Friday Roundup (of News & Thoughts & Such) - March 18th Edition

Welcome to the Friday Roundup (of News and Thoughts and Such) which, at eight consecutive weeks, is channel.WAV’s longest running and most prestigious column. We're switching it up this week, as I, your faithful editor, am stepping in for Brandon Slone during his week from hell. Give him some love when you get a chance, but then go and catch up on some news with us below:

1. Dolly Parton withdraws consideration for Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, is told "no"

In a surprise turn of events this week, local good-guy Dolly Parton wrote a note announcing she was withdrawing her nomination for the upcoming Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame induction. The statement discussed her feelings of "not having earned that right" and not wanting to split votes on the ballot. She did indicate her desire to release a rock album at one point, which we're all here for.

However, there's a bump in the road to withdrawal -- the ballots (numbering in the 1,200 range) we're sent to voters months ago, and those in charge of the show said it is far too late to reverse the process. It remains to be seen if she will attend still and if she will accept the induction if voted in.

2. Jack White reveals plans to release long-lost Prince album, Camille

Jack just can't seem to leave us alone lately, he's been a busy man. Most recently, his partner at Third Man Records, Ben Blackwell, gave an interview to Mojo, letting the world know that his nearly $50,000 test-pressing of Prince's long-lost album Camille is getting a wide release soon enough.

No plans have been announced as of yet, and Third Man would reveal nothing, not even confirmation, but Blackwell stated that Prince's estate agreed "almost too easily." Most of the songs recorded for Camille have come out in one way or another, but never all together as the late artist intended.

3. Snoop Dogg and Death Row remove music from streaming services in favor of NFT collection

This is just about the sleaziest thing since Martin Shrikeli bought the "original NFT," Wu-Tang Clan's infamous million-dollar, single-copy album Once Upon A Time in Shaolin. The very lovable Snoop, who recently bought his old label, Death Row Records, has leaned very heavily into the quickly-fading fad of crypto. You can now only listen to classic albums like The Chronic, Doggystyle, Tha Dogg Father, and more through a purchase of a Death Row NFT.

This is an absolute crock of shit and shame on Snoop for tainting a legacy with greed.

4. Kanye banned from Instagram, channel.WAV

Last week, Brandon said he would no longer speak about Kanye West, and I'm here to let y'all know I stand with him. We are cleansing your music feed of all things Kanye, and it seems Instagram is in agreement after West repeatedly bullied Pete Davidson, DL Hughey, and Trevor Noah over this past week. He was only banned from Insta for a day, but until he learns how to not be an asshole, he will no longer be featured on this website.

So I'm going to take some time now to say what his fans just can't seem to grasp, and something that even I didn't understand for a while. The more you like his posts and the more you say "oh, it will never get that bad, he would never actually harm Kim or his family," the more you empower this man. I implore you, if you care about the safety of women, if you care about creating an environment where everyone can live without the fear of being stalked and harassed, leave this man behind in 2022.

This does not mean you have to stop listening to his music, no one could honestly give a damn, but it's time to shadow-ban him from our collective thought until further notice. Ignore his antics, or find somewhere else to read about him being an absolute ass.

What's channel.WAV listening to?

Botts: I recently found out I have an original White album. Considering everything in Ukraine and global politics sliding back into the 1950s, enjoy a classic.

Slone: One of my favorite albums of all time is the soundtrack to a 20-year-old video game. Check out the Silent Hill 2 soundtrack by Akira Yamaoka on Spotify, which seamlessly blends ambient music, industrial metal, and lo-fi trip hop. Standout tracks “Null Moon,” “Heaven’s Night,” and “Alone in the Town” are a whole vibe that puts your favorite “chill hip hop beats to study to” YouTube channel to shame.

Ritter: Griselda Records has been dominating hip-hop releases early into this year, following up Conway the Machine's stellar God Don't Make Mistakes, with the just as great Tana Talk 4 from Benny the Butcher.

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I'd love to hear more from YOU, faithful reader -- give us a brief description of a feature you'd like to see us include here on channel.WAV in the comments below! We might pick the best one and write it up ourselves. Maybe. Probably not. 

- Ritter