Scott’s Fav Blugold Radio Listens in 2017 (Chronological)
When I’ve done top five or ten lists in the past I’ve been painfully aware that I should stay away from commenting on local tunes lest I miss someone or otherwise showcase my mad skills at getting my foot in my mouth.
However, with the wonderful First Listens we’ve gotten to share this year I finally feel like I can chat about the local tunes I’ve been digging this year. It’s been an awesome first half of the year and I have high hopes for more fresh jams in the second half of 2017.
Caitlin McGarvey – Say Something
From her opening track (off her debut EP “Bigger”) Caitlin McGarvey enchants audiences with her guitar playing and rainforest lush vocals. This is a track that simultaneously feels big but also immensely intimate. It’s a song the has something to say itself, and that’s why I love it.
Pit Wagon – Universe
From an FCC perspective Pit Wagon is the best kind of nightmare. Matt Vold’s lyric style lends itself to inserting “naughty” words into pieces in a way where they build the narrative and not just fill space. On their track Universe (off their sophomore album “Well”) that lyricism is prominently on display with a scrumptious hook kept down to earth by a beautiful guitar line.
LASKA – The Experiment
If you listen to Blugold Radio at all it’s no secret that I love LASKA! Their harmonies make each song resonate as they travel from Americana to electronica, making pit stops along the way. I chose The Experiment for this list because of the killer breakbeats. This song somehow bumps and is chill at the same time.
The Rattlenecks – Double Barrel Belfries
One of my personal favorite things about launching Blugold Radio has been the chance to dig deeper into Eau Claire musicians/bands who I’ve admired in the past. This is very true for both Jim Pullman’s solo work and his work with The Rattlenecks. Double Barrel Belfries spoke to me because is both showcases Pullman’s storytelling ability and also gives the band space to play a meaning song.
Dames – Wrangler
Boot stomping country is one of my favorite things in the world! And, this track from Dames is great for that. What impressed me with this track is that it’s unabashedly a country track and uses steel string guitar to make hooks reminiscent of “mainstream” country. In fact, it’s a track that shows where that style of country very easily could have gone. And, to be honest, I’d be happy to live in that reality.