february '20
I’ve been putting off writing. Too busy feeling a lack of motivation these past few weeks while away from the place and the people I love most. Instead of giving the world another melancholy playlist full of dance bops– I want to share the 9 songs I listened to in February when we were last on campus together; when life was normal. I was in this odd music rut where I couldn’t listen to anything new. All I wanted to do was listen to these songs. They wrapped me up in comfort like a warm blanket as I laughed, danced and loved with my friends. I can’t quite say what about these songs drew me to them at the time, but I can turn them on now when I’m missing my favorite people hoping they bring some comfort or maybe even joy.
Something For Your M.I.N.D. by Superorganism. My lovely friend Abby started playing me this song one night. It’s funky, cool and so fun to dance to. It’s got a hypnotic beat. Superorganism is a group of artists who come together to hangout and make music. It’s all bizarre but in the best way.
Night time by Superorganism. After Abby introduced me to this group, I fell in love with their sound. Night Time is another collection of odd experimental sounds like Something For Your M.I.N.D. It’s got this level of detail that isn’t always seen in music today. I love all the layers of sound in it.
Darling by Christian Leave. I have to admit this playlist isn’t in any particular order given that this is a huge switch up from Superorganism. This is soft and sweet and full of love. My favorite lyric is “When I can’t have you by my side, it makes me cry.” It might be a love song but I think about my friends when I listen to it. I’m in love with every single one of them in their own way. When I listen to this I just want to be snuggled up on a cold day watching Lady Bird with them again.
Run by Joji. Another change of pace. Dear God I am so sorry this is a bizarre list of songs. I can’t tell you why this song is on there. I like to sing it in the shower. I belt it out and feel the beat in my bones. It’s got this beautiful guitar and is haunting as every Joji song is.
Sweet Tooth by Cavetown. I love Cavetown. My most listened to song is Green by Cavetown. Sweet Tooth is from his Valentine’s Day EP and it’s gentle and melodic. It talks about how he’s got a soft spot for someone, “I like you, say it back” repeats over and over. It’s a hope, asking desperately for someone to feel the same. It isn’t sad though which I think is why I’m drawn to it.
Back of a Cab by King Princess. King Princess released 5 extra songs from Cheap Queen and this is my favorite. It’s so sexy. And yes, it is sad but it’s got this finality to it. It’s a goodbye. I think I love this because it reminds me of sitting on the floor of a McBride dorm room, listening to new music and being so full of every good feeling.
Forget About It by King Princess. This is another one of those extra songs. It’s a lot happier than Back of a Cab. It’s about good things coming when she’s patient. Funnily enough I think that fits right now.
Lovewave by The 1-800. This song sounds a lot like the 80’s. It makes me feel like I’m standing in the back of a club. This was played on a radio show I sat in on and now I listen to it and think of dancing in the booth.
Cheers by The Slaps. This was also played on that same radio show (Thank you Chris) and I can’t turn it off. It feels good and I think this is a good note to end on. It sounds like being at a picnic in the spring where the sun is shining and flowers have just bloomed. It’s sleepy but dance-y at the same time.
I know my feelings for these songs might seem repetitive; I did only listen to 9 songs for a month straight though so go figure. You could say I’m a little attached, but I think I'm just nostalgic.
Ellie Haljun