With September winding down and the cooler winds of winter blowing in, everyone is in need of a back-to-school iPod update. Whether putting in a serious study session or just walking around campus with your pumpkin spice latte, plug in the Falling Forward Spotify playlist and get in the autumn mood. Below is a quick highlight of some of the artists and songs presented, and be sure to scope out a full collection of music from the artists included.
“Better Than” – John Butler Trio
‘You can be better than that/don’t let it get the better of you
What can be better than that/love’s not about what’s better than.’
Autumn’s crisp mornings are always a great time to wake up early and get a head start on your day (or finish the assignment you procrastinated on until the last moment). Either way, if you need a song to motivate you to hop out of bed and get amped about your day, listen to “Better Than.” Australian-born banjo savant John Butler knows how to inspire his audience to live purposefully, without worrying about the judgment of others. Play this song, pull up your blinds and let the sunlight shine in.
“Get Free” (feat. Amber of the Dirty Projectors) – Major Lazer
Major Lazer and its nucleus, Diplo, have been all over the scene this summer infamously making girls “twerk” at their high-energy EDM shows. So this low-key track may come as a surprise for those who associate Major Lazer with their usual down and dirty dancehall bangers.
In “Get Free”, they employ the vocal talents of Amber Coffman from the Dirty Projectors in a melancholy dub that includes hints of their signature tropical influence. “Get Free” gives all of the Caribbean soul we associate with summertime fun, but packaged up with Coffman’s soothing vocals and a leisurely tempo, it becomes a great tune to plug in while traversing from Sturm to Daniels or over to Illegal Pete’s. Listen up for this track when you’re walking through the fallen leaves feeling nostalgic for palm trees and summer sun.
“Shuggie” – Foxygen
Formed out of California, Foxygen evokes the avant-garde origins of rock’n’roll notably lacking in the genre today. Listening to them hearkens back to the golden days of the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Bob Dylan and the Beatles, all rolled into one epic and indefinable amalgamation of talent.
While starting school in the fall almost always includes a new wardrobe, sometimes you may feel too timid to wear that outlandish outfit that you swore you would. So next time you think that you’re not rock’n’roll enough to make those crazy clothes look cool, let Foxygen’s over-the-top style inspire you to wear it with confidence. So for the nights you just feel like rocking combat boots and fur coats, drop Foxygen on your record player and enjoy.
“MS” – Alt-J
Originating out of Leeds, England, the rock quartet Alt-J has been somewhat of a musical phenomenon since the release of their album “An Awesome Wave” (note: this also an accurate description of the album – it is indeed an awesome wave of music).
The entire album is ideal to put on when you need some mellow but positively -charged jams to study to. In “MS,” lead singer Joe Newman’s unique vocals will put you in a focused trance without distracting your mind from what you are reading. Go grab yourself a double-espresso, set up your study space, and let Alt-J put you in the zone, chief.
“Once in a Lifetime” – Talking Heads
Since being a college undergraduate is only experienced once in a lifetime, this classic Talking Heads track seems like an appropriate addition to the playlist. There are always going to be times in college when we know we should head over to the library to complete that reading or that nagging assignment. On the other hand, there will be also times when we could take a risk, lose some sleep, and have the time of our lives. This track is all about making that carpe diem happen.
So sometimes when you’re asking yourself what to do, it’s okay to get a little crazy. Your world will still be “the same as it ever was.”
“Unlucky Sin” – Shakey Graves
Hailing from Texas’ capital city of Austin, Alejandro Rose-Garcia, also known as Shakey Graves, is a multi-talented folk performer whose bare-boned acoustics will take you to that place in your memory wherethe air is crisp and stars shine bright.
For the days when obstacles seem infinite and you need time to re-center your chi: pick a tree with beautiful orange leaves, lie beneath it, and let his impressive guitar picking in “Unlucky Sin” wash over your stress. The acoustic melodies found on his album are an excellent soundtrack for the dreamy fall season.
Don’t forget to find out what other great coffee-sipping, school-starting, funky fall tunes have been deemed worthy of the Clarion’s playlist over on Spotify. Good luck with Fall Quarter Pios!
To listen to the Falling Forward playlist, visit DU Clarion online at duclarion.com.
