WRMC Radio Roundup: School of Rock (and other music)

Have your Spotify playlists become stale? Is your weekly mix just not cutting it? Maybe it’s time to branch out and listen to something new. The Executive Board of WRMC, Middlebury College’s radio station, has selected a wonderfully wide range of albums, spanning time and genre, for your listening pleasure. Check out these recommendations and let them become the soundtrack to your semester.

*RIYL (recommended if you like)

Social Media Director’s Pick — Kai Velazquez ’23

Album: “Foreign Things” — Amber Mark

Genre: Soulful pop

RIYL: Remi Wolf, Austin Millz, Hope Tala, Smino

Blurb: Amber Mark has been said to create music that will make you dance and cry. I would add on top of that that her music will remind you of the light illuminating your path in dark times. The start of the semester has been tough, but my favorite track on this EP, “Worth It,” has kept me going. Mark sings about the moments when you feel like you don’t deserve the good in life and reminds you that “you’re so damn [worthy]” of joy. Through grief, regret and pain, the lyrics and beats will reverberate through your heart.

Co-Concert Manager’s Pick — Luke Robins ’23

Album: “An Overview on Phenomenal Nature” — Cassandra Jenkins

Genre: Indie Rock/Folk

RIYL: Big Thief, Slaughter Beach Dog, Indigo de Souza

Blurb: This first week of school, I have felt non-stop out of breath. From readjusting to the social scene to remembering homework exists, stressors can be overwhelming. Cassandra Jenkins’ babbling production and swirling lyrics reminds me to take the space I need to breathe.

Library Manager’s Pick — Kyle Hooker ’24

Album: “Seal” — Seal

Genre: Pop/ Neo R&B/Soul

RIYL: World Party, The Subdudes, also classic R&B

Blurb: This album is a few decades old, but I was told that’s alright. In any case, this album is the debut, self-titled album from Seal, which I own on cassette (courtesy of my mom). The album has a nice blend of higher energy songs with a good baseline and slower, more mellow songs. All of them are long, with nice groove, pacing and beautiful, passionate lyrics. The first track is called “The Beginning,” which I feel is fitting for transitional moments.

General Manager’s Pick — Maddie Van Beek ’22.5

Album: “If This Isn’t Nice, I Don’t Know What Is” — Still Woozy

Genre: Indie Rock

RIYL: Rex Orange County, Omar Apollo, Glass Animals

Blurb: After years of incredibly catchy singles and EPs, Sven Gamsky, better known as Still Woozy, has finally released his debut album. “If This Isn’t Nice, I Don’t Know What Is” was produced in Gamsky’s home studio garage, imbuing it with all of the character of his bedroom pop roots. The album takes us through Gamsky’s often chaotic mental state. “You wouldn’t last a day in my head” is the repeated warning of the opening track. These lyrics are balanced out by Gamsky’s strong command of sound and genre blending, making for an album that’s layered with emotional and sonic complexity.

Music Director’s Pick — Natalie Penna ’24

Album: “i’m so glad i feel this way about you” — Insignificant Other

Genre: Indie Punk/ Indie Pop Rock

RIYL: Remember Sports, Origami Angel, Diet Cig 

Blurb: “i’m so glad i feel this way about you” is a catchy, bouncy and sometimes angry album about a lot of complex feelings. Each song is its own specific moment in time, and they feel personal while being easy to relate to. Above all else, this album is super fun whether you’re deeply listening or just looking for something to play while you study.

Music Director’s Pick — Pia Contreras ’22

Album: “Obviously” — Lake Street Drive

Genre: Alternative

RIYL: The California Honeydrops, Anderson East

Blurb: The song “Hypotheticals” has been stuck in my head since I first heard it in March, and I’m not upset about it at all. “Obviously” is a very fun album to sing along and dance to. Side note: if you ever find yourself with the aux on a car ride and don’t know what to play, pick this album — you won’t regret it.