The season is changing at LM, and with it, our playlists. When the weather gets cooler, the leaves get brighter, and our days get shorter, we like to get those cozy feelings in our houses and in our headphones. Here’s what you should be listening to this fall.
There are a few artists (or bands) who can consistently capture that signature autumn sound year-round, who have that craveable damp, angsty essence. No one screams (or whispers) angst quite like Cigarettes After Sex. With a somber, melancholy tone to every tune, this band is known for the understated emotion that emanates from their songs. I love them for the sheer simplicity of the melody in each song. Their songs mostly stick to a similar vibe, but it definitely works for them.
The next band you need on your playlist this fall, which was frequently recommended by the LM students I interviewed, is also known for being emotional, but definitely not understated. Tell me you don’t need to hear Thom Yorke of Radiohead crooning, “I am a moth who just wants to share your light” on the track “All I Need” while you’re trudging through leaves in the dark. The haunting melodies and emotional complexities of Radiohead songs are the epitome of a gloomy, introspective night.
In contrast, Phoebe Bridgers and Adrianne Lenker are two artists I listen to for a whispery sound, almost like an autumn breeze. Although often soft-spoken, neither woman can be characterized as “quiet” in the gravity of their lyrics. Both artists convey messages that feel nothing short of heart-stabbing in every piece they write—perfect for your ideal walk through the crisp air to another long, long day of school.
Finally, The Smiths, another moody male band in all its glory, is a perfect seasonal pick. Of course, all of their songs are fall favorites, but Lilah Spitzer ’29 suggests “Asleep” as an option.
Traveling farther back in time gives us some more classic fall tunes. The Smashing Pumpkins, already characteristically autumnal by their title, have a couple great ones, including my personal favorite, “1979,” and “The Boy,” which was recommended by another student, Claire Johnson ’29.
Next, “Space Song” by Beach House has a less upbeat tone but makes up for it in gorgeous cascading note patterns that trail behind the entire song. Similarly, “Fear” by Current Joys is a great slower song with a tune that feels the same way that its lyrics sound: perfectly melancholic. The opening four lines are accompanied by a simple bass line in the back as they sing, “I never felt it when I was young, I never knew where it came from, now I feel it like a hurricane, and it’s so hard to stop the rain” (referring to the idea of the title—fear). A few other songs from Current Joys explore the same semi-nostalgic ideas in a similar way. In a more soft-pop-like approach, “we fell in love in October,” by girl in red, is—as you can tell by the October reference—not only heavily fall-themed but also quite catchy.
On a happier and lighter note, “Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye,” by Leonard Cohen, is a song recommended by Lena Goedde ’29 for a fall playlist. In contrast, for something on the gloomier side, Phoebe Morris’29 recommends “Lilac Wine” by Jeff Buckley. As a fellow Jeff Buckley fan, he’s certainly fantastic for fall weather, but not if you don’t want to bawl your eyes out while you’re at it; if you do, I’d try starting with “Forget Her” and, of course, “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over.” Finally, if you haven’t had enough reminiscing and heartbreak, listen to “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron and “About You” by The 1975.
While we may all listen to music, not all of us know how to properly shake up our soundscapes when a new season rolls around. I hope this has given you a fun playlist and some authentic autumn tunes to listen to—happy fall, LM!
