Greetings from New York City!
Winding down a hectic week at CMJ, it was an easy decision to dedicate this week’s Idelic Hour to all things “college rock.” I’ve always loved October in the city and this week the weather and many of the bands did not disappoint. I would dare say CMJ feels fresh again! Maybe a new era? Certainly blogs wield the power that college radio once did, but I can say from experience there is nothing quite like being at a radio station blasting the airwaves.
This CMJ season the winds of change were certainly blowing. R.E.M. retired this month and last week we read the sad news; Kim and Thurston “no moore!” Over the years I’ve followed, watched, listened, and have become Idelic friends with these bands.
I gotta say it was weird when I read on Pitchfork the Kim and Thurston news. Many of us have been there, so I want to send them both good vibes. I hope (our daughters) Zoe and Co Co go to college—maybe even start a band. Whether they can play worth a shit or not, I can’t think of anything more appropriate for a youngster.
My college band was called The Aromatic Prawn Experience named after our favorite late night dish. We were certainly no Sonic Youth but it was those jams that lead me here—to many Fall nights standing outside clubs at CMJ with friends. Always new friends! Great old friends! And as I repeatedly write in this column, it’s the people that I’ve met that have turned my rock ‘n roll journey into such a great life.
So, what did this week’s CMJ deliver us? Some great new shit. My favorite moments: the voice and soul of Alabama Shakes, groove of Electric Guest, grit and volume of Fidlar, psych of Guards, star power of Twin Shadow, and J Mascis and his guitar.
The Idelic Hit of the Week: Alabama Shakes – You Ain’t Alone
