Will it be a white Christmas this year? I mean, let’s be real. Probably not. It’ll most likely be a cool 30 degrees the night of and then a balmy 67 on Christmas day. Regardless, download this wintery play list and let it be the soundtrack to your winter break.
- December by Regina Spektor
Oh, Regina. Your melancholy piano melodies and aching lyrics can thaw even the iciest of heart. “Come on and say you’re sorry, real sorry for the trouble that you caused, can’t you see all this love, can’t you see all this love? If the month of December started off with heartbreak for any of you, then this is the song you need to work through it.
- Neon Dove by Gardens & Villa
Off their self-titled debut album, “Neon Dove” is not a song but a cry, complete with rhythmic drums, entrancing guitars, and birdlike flutes, with the last 47 seconds of the song culminating into a chaotic tribal chant. This song is perfect for pushing through those long days, the kind where it’s 3:45 and pitch black outside. Careful, though. You’ll find yourself listening to this song over and over again, and every single one of your Facebook friends will know and think you have severe issues. (Not that I speak from personal experience or anything.) AHEM, Spotify.
- White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes
A classic? Yes, therefore I don’t need to gush about the wonderfulness and joy that are the Fleet Foxes. Blast this song in your headphones as you step out of your apartment and head to class, work, or anywhere else your heart desires. It’ll be a good day.
- Aminals by Baths
In the past month, Baths has completely captured my heart. A one-man electric and ambient fusion style band, Will Wiesenfeld, who is a classically trained musician, does some absolutely fantastic things with his first full-length album, Cerulean. “Aminals” is an upbeat track that just makes you feel like a kid again. It’ll put an extra spring your step as trudge through slush and snow.
- Drought of Snow by A Great Big Pile of Leaves
Speaking of snow, check out this nostalgic track from a fun-loving Brooklyn trio. “Missing the snowflake on the tip of my tongue, that tasted of all that I have ever known to love, stay outside all day, never go inside, stay outside all day long, never get tired.” Now these guys really know what winter is all about. Once our finals are over, we should listen to em’.
- Cherry by Ratatat
Although there are no wintery undertones to this 6-minute electronic slow jam, I see this as being the perfect song to take a long walk to on a winter night. Picture it-it’s chilly, but not too cold, and the sky is a cloudless winter shade of lavender. Turn up Ratatat, ok? And turn down everything else.
- Bad Past Gone Away by NewVillager
Apparently, winter, to me, means electronic infused music. Here’s another Brooklyn based band providing us with a jam you’ll want to listen to 5 more times after your first try. Listen to this while you’re sitting in a toasty coffee shop, eating you chicken noodle soup and people watching.
- Snow Days by Real Estate
Only play this if there is a snow day. Pair with fuzzy socks, hot chocolate, and your favorite novel. Enjoy.
- Winter ’05 by Ra Ra Riot
“If you were here, winter wouldn’t pass quite so slow, and if you were here, then I’d have a choice to live, not be alone.” Oh go ahead. You’ve made it this far. Just cry. JUST CRY YOUR LITTLE HEARTS OUT.
- Carol of the Bells by Thrice
Done crying? Good! Here’s a cover of a Christmas classic by a band you probably haven’t listened to since the 8th grade.