So, it’s the week before spring break. Five days left till one week of pure freedom from reading, tests and Mac lab hours. Hopefully, one week of freedom from Columbia’s weird weather and an escape to an exotic and foreign land, or just to Mom and Dad’s couch. Either way, there is one thing I know I will be needing on my trip up to Boston and one thing you’ll be needing as you sit and bask in the glory of doing absolutely nothing: an amazing mix CD.
A mix CD can say a lot about a person. I’m not trying to do that. This is not a list of me in musical form. This is simply a spring break mix. I am trying to provide you with new and exciting songs that will give your break an awesome soundtrack. Because your life needs a soundtrack.
1. Bibio- “Lover’s Carvings”
Get out of the funk of studying and pressure. Listen as this band musically levels with you and then brings you to a better and happier place away from the stress of school.
2. The Drums- “Let’s Go Surfing!”
This sounds exactly like what the title entails: fun, beachy, summery. Although this album was released at the beginning of the fall it is nothing but beach music, so if you want to think it’s summer, listen to this.
3. Washed Out- “New Theory”
Life of Leisure has done nothing but blow up the charts and blogosphere. Please, please, please take your first spring break nap to this song. It will relax you almost immediately.
4. Local Natives- “Sun Hands”
This song has dreamy guitar and entrancing vocals. For those of us who still have things to do on spring break, it will get us up and at ‘em but still leave us in a state of relaxation. The bridge is sick; it will get you so psyched to get work done. Have an interview for an internship? Listen, be calmed down and psyched all at once.
5. The Very Best- “Ambling Alp” (Yeasayer Overdub)
Okay, it has Yeasayer’s upbeat “Get me excited for my day” grooves, with the light and fun vocals of a sincere Malawian singing joyously in Chichewan. Going somewhere exotic? Listen. Want to act like you’re somewhere exotic? Listen. Just want to hear good music? Listen.
6. Surfer Blood- “Floating Vibes”
Want to know what is making a lot of noise in the music world right now? It’s this song. Surfer Blood is fun, fresh and gives me everything I like in rock music. Strings, skeletal guitar tones, solid drums and just an overall well produced sound. Just groove to it.
7. Vampire Weekend- “Horchata”
Vampire Weekend is quickly becoming a household name and it’s cool. Their new album “Contra” raced to the top of the Billboard Charts this January. Their sound is worldly and light. Ezra Koeing’s voice is soothing and approachable. Everyone will like this song; pop it in on the ride to your destination and you’ll be certain to arrive with a smile.
8. The Hood Internet- “Two Weeks of Hip Hop” (Dead Prez & Grizzly Bear Mash-up)
Add one of the best indie songs of last year to Dead Prez’s hip-hop lyrics, and you get the sickest song to go out to or black out to. Whatever you choose, seriously please let this be the soundtrack to your nights of mischief. I beg you. Feel the indie thug flowing through your veins, and embrace it. It is “bigger than hip-hop.”
So, add these songs to your recent jams, a few ridiculous high school songs and your vacation classics, and you’ll be well on your way to having the perfect vacation soundtrack!
Well, safe travels, guys! For those of us going up North, we need to stay warm! And for those of you going to the beach, don’t get too tan. You‘ll look ridiculous standing next to us pale folk. And to those of you just going home, try to escape from humanity for a bit and relax….but bring your iPod of course!
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