Wavves
“King Of The Beach”
5 out of 5 stars

Some may have expected this album to be a misstep. The frontman, Nathan Williams, had problems with drugs and alcohol that caused him to attack the now former drummer Ryan Ulsh on stage in Barcelona, which led to the tour’s cancellation. However, this album is the furthest thing from a misstep. “King of the Beach” is, ironically, full of self-deprecating lyrics, as found on songs such as “Idiot,” “Green Eyes” and “Super Soaker.” They may be a form of apology from Williams.

The songs, from the opener, “King of the Beach” to the single “Post Acid” to the last song, “Baby Say Goodbye” are still really, really catchy. Even the cutesy “Convertible Balloon” is very good. If you like surf rock or lo-fi you’ll enjoy this amazing album.

Key Tracks: “King of the Beach,” “Post Acid” and “Super Soaker”
-Matt Jannetti
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Arcade Fire
“The Suburbs”
4.5 out of 5 stars

It seems Arcade Fire is aiming to take over the world with the release of their third album. Not only did “The Suburbs” debut at No. 1 on the charts in the U.S., UK, Canada, Ireland, Belgium and Portugal, but its second night at the legendary Madison Square Garden on Aug. 5 was streamed live on YouTube.

“The Suburbs” is a return to form for the seven-piece band, after the often negatively critiqued “Neon Bible” in 2007. Inspired by living in the suburbs of Houston in their youth, it may seem that the album would drudge on forever at 16 songs, but it plays quite the opposite. Despite the depressing subject of the songs, the album seems less serious than their sophomore effort. As much of a pleasure it is to listen to vocalist Win Butler, the highlight of the album is “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains),” a synth-heavy song sung instead by Butler’s wife and fellow bandmate Regine Chassagne.

Key Tracks: “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains),” “Ready To Start” and “The Suburbs”
-Caitlyn Preciado

The summer is almost at an end. But that doesn’t mean that you have to be sad all the time. Let WTSR cheer you up with the best music around!
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What’s this? Blitzen Trapper, Foals, and Stars all together in the same place? That can only mean that it’s time for the songs of the month.
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Next Sunday, Mike Piazza will have guests Michael Macomber, President of The Bobby Darin Fan Club and Buddy Holly Tribute Artist,
Ed Marra during 1 PM to 2 PM. Mike will be part of the interview and Ed will perform live with his guitar.

3/24/2010 – NJ, Local, & TCNJ News with Kyle Tomalin

Kyle engages in an introspective conversation about the state of the Republican Party with the chair of TCNJ’s Republican Club, Nick Lukaszewicz. Also, TCNJ’s Curt Heuring and Matt Golden talk about TCNJ’s Campus Town Project.

4/2/2010 – Arts & Entertainment News with Vinny Scafuto

TCNJ student Jenna Bush talks about her award-winning film, “Minor Details.” TCNJ student Cat Costantino discusses The Musical Theatre’s production of the “25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” TCNJ student and musician, Eli Raymond, talks about his band.

4/10/2010 – Arts & Entertainment News with Vinny Scafuto

TCNJ student, journalist, and musician Matt Huston visits the station to perform and talk about the “Battle of the Bands” contest on campus. Alexis Vitello from TCNJ’s All College Theatre visits. Christine Schutt, a Pulitzer Prize nominated author, calls in to talk about her novel, “All Souls.”

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