For the past week or so I've been thinking a lot about how my taste in music is almost completely seasonal and dependent on the weather. So with the spring months upon us, it's only appropriate to bring back all of the feel-good, sunny-day tunes that we use to expand on the carefree attitude that comes along with this season of transition into summer. And while I know that not everyone shares my exact taste in music, but I think we can all agree that there's a certain sound that epitomizes the return of leaves on trees and our ability to wear shorts again. So in honor of that, here's a list of songs that personally put me (and hopefully you too) in that winter-is-over type of mindset:
1. Beach House- Wishes
I hadn't thought about this song, or even about Beach House in a while, but they were suddenly brought back to my attention when a music video for "Wishes" (directed by Eric Wareheim of Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!) was released earlier this week. This video is strangely addicting, being simultaneously confusing, hilarious and sincere. I must have watched it at least 10 times, as it reminded me how Beach House's unique, easy-going sound really captures the spirit of the changing weather.
2. Major Lazer- Jessica (ft. Ezra Koenig)
Having pushed back the release date of their upcoming album Free The Universe multiple times, Major Lazer (DJ duo of Diplo and Jillionaire) owes a lot to their patient fans. Just a couple of days ago, they finally came through and released this new track to Annie Mac to prewiew on her BBC 1 radio show, featuring vocals from Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend. Contrary to their typical Jamaican-reggae-dancehall-influenced EDM tracks, this song offers a much more laid-back mood that will surely make you feel like spring is finally here.
3. Elliphant- Down on Life
While we're on the subject of Major Lazer, I first heard this song from Swedish reggae-pop singer Elliphant on one of Diplo's recent mixes for BBC Radio 1, and became obsessed on first listen. Her fresh sound, borrowing from the likes M.I.A. and Santigold, is one that can't be heard enough in the springtime months.
4. Beirut- A Sunday Smile
The spring season is all about bands like Beirut. It's songs like "A Sunday Smile" that make us want to lay down on some fresh grass and stare at the sky for awhile. Zach Codon's harmonious, layered vocals along with a strong horn section and a strumming ukulele are absolutely perfect for playing on a nice, sunny day.
5. Youth Lagoon- Third Dystopia
This is my favorite track off of Youth Lagoon's brand new album Wondrous Bughouse. And while I'm still getting used to his electronic deviation from his first, more minimalist album The Year of Hibernation, I think that this track most reflects his old style while still incorporating his experimentation with different synthetic sounds. Regardless, anything made by Youth Lagoon is promised to please the ear.
6. The Strokes- All The Time
Admit it. EVERYONE loves The Strokes. I couldn't be more excited for the upcoming release of their fifth studio album, Comedown Machine, later this month. This single, along with their other recent single "One Way Trigger" ought to hold us all until then. But for now, The Strokes are always a go-to band to listen to for good times.
7. Sufjan Stevens- Jacksonville
Sufjan Stevens has always been a favorite of mine from the first time I heard "Chicago" in the movie trailer for Little Miss Sunshine. His 2005 LP, Illinois, presented us with many other great songs such as "Casimir Pulaski Day," "The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get Us!" and "The Man of the Metropolis Steals Our Hearts," but "Jacksonville" stands out among the bunch. Featuring a chorus that will surely get stuck in your head, a moving strings section, a banjo and an exuberant chorus of female backup singers (just to name a few of its highlights), this song is a must-have for your springtime playlist.
8. Father John Misty- Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings
Joshua Tillman's (the drummer of Fleet Foxes) band, Father John Misty, is relatively new to the music scene, having released their debut album, Fear Fun, a little less than a year ago, but they're already taking off in the music scene. And with refreshing, subtly dark lyrics plus a solid guitar track to go along with them, this particular song is especially catchy, and just like "Jacksonville," is bound to get stuck in your head (in a good way).
9. Unknown Mortal Orchestra- Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark)
Off of their recently released second LP, Unknown Mortal Orchestra's "Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark)" offers up everything I already love about them. Their perfectly distorted vocals, soft lead guitars and mellow overall sound have the ability to make us feel at ease for extended periods of time, which is just what we all need this time of year.
10. Foxygen- No Destruction
Foxygen's 60's-throwback vibe goes great with the springtime air. Off their most recent album, We Are The Ambassadors of Peace & Magic, this track in particular offers a helping hand for us to realize that winter is finally over.
11. Phoenix- Entertainment
It's been about four years since the release of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, and it's about time that they released some new music. Their new song, "Entertainment," off of their upcoming LP, Bankrupt!, gives us something new and melodious to dance to while we wait for their return to the music scene later in April.
Side note: This music video is nearly as bizarre as Beach House's.
12. James Blake- Retrograde
Normally, I'm not a fan of James Blake, but this track is so exceptional that my bias against him wouldn't let me snub it. It's intense, layered synthesizers along with his projected vocals really make this a song that you can listen to over and over again. Also, it would go along great with a rainy day.
13. The Shins- Sleeping Lessons
And last but not least, here's The Shins' "Sleeping Lessons" off of their third studio album, Wincing the Night Away. It's soft beginning captivates you and then crescendos into pure guitar-driven happiness, leaving you satisfied and thirsting for more at the same time. This song, along with pretty much any other song by The Shins, is crucial to fueling your spring fever. I would almost go as far to say that The Shins are the ultimate springtime band. Almost.
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