Let’s face it, coming back after a winter break as long as DU’s is painstaking, to say the least. Paired with winter weather melancholy that strikes on days when the mountains are just out of reach, this time of year can be a struggle.
But accepting January for what it is can be refreshing. Here are some wintry tunes to get you through the abrupt start of the quarter and the winter nights that accompany it.
Camera Obscura, “New Year’s Resolution”
The name is slightly self-explanatory on this one. Camera Obscura’s Scottish indie-pop sound combines with lyrics that perfectly portray every new year’s bind: a desire to start fresh while still being reluctantly tied to things past. While the lyrics hint at something melancholy, the ease of listening this song provides might lull you into a sense of comfort with things bygone and things to come.
Fleetwood Mac, “Never Going Back Again”
For some, 2013 wasn’t a difficult year to leave behind. With this timeless composition by Fleetwood Mac, we can give the previous year the big middle finger it might deserve. And there’s literally no going back.
Dirty Art Club, “Neon Dreams”
“Neon Dreams” conjures visions of blurred city lights and frosty breath hovering in chill air. Dirty Art Club doesn’t take no for an answer, flinging the listener deep into a groove of stylish retro contentment. This one will add that extra bit of warmth that every winter evening needs, and it might even possess the capacity to prompt a toasty summertime daydream or two.
Toro y Moi, “High Living”
Certain Coloradans may have seen 2014 as a particularly happy new year, with the legalization of marijuana greeting us promptly on January 1. This tune’s trippy instrumentals and laid-back dub beat can act as an homage to the Mile High City, which seems to have taken on a new meaning as of late. Maybe take a stroll down High Street and give this song a good listen.
James Blake, “A Case of You”
James Blake’s cover of Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You” will break your heart and heal it simultaneously. A departure from his usual electronic backing, the song’s allure hovers in the pauses between uncluttered piano chords and nestles in heartbreaking and soulful male vocals. Winter has a tendency to harken thoughts back to lost loves. Do the reminiscing with this song as your poignant companion.
Bibio, “À tout à l’heure”
This hopeful track’s title translates to “See you later.” Bibio ensures the eradication of seasonal affective disorder with this one. Nothing wrong with some solo late-night dancing between bouts of studying (or procrastinating, for that matter).
Andrew Bird, “Pulaski at Night”
Andrew Bird is a good listen no matter what time of year. This song really needs no explanation. Its brief instrumental interlude at 2:41 showcases strings, pizzicato and the value of a lull. Winter may feel like a lull, but slowing down and letting the strings do their thing isn’t such a bad choice.
Dan Croll, “Home”
Dan Croll’s voice feels like home in its uncanny familiarity. It’s like that blanket that has been on your couch for as long as you can remember, and despite its tattered disarray, it still outdoes all other blankets in its ability to provide warmth. This song does the same, so curl up on the couch with your Ipod and that blanket, and you’re sure to excel at winter coziness.
Bill Evans, “Peace Piece”
Bill Evans’ “Peace Piece” is exactly what it purports to be in its title. This deceivingly simple exercise in musical meditation is the perfect song to guide a little bit of winter quarter introspection. You’ll likely find yourself lying on your bed wrapped in a comforter staring out the window as snow spirals downward while listening to this song on repeat. Don’t be thrown by the climactic dissonance freckling the midsection of this piece, but rather embrace it as part of the contemplative journey.
Audego, “From My Blue”
“From My Blue” is fresh, sexy and unexpected. Yummy electronics make this just the right song for chilling out after a long day of focusing too hard for a brain deteriorated by weeks of Netflix marathons and holiday overeating.
Listen to the rest of this playlist on Spotify.
