Starting this week, look forward to a weekly column dedicated to a uniquely curated playlist created by yours truly. Each week will contain an hour’s worth of tunes of which resound that week’s theme.
This week’s playlist is aptly titled “Euphoric Hurricane,” which describes my mental state during the last week of midterms and the ultimate euphoria achieved from completing the tenuous week.
- “All Day All Night” (2015) – Moon Taxi
This new tune from Moon Taxi contains such a great message of motivation along with an indie-pop melody that drives the song using delay-tinged lead guitar and a call-and-response rhythm.
- “Small Axe” (1973) – The Wailers
I used to love this song as a kid and it recently was re-introduced to my memory during the Trey Anastasio Band concert I attended last week. The song is classic Bob Marley at his finest with enough upsweeps and political symbolism to get you grooving.
- “Life Like This” (2015) – Kurt Vile
Kurt Vile is honestly one of the best singer-songwriters in indie rock and this track reinforces his twangy attitude. Hidden in the complex stylings of Vile’s sonicwall is a message of taking risks in life with a meaningful payoff.
- “Heart of City (Ain’t No Love)” (2001) – Jay-Z
This classic Hova number reminds me of my skateboarding days and provides me with a sort of relaxing atmosphere where I can unwind and take in that smooth bass line. I highly recommend the Unplugged version of this track.
- “Don’t Worry Baby” (1964) – The Beach Boys
Ah, surf rock of the ’60s at its finest. I have always loved the harmonization between Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys and this song, as inferred by the title, can keep the stress away for the day.
- “Art Deco” (2015) – Lana Del Rey
Whether I like to admit it or not, Del Rey’s voice is simply mesmerizing and this track off her most recent album, “Honeymoon,” brings me back to Miami and let’s me transfer some of that peace back to Fairfield.
- “Us and Them” (1973) – Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd might be my favorite band in classic rock and this David Gilmour-led number is a testament to that statement. That saxophone in the beginning gets me everytime and it is honestly one of the most relaxing songs.
- “Fade Into You” (2015) – J Mascis
This great reimagining of Mazzy Star’s 1993 hit has such an amazing warm tone to it through the use of Mascis’ delayed-acoustic guitar with some of the coolest fills. If me seeing him twice this summer isn’t any indication of my fascination with Dinosaur Jr.’s frontman, I don’t know what is.
- “Holiest” (2014) – Glass Animals
To be honest, I haven’t gotten into Glass Animals until recently and I am still warming up to them. This track, featuring songstress Tei Shi, sounds initially like a bad acid trip. But after multiple listens, the oddity becomes a familiarity, creating a sense of euphoric elevation.
- “Flim” (1997) – Aphex Twin
This three minute track from British techno genius Richard James only contains a piano and an electronic drum pad. But in turn, it is easily one of the most genuine electronic pieces and has even been cited by Skrillex as being one of his earliest inspirations.
- “Candyman” (1970) – Grateful Dead
Don’t be surprised if I place a Dead song into every playlist because their music speaks to me on so many levels. While the song essentially has Garcia describing the tale of a devious drug dealer, the progression of this track from “American Beauty” is country-laced with one of the best sounding slide guitars in psychedelic rock.
- “Where or When” (1990) – Wynton Marsalis
While being the shortest track on this list, this 1937 show tune is masterfully resurrected by Marsalis and his ever-seductive trumpet of which will send goosebumps down anyone’s spine, no matter if it’s your first or thousandth time spinning the tune.
- “Hannah Hunt” (2013) – Vampire Weekend
This tale of lost love by my favorite indie group is also one of their best tracks. The chorus of this song is explosive and the tropical undertones drive the song to perfection.
- “Hoppipolla” (2005) – Sigur Ros
This essential nature documentary tune is hands down the most enchanting number in this repertoire. Spoken in Icelandic and apocalyptic in nature, this song is like Arcade Fire in space.
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