As you can imagine, the “shop talk” at Rockdale revolves around music. Teachers and students are always chatting about their favorite artists, who’s released new music, what old favorites they’ve rediscovered, and the musical “rabbit holes” they’ve fall down.
One of our teachers, Rob Wickline, decided to foster this discussion even further by introducing an Album of the Week club for our students. He shares his pick, a brief introduction, and his favorite song off the album to kick start the conversation. In keeping with Rob’s rock-ed efforts, we decided to share his recent recs. Rob, take it away!
Hello everyone!
If anybody doesn’t know me, I’m Rob, one of the teachers at Rockdale. I like distorted guitars, the color purple, and long walks on the beach.
I’m always exploring and listening to new things. I love to share them with my students and this seems like a great avenue to do that through. If you are looking to expand your musical horizons, consider this your formal invitation to our Album of the Week club.
Let us know if you check any of these albums out…we’re always looking to talk shop with fellow music-lovers.
I discovered this recently — wonderful synth pop record from 2012.
Favorite track: “Cirque”
This is a legend in hard rock and punk vibes, but I don’t often see the appreciation it deserves. Big fat riffs, juicy rhythm, tight rock vocals to rival the greatest, and some really sick instrumental section.
Favorite track: “Apple Tree”
This album is a masterpiece in pop songwriting and electronic production start-to-finish. Each song is littered with the most well thought out sound design I have heard in contemporary pop. I recommend finding a track that speaks to you and listening to it several times—you will discover more and more with each listen.
Favorite track: “Hawaiian Mazes”
For those of you looking to get more into jazz, this will present a fun and challenging listen. A fellow Pennsylvanian, Ahmad Jamal’s vocabulary is fun and carefree. This record has been sampled countless times on hip hop and rap tunes. Best of all, it’s tasty as heck.
Favorite track: “Dolphin Dance”