Run (D.M.C.) It Back
Watchhouse, boygenius, Gregory Alan Isakov, and 90s rap
So what do you say, when we’re 26
We’ll get married just for kicks
—Caamp, 26
This week we’re running it back vintage Swap style - no theme, just random selections. The only intentional editorial connection is the inclusion of the Caamp lyrics to kick things off.
Caamp’s song 26 is a favorite of Kody’s friend, Jackson, whose fiancé wrote this week’s Bonus Track about a song from an iconic 90s rap trio. You love to see a GenZer boppin to Run-D.M.C.!
Before you check that out, here are three recs from Ben, Jonathan, and Kody.
The Wolves by Watchhouse (Ben)
“Everything’s so great, it can’t get better, makes me want to cry.” What a line. What a song.
We had a debate on our text thread about this band name. Which is better - Mandolin Orange (first name) or Watchhouse (new name)? Either way, the music is great. They did an Austin City Limits album of classic songs and I found myself cheering at the end of this song with the live audience. Enjoy.
Also available on Apple Music.
Not Strong Enough by boygenius (Kody)
I’ve dabbled in Phoebe Bridgers, but not the indie supergroup, boygenius, she’s a part of until recently while preparing our GRAMMYs Swap. They’re impressive, especially considering all three of the group’s members are under thirty.
Things I like about this song - the melodic patterns of the guitar, the poppy pacing of the drums, the climactic bridge, and the typical emotional lyrics and harmonies you’d expect from Bridgers, Baker, and Dacus.
“I don’t know why I am the way I am.”
Can you relate?
Also available on Apple Music.
San Luis by Gregory Alan Isakov (Jonathan)
This week I am highlighting an artist I come back to again and again. My pick, San Luis, is probably my favorite from Isakov, who was on my mind because of the recent release of Noah Kahan’s song Paul Revere, which features Isakov on vocals.
Also available on Apple Music.
Bonus Track: Peter Piper by Run-D.M.C. (Allie Aschliman)
When Kody asked me what I wanted to write about for this week, my mind went immediately to this song. I’ve known Run DMC since my childhood (“It's Tricky”--hello??) but it was earlier this year when I discovered this gem. The repetitive beat of bells and snare is something that anyone can easily enjoy and nod their head to. Maybe even bust a move or two, if you’re into that. Also, with some research, I found that the song’s beat samples “Take Me to the Mardi Gras” by Bob James, which I find so fitting and fun since Mardi Gras just passed! This song totally sent me into a spiral of 80’s/90’s rap and I spent the first weeks of the new year boppin to Run DMC, 2 Pac, DJ Kool, House of Pain, and more.
I can’t say I’m a fan of all the lyrics, but the unique beat overcomes some of the reservations I have about Rev’s rhymes. Overall, if you play this in the background of a game night or in the car, people will be sure to love it (speaking from experience).
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Allie Aschliman is a senior at IU studying Secondary English Education. If she had to choose a favorite band, it would probably be Queen. Her favorite show of all time was seeing The 1975 her sophomore year of high school - she waited all day in the summer heat to get into the pit and got SO close to Matty.
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What a great Swap. We’ve added these songs to our Spring 24 playlist along with all of the others we’ve featured thus far. Enjoy!
-TheMusicSwap