November 6th, 2016...the first day of fall for the year. Can we just talk about how sad this is in that we will only get a few good weeks of fall now before it turns straight to winter and we spend December through February trapped in a frozen tundra? But, this does mean we can finally put away all of our upbeat summer music and turn on the joyous sounds of all things melancholy, or if you're me, you can now just play them loudly without the deep scrutiny of your friends. So, here's a list of both old and new that I'm jamming to this fall. Enjoy.
1. Bon Iver
22, A Million. This whole record is incredible and I couldn't pick one song. It all just flows so well and is really everything we needed this fall. Thank you, Justin Vernon. You're a genius.
2. Jimmy Eat World
Integrity Blues, the title track from newest album, is what really caught my attention, but then quickly lead me back to their 2001 album, Bleed American. Let us not forget about Cautioners.
3. Kings Kaleidoscope
Their record came out in June, but I cannot get enough of A Prayer. It's insanely raw and real. It's one of those songs that just hits you in the gut. If you listen to anything from this list, this is the one.
4. Relient K
2016 has been good to us, you guys. Relient K is back and coming to OKC this week. Someone go for me, please. This record is more upbeat than what I normally go for (especially this time of year) but it's fun and 7th grade me is VERY happy. Check out Air for Free. Heartache gets stuck in my head each time I listen to it, but Prodigal is also a good one.
5. The Lumineers
I kind of forget about them every summer, but then as soon as fall hits I have an "Oh yeah!" moment. Slow it Down and Gale Song make my little melancholy heart sing.
6. alt-J
I'm always down for some alt-J. Especially when the air is crisp and there's a light drizzle happening outside my window....sorry, daydreaming.
7. Josh Garrels
Oh Josh Garrels. Who am I kidding. I will listen to you all year and I'm counting down the days until Light Came Down comes out. We're at 18 days, people! Until then I will just keep my longing at bay with this little gem. See you in December, my friend.
8. Christmas Music
Now, I'm not quite there yet because I will always be an advocate for every holiday having it's own day and rightful seasons, but if you are one of those strange humans who is willing to look past all calendrical formalities then there's a new album out by Frontline that is bound to get you in the Christmas spirit.
So this ended up being an odd little mix of songs and records, but hopefully it will get you started this fall. What are you listening to? I'm always down to check out new music.
