August means getting ready to start another year of academics at our fine University. It's been a wild summer at The Great 88 with stacks of knockout new releases hitting the airwaves. Right now, Nashville's favorite bros Jeff the Brotherhood…
Every now and then, a band comes along that just blows everyone out of the water with each musical piece that they write. Right now, that band is The Contortionist. I recently got a chance to sit down (or rather,…
It's easy to forget how good we have it here in Santa Cruz. There's the obvious: beaches, redwoods, meadows, radio (duh)... but there's also our prime location. Santa Cruz is exactly 73.4 miles from San Francisco, home to the 2012 Outside Lands Music…
Any Aesop Rock fans will be happy to hear that he has recently dropped a new album, Skelethon. This is the San Francisco-based rapper and producer's sixth studio album and first self-produced project. Skelethon contains a multitude of playful and…
Through ATO Records, Italian singer-songwriter and rapper Lorenzo Cherubini, better known as Jovanotti, has finally issued his first U.S. release after over two decades of being in the business. This compilation album that includes the greatest hits of his career so…
Can you believe its August already? I can't. I still feel like it's June. Pretty soon, us UCSC students have to go back to the grind that is school. I am not looking forward to upper division math homework. It's…
I'm making my way via automobile up to Oregon for a mini-vacation. Nothing too lavish—I'll be gone less than a week and still be in a separate hemisphere than the Bahamas. But it's just enough time to get away from that plague of the…
I recently heard a podcast on NPR's Intelligence Squared regarding a ban on college football. I often overhear new students of UCSC talking about how they wish the university had a football team. I found it strange to hear it so…
Apologies to the one or two people looking forward to the charts every week. I was out of town, and just got back. I arrive, however, with an interview with The Contortionist's lead singer Jonathan Carpenter. Look forward to it…
What a summer for jazz, non stop incoming new music! It's a good thing. Thanks to volunteer and future DJ Jamfrazi for helping the jazz department while your humble director is away. We will hit the ground running in September.…
Ever been immensely excited for an album but when it finally comes out, you're disappointed by how it turned out? I know the feeling, trust me. This summer however I have not been disappointed by a single record, not even…
It is very common for contemporary World Music artists to remake popular American songs while still staying true to their culture. With YouTube, it's been easier than ever to find up-and-coming artists sharing their cultural talents in a more mainstream…
If any of you out there are fans of metal (which, if you're reading this, is a safe assumption), you better check out Baroness' new album, Yellow and Green. They're currently streaming it over http://www.npr.org/2012/07/08/156292608/first-listen-baroness-yellow-and-green. Also, here's a relevant opportunity to…
Sometimes I wonder how I've gotten so lucky to be able to interview some of the greatest musicians in the metal scene. Peter Adams of Baroness is no exception. They're arguably the most successful group to have combined progressive elements…
As summer continues to roll forward, and you may find yourself bored of going to the beachevery day, why not check out some live jazz in town at the historic Kuumbwa Jazz venue? Shows you shouldn't miss in the coming…
Anyone excited for the upcoming Olympics? I sure as hell am. I can't wait to see if Michael Phelps can repeat his phenomenal performance in Beijing. What I'm most excited for, though, is to watch Usain Bolt compete. Call me…
As your skin tans and/or burns in the lovely summer sun, don't forget that there are some pretty burnin' tracks coming into the station too! Jazz Charts/Top 10 1 NICK WATERHOUSE Time's All Gone Innovative Leisure 2 SUNNIE PAXSON Bohemian…
Life at a college radio station reveals the following truth. Regardless of which genres you prefer, you will happen upon music that you never knew about, but now love. Case in point, QUINTRON!!! Some months ago, I came across his…
Hi Everyone, As the school year comes to a close, it's time for the next generation of genre directors to take the reigns. My name is Nicholas (Nikki) Mokover, and I am currently interning with Jacqueline Culas for the Jazz…
Summer tours are beginning to roll around. Just last week I was at the Death to All Tour, this week I'll be seeing Russian Circles, and the following month I've got The Contortionist (hopefully) and shortly after Summer Slaughter (insert…
Here's some hot New albums that'll rule your next beach day. The ladies of Grass Widow hit #1 this week with their unique brand of harmony-driven post-punk. Beach House's Bloom has been hanging out near the top for the past…