Current, Saskatchewan definitely sounds like he is from a bygone era of the genre. This doubles as a personal throw back for me, frequently visiting relatives in Alberta and growing up on this uniquely Canadian style of old country music (see: Ian Tyson). Definitely nostalgic and definitely rooted in the cowboy culture of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
2ND PICK: boygenius – Bite the Hand
DESCRIPTION: boygenius is a collaborative group composed of Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus, and Phoebe Bridgers, all artists previously played in past MCs. All of these musicians different styles of indie folk/rock blend nicely on this short album and if you enjoy single one of these artists, I would recommend a listen. That being said, there are some songs which more clearly feature one artist’s style, though the influences from other band members take these tunes to a new level. Bite the Hand is a great pop/rock tune with a steady build-up ending in some amazing harmonies that set the tone for the entire album
3RD PICK: Stephen Steinbrink – Bad Love
DESCRIPTION: This is a personal throwback pick, completely unrelated to the song itself. I used to know Stephen back in my early twenties and though he also played music back then (Trunk Space REPRESENT), it seems that his musical career is starting to take off, with multiple song features from Pitchfork, a recent track with Jay Som, and an upcoming full length. Personal history aside, I really enjoy this song and I’m excited to see what his LP sounds like. Stephen, if you see this, good stuff man.
4TH PICK: 180 degrees – NOFX
DESCRIPTION: I feel obligated to apologize as I’m sure most listeners will skip this track, but I’m not going to, because this is a literal take on “throw back” for me and apologizing is obviously not punk as fuck. NOFX was one of my go-to pop-punk bands amongst a sea of pop-punk in my teenage years. Something about a 200 bpm mess of double kick bass drum, major chords, and Fat Mike wailing nonsensical anecdotes and political statements was just what my awkward high school self needed at the time. Almost 20 years later, NOFX still holds a very special place in my still awkward full-grown self.
5TH PICK: Helena Deland – Claudion
DESCRIPTION: I just stumbled upon this Montreal-based artist through her admittingly urban-outfitters inspired video for this song. Turns out her brand of irresistible synth-pop is just what I needed after binging on NOFX nostalgia. The video adds another layer to the song and features her actual cousin, who she grow up with and has a very close relationship with, re-enacting childhood times spent choreographing dance routines and apparently laying in the grass. Makes me realize my time spent as a young boy growing up may have been somewhat squandered on video games. Eh, probably not.
Video Pick – Helena Deland
CONTRIBUTOR: Amy
1ST PICK: Connan Mockasin – Charlotte’s Thong
DESCRIPTION: Connan Tant Hosford, hm.. how would one describe Connan? Total and complete weirdo, yep that’s how… This album like the artist who created it, is totally weird and a little confusing. As noted in Pitchforks review of Charlotte’s Thong, the title song (which I shared as my first pick) is reminiscent of an early 70’s-country-rock session, summoning memories of Fleetwood Mac and Michael Nesmith. Below I’ve shared his music video for this song, which has an excessive amount of awkwardness and boobs.
2ND PICK: Men I Trust – Seven
DESCRIPTION: Men I Trust is a 3 piece Montreal band described by NPR as an electro-pop. Since adding a vocalist to the group their sound has shifted significantly and this single, released September 2018, very much shows off that new mellow & dreamy sound. Seven starts with a guitar lick nostalgic of the band America on top of the smooth distorted harmony of, wait a second, is that Mac Demarco? Just kidding, but those guitar tones are very reminiscent of the 2012-2015 gap toothed genius. The thing I enjoy the most from Men I Trust is their female vocalist. What a delight.
3RD PICK: Sam Evian – IDGAF
DESCRIPTION: Do yourself a favor and listen to this album. Sam Evian, or Sam Owens, is the perfect mixture of soft rock meeting 1960s psychedelia. I am not ashamed to say I’m totally into it. You, Forever is one of my favorite albums released in 2018. “IDGAF” is the album’s first track and opens his album perfectly. The lyrics, instrumentation and duet are adorable but still well executed and obviously thoughtful.
4TH PICK: Papercuts – All Along St. Marys
DESCRIPTION: Papercuts’ Mockingbird (released 2004) was an album that lived in my car’s disc player for roughly 3 years. I know all of us have attachments to albums that pail in comparison to the rest of the music that artist can/ever will release. That’s my relationship with Papercuts who just released their 5th full length album Parallel Universe Blues 10/19/2018. This band not only has that throwback sound of The Zombies or The Birds, but this pick is a throwback to one of my favorite bands from my early college years.
5TH PICK: The Breeders – Wait in the Car
DESCRIPTION: Nothing like a 10 year hiatus to then triumphantly return when your genres sound, and frankly entire decade, is once again stylish (I’m looking at you choker necklaces and belly shirts.) The Breeders most popular song “Cannonball” hit many top 100 lists back in 1993… yes, 1993. All Nerve release in March of this year has the band’s same line up from that 1993 composition that blessed listeners with Last Splash. Throwback presented to you by Kim Deal.
Video Pick – Connan Mockasin
Music Club "A Book Club for Music" 