By Chris Hunter (CIVL DJ) – Email
Date Posted: October 7, 2011
Print Edition: October 5, 2011
Chris Hunter is the host of “C-Section” every Tuesday from 12-3 p.m. on CIVL Radio. The show covers a wide variety of music with a focus on indie rock and pop, though no genre is off-limits.
The Sonics – “He’s Waiting”
This track from the Seattle band’s 1966 sophomore album Boom is not a proto punk song, it is full on punk rock, and a good deal heavier than a lot of bands from ’77. Propelled by what might be the greatest guitar riff ever laid down, a screaming lead vocal bordering on insanity and more distortion than the entire history of rock and roll before it’s recording date, the Sonics still have no problem kicking your ass in 2011.
The Beach Boys – “Surf’s Up”
There are a few different versions of this song, the most popular being from the 1971 album of the same name. I prefer the one from the Purple Chick Reconstruction of the abandoned SMiLE album. This song may take a few listens to sink in, but the final section is so beautiful it moves me to tears every single time. If this isn’t pop music’s crowning achievement, then it’s surpassed only by another Beach Boys song.
Foster the People – “Pumped Up Kicks”
Between this and Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” I am convinced that we are living in the best time for top 40 music since the Beatles broke up. Perhaps the fact that the early to mid-2000s were so horrible is skewing my view, but since 2007ish things have been getting steadily better and now we’ve arrived in Awesomeland.
John Coltrane – “Part 3: Pursuance”
The first few minutes of this jam single-handedly justifies the existence of every other drum solo in the history of the universe. Every drummer should listen to this song at least once in their life, though it might intimidate many from ever picking a pair of sticks up again. Also, McCoy Tyner is the piano god. Coltrane ain’t half bad either.
