The perfect playlist cures autumn's ailments
By Anna Williams, Staff Writer
November 5, 2007 | 8 p.m.
The dropping temperatures and puddle-filled streets may dampen some students’ spirits. A potential cure for this can come in the form of a hot drink, a comfy chair, friends and a playlist of mellow songs. However, for many of OU’s students, autumn is all about the longer nights and the parties that start earlier, so upbeat party songs are also essential. Once the sun goes down and the bonfire is going, music must be playing. Songs that keep everyone dancing are definitely a necessity on those nights when the temperature falls below 40 degrees.
Below are two lists of songs compiled to keep students from the ailments of autumn. Embrace the falltime blues with these tranquil tunes, and stay warm with these party songs.
Tranquil Autumn Tunes:
“A Lack of Color” - Death Cab For Cutie
Imagine what nature sounds like as it is dying: leaves are falling in the cool wind, and the grass is covered in frost. "A Lack of Color" embodies those cold autumn days with the droning sound of a chilly breeze resonating in the background throughout the entire song. Lyrics of lost love and regret paired with the melancholy melody would put anyone in the mood for fall.
“October Leaves” - The Good Life
The Good Life stopped in Athens this past September, and as a tribute to the band's outstanding performance, “October Leaves” deserves a spot on this playlist. This slow-paced, deeply lyrical song truly captures the feeling of heartache. Autumn is used as a metaphor for the slow fade of love in a relationship: “The days when we made it, the world was green/ Now autumn has fallen, everything’s changed.” A spacey, distorted electric guitar makes listeners feel a sense of mind-over-body, like a separation from the eerie atmosphere that goes along with the season.
“Pink Bullets” - The Shins
This is the perfect song to soundtrack a walk down the bike path on a dreary day, contemplating the woes and wonders of life. Singer James Mercer captivates the anguish felt after breaking up with someone he once loved.
“Summer’s Gone” - The Kinks
On the same note as Mercer, Ray Davies of The Kinks also sings about a love that he lost. “Summer’s Gone” is from The Kinks’ 1984 album Word of Mouth, adding the classic rock element to this playlist. The electric guitar gives these melancholy lyrics a livelier aura than the other songs.
“Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” - The White Stripes
Hard guitar riffs and Jack White’s warbling vocals make this classic White Stripes song a must-have for an up-tempo version of the autumn blues.
“Naked as we Came” - Iron & Wine
Mellow does not even begin to describe the serenity of this song. Practically every song on Iron & Wine’s 2004 album Our Endless Numbered Days could be the soundtrack for a chilly, drab fall, but this one in particular puts one in the mood to just relax and enjoy the beauty of life. Also, the song “Resurrection Fern” from the band's new album, The Shepard’s Dog, which came out earlier this autumn, is another song to look into for a contemplative stroll in fall.
“Videotape” – Radiohead
The spaced-out, piano-based tune that is named “Videotape” comes from Radiohead’s new album, In Rainbows. The song is reminiscent of the OK Computer sound, with lyrics filled with gloomy solace. While listening to it, one could imagine a leaf falling from a tree with every note played by the piano. The melody’s dismal sound would definitely set the mood for a chilly night by a fire with some tea and a good read.
“Pale September” – Fiona Apple
Apple’s haunting lyrics in “Pale September,” which are accompanied by soft piano and flute, would set anyone at ease during this time of the year. Her classic, raspy voice embodies the chill and crisp ambiance that comes once summer leaves. This song is off her debut album Tidal that was released in 1996.
Essentials For Fall Parties:
“The Moneymaker” - Rilo Kiley
Rilo Kiley would generally be on this list for the former category of gloomy, mellow songs, but the release of the group's album Under the Blacklight in August 2007 has taken the band in a completely new direction. This pop song about the sex industry has a catchy hook and a fast tempo, making it a song that will have everyone dancing.
“Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” - Daft Punk
Before Kanye, Daft Punk crafted this hyped-up techno ditty by combining two of its biggest hits. This song certainly will get people moving and keep the cold away.
“The Con” - Tegan and Sara
Canadian pop stars Tegan and Sara have finally cracked mainstream America with their fourth album titled The Con, which was released in July 2007. This song combines an infectious beat with harmony and pop sensibility that partygoers will find extremely hard to stop dancing to.
These songs should serve as some consolation to those students who are feeling the fall blues. Search iTunes’ iMixes for additional autumn mixed tape ideas to compile the ultimate autumn playlist. And remember to welcome these cooler days with some optimism because they are here for another five months.
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To legally download any of the songs on these playlists, head over to Ruckus.