WHO: Colleen Green WHAT: Cool WHY: They don’t come much catchier, chiller, breezier, and harmonically lovely than Cool. And we’re not just saying that because Colleen Green is a local gal. In her latest effort, Green’s focus is to satisfy and cater to your sweet tooth, whether you’re 2 or 82. There are highlights on this album (I Wanna Be a Dog is just a chef’s kiss), but regardless of where you look, these 10 tracks are fun, poppy, and…cool....
It’s that time of year again! Time to strap in some new boots, put on some new gear, and start the new school year fresh. And as always, at Ground Control we’ve got some choice recommendations for some of the hottest most essential gear and accessories to power you through a successful year of learning. Because that’s what we’re here to do, right? LEARN. We’re incredibly lucky to be bringing you some tried and true accessories (read: old favorites) and...
As big fans of Brook Pridemore’s, we’re excited to bring you the new single from his new album “Glad to Be Alive.” Brook is one of the unsung heroes of modern music and damn near an underappreciated genius. If Wore Me Well is any indication, Pridemore has topped himself in this follow up to the wonderful Metal is My Only Friend. Bring it on, my friend! Listen to Wore Me Well: Here’s the press release: “Brook Pridemore has been an...
WHO: Czarface WHAT: Czarmageddon! WHY: Czarface is on a run of making unfuckwithable records, and I’m not saying that because they’re local boys. I have not heard a Czarface album that wasn’t smart, witty, and full of craftsmanship. Their newest Czarmageddon! is no different. It follows the path you would expect, like tight flow, interesting beats, brevity (as in no-filler), and even throws in some curveballs like the agro punk “Big Em Up.” Hip Hop is alive and well with...
WHO: Superchunk WHAT: Wild Loneliness WHY: Not even COVID will stop these guys. Recorded in lead singer and songwriter Mac McCaughan’s house and mixed to perfection, Wild Loneliness is Superchunk’s 12th album and is remarkable in the sense that it proves this band still has something to say. Although a bit less rocking than its predecessor, these tracks are poignant, masterfully arranged, and have added depth that comes from one of the best lyricists of our generation. Wild Loneliness is...
WHO: Abbie Barrett WHAT: I Will Let You Know WHY: We try to promote the local bands here on Ground Control, because let’s be honest, we’re a website of the people. No, but seriously, Abbie Barrett is someone we’re going to be watching more closely because with I Will Let You Know, she has delivered a hard-hitting, catchy, riffarific pop-punk album that’s chock-full of catchy tracks and perfect for the Summer. You know you’re listening to greatness when, after just...
WHO: The Copyrights WHAT: Alone in a Dome WHY: I don’t know if the Copyrights get the credit they deserve. I think I’m definitely guilty of this as well. I keep confusing them with the Dopamines. Are they the same band? Look, you’re not going to get anything groundbreaking with the Copyrights, except some solid catchy power pop punk. Alone in a Dome is one of those records that remind you why you fell in love with pop punk in...
WHO: Steve Gunn WHAT: Other You WHY: I’ve been having a hard time describing Other You, the latest album by Steve Gunn. Every time I play it, it pulls my attention and immerses me in the rich world of its sound. It’s a beautiful world, gentle-sounding, mesmerizing, and full of guitars and layers. It’s Kurt Vile with a lot more Van Morrison thrown in. Other You is the kind of album that somehow works as therapy, making me introspective and...
WHO: U-Roy WHAT: Solid Gold WHY: You don’t have to know that U-Roy is a reggae legend to enjoy this – his final album released posthumously. Solid Gold contains, basically, solid gold reggae hits revisited (updated?) and reimagined by U-Roy with an all-star cast of contributors like Mick Jones and Scientist. It doesn’t matter that these aren’t new songs, Solid Gold sounds more like a celebration of U-Roy’s life and reggae music in general and there isn’t a single low-point...
WHO: Mac McCaughan WHAT: The Sound of Yourself WHY: Being late to the game is the name of MY game. I only discovered Superchunk a few years ago and have been loving diving into their back catalog. The Sound of Yourself is frontman Mac McCaughan’s solo work and it serves as an exploration of styles, not sticking exclusively to the rocking sounds of Superchunk. While the songs here expertly vary from ambient, to ballads, to straight up rock songs, what...