Listicle: My four favorite college radio albums this year

by Kelly Fahey

1. Sunbathing Animal by Parquet Courts

National College Radio Day is this Friday, and some of the best new music coming out today only gets airtime on college stations. Parquet Courts’ Sunbathing Animal, which was released in June, has been among the most played albums on college radio stations nationwide. This album was a huge achievement for Parquet Courts, who played a WUAG-sponsored show back in March of 2013 at the Blind Tiger.

2. Manipulator by Ty Segall

San Francisco’s Ty Segall has become a fixture on the college-music charts since he started cranking out his unabashed, lo-fi, garage-rock solo records back in 2008. With his latest release, Segall spent more time in the studio than usual, and what came out was a decidedly more polished effort that still stayed true to his grungy, psychedelic vibe.

3. Burn Your Fire for No Witness by Angel Olsen

Angel Olsen, who currently resides in Asheville where she recorded her latest release at Echo Mountain Recording Studios, is releasing some of the most hauntingly beautiful music that I’ve ever heard. Her blend of alt-country and folk has yet to gain traditional commercial success, but is quickly becoming one of the most respected independent artists today. It’s tough to tune into your local college radio station without hearing her voice.

4. Lost in the Dream by the War On Drugs

Adam Granduciel and Kurt Vile bonded over a mutual adoration for Bob Dylan, and formed the War On Drugs back in 2003. Vile has since left the band for a successful solo career. Granduciel blends his folk rock sound with new wave and Krautrock influences for Lost in the Dream, which sounds like a cross between New Order and Bruce Springsteen.