New Wave Smackdown

Thanks for listening

2011-06-09T14:44:00.003-06:00

This week, Vanderbilt Student Communications sold 91.1 FM to Nashville Public Radio, ending 50+ years of "Nashville's Only Alternative." To many people, the sale represents the culmination of a multi-year strategy to kill WRVU by a handful of Vanderbilt insiders. As someone who DJ'ed on the station as an undergraduate back in 1987, of course I am sad and very disappointed. Having said that, I don't expect things to stay the same forever. Anybody who loves shopping for records understands that times change and sometimes beloved institutions go away. I'm mostly disappointed by the actions (and lack of action) by the university, my alma mater. I didn't ever expect to say this, but I find it hard to be proud of my Vanderbilt degree.

I don't plan to participate in VSC's pitiful excuse for a station this fall, when the broadcast goes to online and "HD Radio" (I'm betting the format will become about as prevalent and viable as floppy drives and Sony Betamax). Doing so would condone the shameful actions of the VSC board.

Someday, I may start a weekly online podcast or web-based archive. If you would like to be notified in the event this happens (and there is no telling when it will), send me a message to marceveretthill at gmaildotcom.

Thanks for listening...

New Wave Smackdown will return on 11/27

2010-11-17T11:41:00.006-06:00

Getting back home earlier than expected from the Thanksgiving holiday, so I'll look forward to doing the show this coming Saturday November 27 from 6-9am.

Here are some pics from the Gorillaz show I caught last month at Detroit's Fox Theatre. Good, but pretty overwhelming, given they had a gazillion performers.

Favorite Albums of 2010 (so far)

2010-03-11T14:17:00.005-06:00

My favorite albums of 2010 (a running list)

Delphic Acolyte

Hot Chip One Life Stand

Two Door Cinema Club Tourist History

Foals Total Life Forever

Faithless The Dance

Delays Star Tiger Star Ariel

Twin Shadows Forget

The National High Violet

New show tme for the Spring 2010 Semester

2010-01-28T17:48:00.000-06:00

The New Wave Smackdown has been trimmed back an hour, starting with the January 30th show. So, if you're one of those slackers who actually enjoys catching up on sleep during ther weekend and has been tuning in around 8-ish, you'll miss my weekly offering of the best new music in the world (according to me). Of course, there's always the RealAudio archive, which works most of the time. Catch the New Wave Smackdown LIVE from 6-8am every Saturday....

I supported myself through college as an undergrad by DJing in clubs in Nashville. Here's my business card from seminal nightspot, The Urban Lounge, where I spun alternative dance music from 1988-1989. Among my favorite nights were Sunday "industrial" night, which had a harder edge and a more adventurous clientele, and on Wednesday I started a House Music night that drew a huge following of Fisk and TSU students just as the Second Summer of Love was taking off overseas. I then became the resident DJ at Midnight Sun on Church Street from 1989-1991. Then I "retired" from clubland...

How I spent my vacation time

2009-09-20T19:43:00.000-06:00

Here's Ra Ra Riot at the Varsity Theatre in Minneapolis on September 17. They put on a great, energetic show in a very cool venue. Was wondering how the violin and cello works live, and the answer is: flawlessly. I caught the Pet Shop boys the night before at the State Theatre. They had great visuals and were fun but the sound was dreadful. Apparently the venue is to blame...
Beautiful, unseasonably warm weather in Minnesota this past week while Nashville was getting drenched...

Amazing Show

2009-05-13T15:04:00.003-06:00

Here's a pic from the Nashville Junior Boys concert on May 1, 2009 at Mercy Lounge. They were amazing. They sounded fantastic. They played lots of songs. They seem like nice people. Even your mother would like them. I bought the t-shirt. I want them to come back soon.

Loved having the live drummer playing over the rhythm tracks. It gave the show that live feeling without sacrificing that deep punch that an electronic drum track can deliver. And yes, one of the Boys even brought out a guitar for a couple of tracks: most notably during show highlights "Double Shadow," "In The Morning," and the jaw-dropping, booty-shaking encore closer "Under The Sun."

I love music

2009-03-04T17:06:00.010-06:00

My favorite albums of 2009 (a running list--check back for additions)

White Lies To Lose My Life

Telefon Tel Aviv Immolate Yourself

The Whitest Boy Alive Rules

Phoenix Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Maximo Park Quicken The Heart

Bombay Bicycle Club I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Off

Jack Penate Everything Is New

Little Boots Hands

Wild Beasts Two Dancers

Miike Snow Miike Snow

La Roux La Roux

Wisp The Shimmering Hour

Little Dragon Machine Dreams

Sub Focus Sub Focus

Los Campesinos!

2009-01-26T14:16:00.000-06:00

Here's the Cardiff-based indie band Los Campesinos! at their Nashville gig at Exit In on Saturday, January 24, 2009. You got to love a band with a lead singer who plays the xylophone as his instrument. The y were reduced to a six-piece this evening, as their seventh member was under the weather. Highlights included "You! Me! Dancing!" and the title track from their second album "We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed."

Top 20 Albums of 2008

2008-12-22T13:32:00.002-06:00

Tune in Saturday December 27 from 6-9am to hear the New Wave Smackdown Top 20 albums of 2008. We'll count them down in reverse order. Here's my list:

Top 20 Albums of 2008
As heard on the New Wave Smackdown with Marc Hill, Saturdays 6-9am

1. Foals Antidotes (Sub Pop)
This British group may be lumped into the post-punk category, but it’s their sense of jazzy improvisation and musicianship that sets them apart from the pack. And the tunes are amazing from start to finish. The U.S. release adds a couple of bonus tracks, including indie dancehall stormer “Hummer.”

2. Royworld Man In The Machine (Virgin UK)
It seems that every year, I am blown away by at least one release that completely escapes the music media hype machine. Last year, it was Mr. Hudson & the Library. This time around, it’s UK group Royworld. Sure, it’s a crappy name for a band, but this guitar-based pop group is what all mainstream music should aspire to be. Sounds pretty unique to me, but might best be described as a mixture of Coldplay, Queen, Keane, and Electric Light Orchestra.

3. The Teenagers Reality Check (XL)
A concept album, in the sense that the songs work together to tell the story of a night of adolescent lust that ends with a morning hangover full of the bigger questions in life. The electronics and guitars along with a heavy French accent and a bawdy sense of humor make for a winning combination.

4. Santogold Santogold (Downtown)
NYC-based Santi White is the most versatile newcomer of 2008. This album mixes pop, R&B, indie, dancehall and even goth. She does more than pull it all off, she raises the bar for every female solo artist contemplating a 2009 release.

5. Friendly Fires Friendly Fires (XL)
I haven’t heard much buzz about this new UK band that fuses rock and electronics, but it’s full of tracks designed to burn up an indie disco dancefloor. At times, it’s what early Talking Heads might have sounded like if they had access to laptops.

6. Bloc Party Intimacy (Atlantic)
With this third quality album now under their belts, it’s time to let go of Depeche Mode as my official “favorite band of all time” and pass the mantle to this London-based post-punk band that refuses to sit still. Absolutely fearless and uncompromising, they go off in a million directions. In “Halo” they serve up my favorite track of the year, and the late addition of new track “Talons” to the CD release is simply a matter of icing on the cake.

7. TV On The Radio Dear Science (Geffen)
These NYC-based critical darlings liven up their droning art-rock with amazing melodies and tunes. This will likely top many year-end lists, and deservedly so.

8. Hadouken! Music For An Accelerated Culture (Atlantic UK)
Of all the “nu rave” bands (Klaxons, Do I Offend You, Yeah?) this British outfit is far and away the best. Essentially a kick-ass rock n’ roll record delivered mostly via computers and keyboards, Hadouken produces the sonic equivalent to one of those 80s teenage skin-flick comedies, where the parents are out of town for the weekend and the kids have a massive party that reduces the home and the surrounding neighborhood to rubble.

9. The Fashion The Fashion (Epic)
I started wearing this out in late 2007 when it was only available as a Danish import. Unfortunately, it appears the major label opportunity failed to produce any impression in America. Too bad, as this guitar-based group fuses huge sing-a-long choruses to hip-hop inspired beats, producing some of the catchiest songs you’ll hear anywhere.

10. Cut Copy In Ghost Colours (Modular/Interscope)
Australia is now the hottest spot on the musical planet for indie dance bands who apply a heavy dose of synthesizers. This second album released early in the year marries big tunes to all the booty-shaking.

11. Sons & Daughters This Gift (Domino)
The Johnny Cash tribute that was essentially their debut back in 2005 may have been fine for one album, but it was a creative cul-de-sac. This Scottish group surprised me with its sophomore effort: a muscular rock album full of memorable anthems.

12. Girl Talk Feed The Animals (Illegal Art)
Canadian Greg Gillis continues to insist he isn’t a DJ, but his releases sound exactly like what the best DJ mixes aspired to be before the age of digital editing. Laying hip-hop vocals over gazillions of samples from mostly 70s and 80s rock, this makes for both an engaging and head-nodding listen. Favorite part: mixing the guitar break in Heart’s “Magic Man” with Public Enemy’s Chuck D. Pure genius.

13. Cajun Dance Party The Colourful Life (XL UK)
New British indie band that got a lot of press because they are still in their teens, but really, this debut would be an impressive accomplishment from any age group. “Amylase” is another one of my favorite tracks this year.

14. The Cazals What Of Our Future (Kitsune UK)
Another excellent, British post-punk band, but this one gets extra points for their rousing cover of Spandau Ballet’s new romantic classic “To Cut A long Story Short.”

15. Van She V (Modular Australia)
Another fantastic Australian dance band (see Cut Copy, above) to keep you singing in the indie disco.

16. The Alps Something I Might Regret (Elusive UK)
This debut from London-based Brit-rockers filled up the New Wave Smackdown playlist earlier this year.

17. Neil Halstead Oh! Mighty Engine (Brushfire)
Once the main creative force behind Slowdive and Mojave 3, this Brit produces his second solo album. Great mix of dreamy pop songs and chilled-out lullabies.

18. Neon Neon Stainless Style (Lex)
Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys continues to do the unexpected. All-Welsh language album? Check. Quirky solo folk album? Check. Now you can also tick off pervy, synthesized electroclash.

19. Semifinalists 2 (V2 UK)
Second album from UK trio won’t blow you away upon first listen, but the consistent quality of these indie pop compositions is pretty hard to ignore.

20. Los Campesinos! Hold On Now, Youngster (Arts & Crafts)
Another band of British teenagers who are not only indie-cool, they also manage to bookend the year with two album releases: this debut back in February and their follow up in November. I don’t make it to many concerts, but I plan on getting an early start in 2009 at their January 24th gig at Exit/In.

Random Ruminations

2008-11-18T07:56:00.002-06:00

These albums are going to make my Best of 2008 list:
Santogold S/T
Friendly Fires S/T (please start touring the U.S.)
Bloc Party Intimacy

I am really enjoying the debut from British pop-rock group Royworld. Man In the Machine represents what I love best about British music: melodic and accessible, yet left-of-center. I've not detected any buzz about this band. They at times sound like Keane, but with more muscle, often sounding very dramatic. I plan to make this the featured album of the week on 11/22.

I am already looking forward to hearing new music from Mr. Hudson & The Library (Kanye West has apparently "discovered" them) and The Rumble Strips in 2009.

I am enjoying the deluxe New Order remasters. 1989's Technique is their greatest album. Every home should have one.

I enjoyed reading the Tennessean review of the Girl Talk show at Mercy Lounge. Wish I could have been there, yet kind of glad I didn't.

Your DJ

2008-10-07T13:34:00.000-06:00

Here I am in the WRVU control room during the October 3, 2008 New Wave Smackdown. I'm even awake.

WRVU history pt. 2 A-side

2008-10-06T07:58:00.000-06:00

WRVU changed its logo in 1988 to reflect a more modern, urbane look. Kelly (sorry, can't remember his full name), a student at Vanderbilt, designed it. Comparisons were immediately made to the similar black & white vertical motif of downtown 2nd Ave. night spot, The Urban Lounge (the alternative dance club that operated from late 1987 until early 1990, and where I DJ'ed as a VU student from 1988-1989).

I still like this logo. I managed to find one remaining window sticker in a storage box a couple of years ago, and it's been on the back of my SUV ever since.

WRVU history pt. 2

2008-10-06T07:47:00.000-06:00

Here's the back of the 1989 benefit shirt. Of course, The Cannery is now called the Mercy Lounge. This a strong lineup of local bands. The Grinning Plowman was a particularly good Goth/doom-and-gloom rock band.
If my memory serves me correctly, we also broadcasted live from the Cannery during the show.

WRVU History Pt. 1 (the B-side)

2008-10-02T09:00:00.000-06:00

Here's the back of the shirt described in the previous post. I'd have to say that Jet Black Factory was far and away my favorite from this lineup of local bands, though Bill Lloyd's "Feeling The Elephant" is a true WRVU classic and still makes me sing along.

I had forgotten about Bad Influence, which, if memory serves correctly, was a very cool t-shirt shop in Nashville (was it on Elliston Place?) and is where I bought the "See Dick Flunk" shirt that I loved to wear in high school.

Another note about this old logo. The WRVU business office in Saratt used to have a giant replica of this logo painted on the concrete wall. Since Saratt and the WRVU space was renovated and reconfirgured a number of years ago, it is long gone. Perhaps next century's archaelogists will discover it as they peel away countless coats of paint.

WRVU history pt. 1

2008-09-29T07:41:00.001-06:00

This is the April 1987 WRVU benefit shirt, which was held at Exit Inn. This was 91's logo for most of the 80s until a new logo was designed in 1989. Of course, the "Just Say Yes" reference is in reply to First Lady Nancy Reagan's "Just Say No" solution to the nation's illegal drug habit. I'm pretty sure this logo was copied from a rock radio station in Hawaii (maybe KPOI)? I proudly had one of these logo stickers on my rear car window in high school.

Fall 2008 update

2008-09-15T10:14:00.002-06:00

It's now been a year since I've made the switch from Fridays 6-8am to Saturday mornings 6-9am. I realize that I've lost tons of listeners who were happy to listen to my show while they had to be up anyway on their way to work or school, but who are now sleeping (literally) through my selection. For me, I love the switch, as I really felt I needed a third hour to play everything I wanted to play each week. Back when I was on WRVU as a student in the late 80s, a weekly 3-hour airshift was the norm, so it kind of feels like old times.

I have to admit, that I also am feeling better (read: more rested) on Friday afternoons at work than I used to.

Hopefully some of you who used to listen live, are able to catch the RealAudio archive of each week's show.

Anyway, would love to hear your thoughts on the Saturday morning configuration of the show, or the music being played. Just post a comment below...

On the musical front, nothing has really lit my fire for the past several months. Except for the new Bloc Party album, Intimacy. Even then, I don't think it is a great album, it's just that 4 or 5 songs on it are truly exceptional.

The Best of 2008: a running list

2008-03-06T13:26:00.002-06:00

I always try to do a year-end Best Of album list. I usually wait until the last minute and inevitably leave something out. I thought I would list my favorite albums of the year as I discover them, and just add to this post from time to time. Feel free to do the same by using the comment feature.

Sons & Daughters This Gift (Domino UK) -- Scottish group muscles up their sound and ditches the Johnny Cash tribute approach in favor of catchy, edgy rock gems.

The Teenagers Reality Check (XL on 3/18/08) -- Great indie pop from France with electronic flourishes. This is something of a concept album telling a story about meeting girls and being a reflective, if libidinous, adolescent. The European accents rattling off Americanisms like "whatever" provide comic relief (I think it's intentional), but there is also poignancy amidst all the goofing off and four-leter words.

Foals Antidotes (Transgressive on 3/25/08) -- Full length debut from this Oxford UK indie band. I love just about every track and I'll even wait 2 additional weeks for the US release on Sub Pop, because it will contain two bonus cuts (including the incredible "Hummer"). I have no idea what they're singing about, but it's upbeat, very melodic post-punk with a touch of improvisation.

I REALLY like the Club 8 album, The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Dreaming, but it doesn't really count because it was released in 2007 on Swedish label Labrador. Is a US release in the works?

Editors@The Wildhorse Saloon

2008-01-15T08:37:00.000-06:00

Here's a shot of Editors from a camera phone at their show in Nashville on January 12, 2008. I didn't make it in time for openers Louis XIV, but Hot Hot Heat did a nice job, despite a serious lack of bass frequency in their sound system. Editors sounded great, and they played pretty much everything you'd want to hear from their two albums. Tom Smith's not much for small talk with the crowd, other then a dutiful "thank you" after each number, but we weren't there for the conversation. Here's what I can remember them playing: Bones, An End Has A Start, All Sparks, Munich, Lights, Blood, Bullets, Racing Rats, Escape The Nest, with the encore being Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors and Fingers In the Factories.

The Top 20 albums of 2007

2007-12-30T09:32:00.000-06:00

As heard on the New Wave Smackdown radio show December 28, 2007:

Mr. Hudson and the Library A Tale Of Two Cities
Utterly unique, as if you plucked Cole Porter out of the early 20th century and dropped him into our world. He’d still be playing piano on his tracks, but he’d be singing about text messages and DJs. This is classic pop music influenced by hip-hop, but mostly features live instruments with a steel pan drum thrown in for spice.
The Rumble Strips Girls And Weather
This new British band have faithfully channeled the spirit of early Dexy’s Midnight Runners, circa Searching For The Young Soul Rebels. Full of energy, incredible vocal range, and a nice brass section.

Bloc Party A Weekend In the City
Sophomore release from one of my favorite bands was a slow grower until I finally saw them live this year. Now I can’t get enough of these moodier, introspective songs.
Apartment The Dreamer Evasive
Catchy, beautifully-produced guitar pop that reminds me a lot of peak-period Simple Minds (before they thought they were U2).
Athlete Beyond The Neighbourhood
I don’t understand what the “critics” have against this 3rd album. These songs are memorable, uplifting, and meant to hear live (Nashville date, please).
The Twang Love It When I Feel Like This
Attempting to singlehandedly start the “baggy” revival, this new UK group will remind many people of Happy Mondays, only much more talented.
Fields Everything Last Winter
Sounds like The Magic Numbers with feedback and a hint of creeping paranoia. Has its lovely moments too.
The Maccabees Colour It In
This year’s new wiry post-punk entry. Great tunes and a warbly voice that endears rather than grates.
The Hours Narcissus Road
Debut from UK duo who have done time in Pulp, Elastica and God knows what other groups. Melodic, anthemic, indie rock anchored by lots of catchy piano chords, handclaps and four-letter words.
To My Boy Messages
Rock music with a furious pace played entirely by electronics and drum machines. Reminds me a bit of Devo, in that there is absolutely no trace of any soul here. For an electronic artist, that would normally be cause for concern, but they pull it off wonderfully.
The Cinematics A Strange Education
Upbeat, anthemic guitar pop that was an early standout release this year. Nice to see a Scottish band release their debut in the US first, then later in the UK.
Tracey Thorn Out Of The Woods
Everything But The Girl vocalist steps out for her first solo album in 25 years. Mostly dance-oriented tracks, her crystal-clear, melancholy voice remains one of the most recognizable in all music.
Feist The Reminder
The fact that this is a bit far down my list says nothing about the incredible quality and versatility of this Canadian songstress. I expect this to land on nearly everyone’s best of year list.
Pepe Deluxe Spare Time Machine
Wow. Finnish electronic group comes up with a completely unpredictable, (yet easy to listen to) modern psychedelic classic. Who’s up for vacuums, Captain Carter (of Mars fame), and Cloud 6?
GoodBooks Control
New UK indie group composed of teenagers, mostly, who get added bonus points for recording a pop song about WWI (“Passchendaele").
Roisin Murphy Overpowered
Former Moloko frontwoman returns with her sophomore solo effort aimed at the dance floor. Wild eccentricities toned down to a manageable level.
Von Sudenfed Tromatic Reflexxions
Best taken in small doses, this is the project of The Fall vocalist Mark E. Smith and German electronic duo Mouse on Mars. Challenging, but often amusing, and loveable in a way that is difficult to describe.
The Brunettes Structure And Cosmetics
New Zealand boy/girl duo expand the range of their soundscape exponentially for what amounts to an engaging musical road trip.
Groove Armada Soundboy Rock
UK electronic dance veterans amy have put together their most consistent album yet.
Just Jack Overtones
Faux-Hip Hop from British slackers has become fashionable, but on his singles in particular, Just Jack delivers the goods.

Honorable Mentions: Cortney Tidwell, Underworl, Kate Nash, Bran Van 3000

2007-08-29T07:17:00.000-06:00

Hi. Hope to have some news soon