I am currently a junior at Aspen High and the host of The Will Kahn Show on Aspen Public Radio. At 10 pm every Friday night on APR (that’s 91.5 on your radio dial) I put together an hour-long radio show that consists of an eclectic mix of music that I curate the night before. The songs I play range in genre from Hip Hop and Electronic to Indie Rock, and I provide commentary for each tune. For more information about my show, please visit the Aspen Public Radio website aspenpublicradio.org.

My Playlist of the Week…

This week’s playlist features a fundamentally diverse blend of musical ballads that span the last five decades.  Each of these tunes play out like a novel or film, telling a fervent, heady personal story that offers an excellent escape into an artist’s mind.

“The Devil May Care (Mom & Dad Don’t)”- The Brian Jonestown Massacre: Lead singer of the Brian Jonestown Massacre, Anton Newcombe, wrote this impassioned psychedelic rock ballad about his strained relationship with his estranged parents. The lyrics are poignant and the instrumentation is hallucinatory. This is one of the most wistfully moving compositions Newcombe has ever recorded.

“Candy Says”- The Velvet Underground: The Velvet Underground are famous for their explicit accounts of what it meant to live in New York City during the sixties. Originally products of the mythical Warhol Factory, they are essentially the first urban, bohemian rock story tellers. “Candy Says” is the story of a conflicted soul trying to fit into the harsh world that surrounds her. The song is mellow, but packs a lot of emotional resonance into its four minute running time.

“Disorder”- Joy Division: Lead singer Ian Curtis’ untimely death permanently stunted the output of one of the most innovative post punk alternative rock bands in history. “Disorder” is a complex, downcast anthem featuring a pulsing bass line and unforgettable lead guitar. Curtis’ signature deep, booming croon is stylistically original and overwhelmingly beautiful.

“Suck”-Yuck: Even though Yuck released their eponymously titled debut record in 2011, they are the epitome of the 90’s indie rock sound, reminiscent of bands like Pavement, Dinosaur Jr. and Superchunk.” On “Suck”, the band turns down the overdrive and the product is a melodious lo-fi romantic rock ballad. This track is definitely worth a couple of listens.