Monday – Jayson’s DJ Pick: J Mascis – “Say It On”
Jayson’s pick of the week is J Mascis’s most recent single “Say It On.” Though this track was officially released on streaming on December 10th of last year, the song was tracked back in 2017 when Mascis was recording his 2018 album Elastic Days. This song starts strong with energetic, ragged drum rhythms and a dizzying repeating guitar riff before Mascis’ layered vocals come in with a dreamy hint of delay making you feel like he’s singing to you through space, as the cover art of an intergalactic worm would imply. The lyrics express feelings of disappointment and the defeat of letting go as Mascis expresses “You won’t give me the time, You won’t go to the line to get me free.” The ripping guitar is reminiscent of Mascis’ work with Dinosaur Jr. featuring fuzz and flange-soaked guitar tones and a sharpness that stands out beautifully above the warm acoustic guitar tone beneath it. The energy and emotion of the song continue to build as Mascis despairingly cries “All you said to me, All you said to me was lying, All that’s left for me, All that’s left for me is trying.” The end of the song feels like an emotional defeat as Mascis returns to the first verse of the song as he’s trapped in the same repeating guitar riff. Check out this track using the link below!
Tuesday – Lt. Dan’s DJ Pick: Rayland Baxter – “Albatross”
Lt. Dan’s pick of this week is “Albatross” by Rayland Baxter, a local alternative country artist. After releasing 5 full length albums, Baxter comes back with this powerful single released June 18th of last year. Working together with The Song Confessional, a songwriting and podcasting duo who take people’s real-life stories and turn them into songs, Baxter took the story of a young woman who lost her brother in a tragic plane crash and created a bittersweet song about the burden of grief and freedom of healing from it. Live drums and a fuzzy lead guitar line echo around Baxter’s echoey vocal. The song gains intensity at the second pre-chorus where thick distorted guitars move the song into the chorus while Baxter laments about the tragedy of the confessor’s loss. Layers of chimey guitars and harp plucks build the intensity of the story though the final chorus while Baxter reflects on the tragedy of holding onto lost family, “I remember flying way too high, Now I see you when I close my eyes, Albatross, Albatross.” Read more about Rayland in the Local Artist of the Week article and listen to this track on Lightning 100 or using the link below!
Wednesday – Stephanie’s DJ Pick: Melody’s Echo Chamber – “In The Stars”
Stephanie’s DJ pick of the week goes to the dreamy alternative indie song “In The Stars” by Melody’s Echo Chamber. Solo project of French musician Melody Prochet, Melody’s Echo Chamber blends dream-pop, soul grooves, and magical orchestral arrangements to create a Tame Impala-like sound, an artist Melody has previously toured with! The song was the second single released for the artist’s most recent album, Unclouded, an album inspired by Studio Ghibli’s creator Hayao Miyazaki’s idea of “seeing with eyes unclouded.” This track is sure to make you feel like you’re floating through the clouds with its psychedelic 70s-esque guitars and string arrangements that slide around throughout the song. Melody’s shimmery and gentle vocals juxtapose the trip-hop beat that energizes the track. This song certainly rings true to the artist’s name as the chorus seems to echo the same phrase back and forth to itself: “In the stars.” Melody’s Echo Chamber is keeping psych-rock alive with this atmospheric track and its vintage sound. Listen to this track and enjoy its accompanying visualizer using the link below!
Thursday – Casey’s DJ Pick: King Margo – “Send Me Out Like Autumn”
Casey’s DJ pick of the week highlights another local artist! “Send Me Out Like Autumn” comes from the Nashville-based alternative country duo, King Margo. Musicians Lucciana Costa and Rachel Coats, both known for being talented muti-instrumentalists and incredible live performers, work together to create energetic, honest, and occasionally sarcastic country duets. Their newest single, “Send Me Out Like Autumn,” is no different! The two singers’ voices harmonize hauntingly over this track’s waltz-like guitar plucks and bright banjos. This track dances along as drums keep time and electric guitars swell hazily in the background. The duo cleverly uses analogies of the seasons to express the pressure of expectation through lyrics like “So now you know I’m winter, colder than you thought,” and “Send me out like autumn, let me go like leaves.” King Margo is passionate about putting on high-energy shows and love life on the road! Be sure to catch them either in their hometown of Nashville, or on their current tour through Florida and Vermont! Listen now on Lightning 100 or through the link below!
Friday – Rev’s DJ Pick: The Black Crows – “Pharmacy Chronicles”
Rev’s pick of week comes from iconic rock n’ roll legends the Black Crowes who are back and starting the new year of right with their single “Pharmacy Chronicles.” The track was released with one other that teases their upcoming album A Pound of Feather that’s set to release March 13th! The founding Robinson brothers share that they found inspiration by going back to their roots and writing on instinct. This new track contrasts well compared to their 2024 album Happiness Bastards which focused on high energy, distorted rock songs. In this four-and-a-half-minute song, the group blends piano, organ and glimmering electric guitar tones to reach back to their iconic sound. The lyrics cover the glitz, glamour, and hardship of sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll. Chris Robinson calls out “Perfume, champagne, and sin, Oh, the good times, they never end” in reference to giving into vices and living in the spotlight. Listen to this exciting new track on Lightning 100 or through the link below!
Tune in to 100.1 FM or lightning100.com all day to hear our DJ’s picks of the week and more! Also, share your thoughts on the tracks by tagging #L100DJPicks on Twitter!
