Radnorite Staff Picked Music for January 2016

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Manny Unger

Throughout my almost eighteen years, I have played five instruments (six if you include the recorder in third grade), and I was absolutely terrible at every one. Despite my lack of musical ability, I have always loved music. I enjoy a lot of songs along a spectrum of genres, but I’ve found that every once in awhile one song in particular really catches my ear. The following is a list of the Radnorite staff’s (in alphabetical order by last name) current earworms. Maybe some will catch you like they did us.

Staffer: Bobby Amarant
Song: “Angels”
Artist: Chance the Rapper
Genre: Rap
Reason: “The song gives off positive vibes, a catchy beat, and memorable lyrics.”

Staffer: Erin Brown
Song: “The Promise”
Artist: When in Rome
Genre: 80’s Pop/Synthetic Pop
Reason: “The promise was made famous for its appearance in the ending scene of Napoleon Dynamite. The song has diminished in popularity compared to other 80’s hits, but its electric pop vibes and killer background beat make it a great song for easy listening.”

Staffer: Fernando Castro
Song: “Superstar”
Artist: Lupe Fiasco
Genre: Rap
Reason: “This song makes me think about myself.”

Staffer: Ana DerSimonian
Song: “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
Artist: Simon and Garfunkel
Genre: Folk
Reason: “I appreciate the lyrics and the music is beautiful.”

Staffer: Clare Donaher
Song: “Years Years Bears”
Artist: Dodie Clarke and Tom Rosenthal
Genre: Alt Pop
Reason: “It’s a cute song that doesn’t make any sense, and you can quote me on that.”

Staffer: Mr. Dunbar
Album: “OK Computer”
Artist: Radiohead
Genre: Alt Rock
Reason: “Mesmerizing and terrifying, the British rock-alternative band Radiohead’s 1997 album OK Computer envelops the listener in an intergalactic struggle between mysterious forces. Thom Yorke’s howling vocals and Johnny Greenwood’s riveting guitar freak-outs guides the listener through an Orwellian/space-like vortex that leaves you to question the fate of modern society.”

Staffer: Carolyn Eckstein
Song: “Shallows”
Artist: Daughter
Genre: Indie Folk
Reason: “It’s relaxing and feels like summer.”

Staffer: Collin Hatch
Song: “Tongues”
Artist: Dear Rogue
Genre: Alt Pop
Reason: “I like how it sounds, honestly. The beat is great, but what’s even better is when the melody hits.”

Staffer: John Hydrisko
Song: “Laurence of Arabia Soundtrack”
Artist: City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
Genre: Orchestral
Reason: “I don’t really listen to music, so this is my regular response to the question. At least I like movies.”

Staffer: Julie Lee
Song: “Breezeblocks”
Artist: Alt-J
Genre: Indie Pop
Reason: “The random harsh bits of the song contrast with the lyrics.”

Staffer: Mariah Maynard
Song: “Say It”
Artist: Tory Lanez
Genre: Hip-Hop/RnB
Reason: “I like it because it is a really relaxed song with a good beat.”

Staffer: Noah Offenkrantz
Song: “Modern Jesus”
Artist: Portugal. The Man
Genre: Psychedelic Rock
Reason: “Good vibes bro

Staffer: Mr. Payne
Album: “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars”
Artist: David Bowie
Genre: Glam Rock
Reason: “On a dreary October Saturday in ninth grade I recall sitting at my desk in my bedroom, precisely measuring out two millimeter wide capital letters of the name of my favorite rock star—the ‘A’ and the ‘I’ in DAVID raised a half letter up, the ‘O’ and the ‘I’ in BOWIE dropped a half letter down. Noting the circular effect, I chanced adding the conceit of an angular starburst, the yellow deepening as it passed under the red letters to the points of the triangles at the edge of the page. I taped it on the inside of my locker, even showing it to my edgy artistic friend, Paul McCarthy. (He was a Mod.) I kept it there until school was let out in June.”

Staffer: Jess Pevner
Song: “Shooting Stars”
Artist: Bag Raiders
Genre: Electronic
Reason: “This song is an instant pick-me-up, and its upbeat nature is perfect for a morning energy boost. Plus the first lyrics “it’s late and I’m awake” are pretty relatable.”

Staffer: Sarah Rosenblum
Song: “1901”
Artist: Phoenix
Genre: Indie Pop
Reason: “Why not.”

Staffer: Emilija Sagaityte
Song: “Photograph”
Artist: Ed Sheeran
Genre: Pop
Reason: “I like this song because the lyrics have depth and meaning and it’s melodic.”

Staffer: Manny Unger
Song: “Bless the Telephone”
Artist: Labi Siffre
Genre: Folk
Reason: In my unprofessional opinion, this is the most underrated love song of all time. Labi Siffre used a simple melody that never gets boring, sincere lyrics, and beautiful vocals with an unusual cadence to convey the way his love makes him feel with a word or two over the phone in an absolute triumph of song writing.

Staffer: Victoria Vale
Song: “Friday”
Artist: Rebecca Black
Genre: Pop
Reason: “With it, Miller lets me know I’ve survived another week in hell.”

Staffer: Anonymous
Song: “Ex’s and Oh’s”
Artist: Elle King
Genre: Alt Rock
Reason: “It’s catchy, and the artist is very talented.”