I am a huge fan of the local music scene. Not any particular local scene, but local scenes as a concept; the local scene that can be found in whichever city you call home, for example, reader. If you look, I guarantee you can find talented and interesting musicians all around you. I consistently discover great guitarists, vocalists, performers, all across the musical spectrum in Rochester, NY. As great a wealth of instrumental talent that I find in my local...
Bam! We’re doing it again, dear readers. Things got off to a scary start this year, because honestly, the good albums weren’t coming. But what a cruel trick this year played on us, as all the good stuff was back-ended in 2022. Too many good albums to absorb too late in the year (I’m looking at YOU, White Lung!). But as always, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better year-end review. All the best albums, movies, and TV shows are...
WHO: Tim Heidecker WHAT: High School WHY: I never thought I’d be so into a Tim Heidecker album, but maybe it’s because I never thought he was worth giving a chance. Boy, was I wrong. High School is an album about just that, and Heidecker’s experiences are pretty relatable even to someone who went to high school in a much different place. The sound can probably be described as easy listening/alternative with influences of classic rock, which again, I never...
WHO: Elvis Costello WHAT: The Boy Named If WHY: How on earth does a man still manage to make compelling and interesting music more than 40 years into his career? Well, if anyone was going to do it, it would be Elvis Costello. Though he is a musical chameleon, The Boy Named If focuses on what he does best: straight up rock and roll. And rock he does, as some of these tracks are downright blistering. Add to that some...
WHO: Screeching Weasel WHAT: The Awful Disclosures of Screeching Weasel WHY: Sure, Ben Weasel is a divisive figure, but you can’t deny the man can still write perfect pop songs. If you’re a pop punk fan, then Awful Disclosures will scratch that itch you’ve been having since the 90s. This is a tight album, with a familiar formula, that Ben Weasel makes his own. It knows what it wants to be and succeeds in that effort. One of the best...
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...