We’re pretty excited to roll out our first in a series of playlists created by some of our favorite musicians/bands that have come in to record at Acadia! First up is Nate Manning, lead guitarist in Zud, a black metal group based in Portland with a new record out A Wilderness Left Untamed. Nate’s kindly included a few notes about each tune if you want to follow along as you listen, or sit back and enjoy some fresh music for your ears!
1. Los Dug Dugs – Los Dug Dugs (1971) – “Lost in My World”
I’m always looking for anything late 60s Beatles / Psych-influenced, and the Dug Dugs were the first band from Mexico to do that, and to me did it better than most. The entire album is amazing, but the guitar tone and solos on “Lost in My World” are must-hear.
2. Witchfinder General – Death Penalty (1982) – “Free Country”
A little sabbath worship in a band is always fine with me. This song and record do not recreate the wheel but it sure does hit the nail on the head for what makes a great NWOBHM band.
3. Only
Living Witness – Prone Mortal Form (1993) – “Nineveh”
Great recording production, non-stop riffs and vocals that could appeal to most people makes this record one that even people not into hardcore could get into.
4. Guided By Voices – Alien Lanes (1995) – “My Valuable Hunting Knife”
Guided by Voices is a pretty well known band but with 25 LPs alone maybe you haven’t heard all eras. My favorite is mid 90s with Alien Lanes and Under the Bushes Under the Stars. He is the king of catchy vocal melodies over low-fi guitar driven rock.
5. Gang Green – Another Wasted Night – (1986) “Skate to Hell”
This is just a badass punk song with awesome rock riffs and solo, not to mention the lyrics are perfect for this style.
6. Edgar Broughton Band – Edgar Broughton Band (1971) – “Hotel Room”
This album is one of my favorites because its a perfect blend of guitar-driven classic rock with raw vocals as well as some darker acoustic songs. “Hotel Room” is slightly different than the rest of the album but the key change at the very end is too good to not share.
7. JK & Co – Suddenly One Summer – (1968) “Fly”
With Donovan, LSD, and the Beatles as influences in the air a 15-year-old made this record in 1968 with the help of some studio musicians. Fly is a dreamy psych journey and it blows my mind someone that young could have a vision like this and nail it.
8. Manic Street Preachers – The Holy Bible – (1994) “Die in the Summertime”
The Holy Bible is one of the most intriguing, weird, catchy, rocking, sad, confusing records I’ve ever heard and I am huge fan like many with this cult classic. The music always fits the lyrics perfectly and it’s no different with “Die in the Summertime.”
9. Leaf Hound – Growers of Mushroom – (1971) “Freelance Fiend”
70s hard rock done right. Guitar tone when the song starts says it all. With only one album (they broke up right when it came out) it’s a true under-appreciated gem.
10. Num Skull – Ritually Abused – “Death and Innocence”
Sometimes you just need your head ripped off non stop during a song. “Num Skull” does that every song, unrelenting trash metal that has every song packed full of riffs and changes.
