74 episodes
Night Clerk Radio: Haunted Music Reviews Ross Payton, Birk McBirkinson
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5.0 • 19 Ratings
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Birk and Ross plumb the depths of vaporwave, dark ambient, and other haunted genres of music. Discover new music to listen to and find out why we're drawn to retro aesthetics and dark music.
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Vaporwave and Consumerism
'Tis the season of consumption, so all through this episode we’re rambling about the various ways in which vaporwave interacts with consumerism. We introduce the various arguments for vaporwave as a critique of consumerism. We then discuss all of the unfortunate ways our consumer culture impacts vaporwave (or any) artists. It’s a feel good holiday episode!
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Discord Fall Recommendations
In this episode, we’re going through the last few months of music shared and recommended on the Discord server for our Patreon community. We discuss eight albums that range from classic vaporwave to signalwave to dark ambient and beyond.
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New Releases from Old Favorites
In this episode, we’re checking out two new-ish releases from artists we love: 폐점 by 식료품groceries and Nameless Dreamers by Equip & R23X. That’s it. Just chatting about two albums we really liked. Check them out!
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Halloween with Winterquilt
In this bonus episode, we’re talking about the brand new vapormetal album from podcast-favorite, Winterquilt. This album is an energetic journey through an eclectic blend of genres ranging from death metal to donk. Check it out!
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Exploring the Witch House
In this episode, we’re exploring the unique genre of occult-inspired electronica known as Witch House. We share our thoughts on a wide variety of Witch House tracks, the appeal of its aesthetic, and its connection to vaporwave. A huge thanks to our patrons on Discord for recommending this topic.
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The Music of clown core
In this episode, we’re talking about the music of clown core, a duo whose music is a unique and abrasive blend of highly technical jazz, metal, and electronica with a healthy side of vulgarity. We also discuss the appeal of high-effort memes, the purpose of artistic creation, and the importance of experiencing challenging art.
Customer Reviews
This show is the only way I want to learn about philosophy
but im begrudgingly looking up the references and even reading books despite my best efforts. for me it’s the perfect balance of the actual music (just enough) and discussion (a lot of it). And I appreciate how how the musing, and the associations the hosts make are still always rooted in the subject at hand, no wild podcast-style irresponsible liberties or misrepresentation of the concepts.
Haunted Music? I’m in!
Positives:
Ross and Birk have a layers-deep understanding of the nuance behind Vaporwave, and all of its various sub genres. Their knowledge, passion, and vocabulary on the subject is evident, and usually very enjoyable to listen to.
The commentary and musical analysis is thought provoking, and the added context from their own understanding of each album is interesting.
If nothing else, I’ll always be grateful for their recommendation of the Miles to Midnight album, which I never knew I needed. It’s exceptional.
Suggestions:
I would describe my interest in Vaporwave as curious, but not committed. To be honest, for someone like me, the discussion can shift a little over my head at times. I’m not saying that creators should always cater for the lowest common denominator, but perhaps ease us in a bit?
Additionally, I was surprised at the ratio of track samples to discussion. Maybe it’s not their intent, and the topics are certainly interesting, but I’d love to hear more of the music.
Summary:
If you love Ross and Birk, or have even a passing interest in Vaporwave, give this a shot. It seems evident that they’re still working through show format and deciding on what works, but it’s a good listen.