The one thing that we all have in common during the fall semester is being stressed and if music is a reflection of our emotions and a method of release, then different people will need different music as their form of therapy. This list acknowledges that need for variety, while also making sure to align with a certain fall vibe. Whether you are looking for some new music to study to, or just something to get you through your hike up campus, here are 10 recommendations for albums to help you survive the fall semester.
“Either/Or” – Elliott Smith
Arguably the most quintessential fall album. Smith’s third solo album supplies the same type of calm that a fall walk home from campus can provide. While Smith’s legendary influence in the music industry is impossible to deny, it’s his down-to-earth approachability that continues to draw in new listeners from every generation. Released in 1997, the album was originally ignored as it didn’t rank on any charts. However, Smith was eventually given his time in the spotlight when three of his songs from “Either/Or” were included in the “Good Will Hunting” soundtrack, and his song, “Miss Misery” was nominated for Best Original Song at the 1998 Academy Awards.
The title of the album comes from Søren Kierkegaard’s book also titled “Either/Or” or “Enten – Eller” in the book’s original language of Danish. The book examines a life of hedonism and aesthetically-driven choices, as well as a life of responsibility and objectiveness. These two conflicting life views present themselves in the context of Smith’s music and lyricism on his album.
“You can do what you want to/Whenever you want to/You can do what you want to/There’s no one to stop you” (“Ballad of Big Nothing,” “Either/Or,” Elliott Smith).
“Transatlanticism” – Death Cab for Cutie
Death Cab for Cutie’s fourth studio album transports you to the Y2K grunge fantasy you’re dreaming of when fall comes around. It’s an album that exists in the minds of those that used to listen to their music on an iPod, and an essential for those that wish they could make Uggs a thing again. Additionally, its theme of separation and isolation over physical distances, as well as emotional boundaries, makes the album relatable for those college students away from home for the first time.
After the band’s separation in 2001, it was unknown whether or not they would ever be able to work together again. Especially since the source of their break-up was tension between the band members. Benjamin Gibbard, singer and songwriter for the band, had created “Give Up” the only album and unpredictable success for The Postal Service during Death Cab for Cutie’s brief hiatus. However, in late 2002, the band regrouped with one new band member and after about half a year of recording, released their most influential album, “Transatlanticism.” Coincidentally, Elliot Smith’s influence on the band can be heard on the final track of the album, “A Lack of Color.”
“I’m reaching for the phone/To call at 7:03/And on your machine, I slur a plea for you to come home/But I know it’s too late/And I should have given you a reason to stay/Given you a reason to stay” (“A Lack of Color,” “Transatlanticism,” Death Cab for Cutie).
“EELS” – Being Dead
For fans of the indie feel-good, yet lyrically self-conscious, Being Dead’s most recent album is a great choice for fall. Their garage surf rock sound feels familiar to Alvvays, but the duet between the two lead singers provides a fresh take to something that may feel overdone. “EELS” is the second album for the band, and was released about a year ago. While the album is far from recognizable, its release was met with critical acclaim from various music publications such as Pitchfork and Paste.
The album boasts the tiniest bit of angst and spook that reminds the listener of impending Halloween. The uniqueness of the album does not immediately present itself to the listener, as the majority of the songs may sound a bit sparse. But within the cracks of each song, there are additions of musical instruments such as Mellotron, banjo and Casio drums. The sudden changes between form, melody and even key grant a whiplash nature that is juxtaposed with the sweet melodies formed in the vocals.
“Sundial” – Noname
“Sundial” is the second studio album for the Chicagoan slam poet. If you haven’t encountered her music, it’s worth it to take the time to sit down and listen through it. It’s clear that her mastery of lyricism and delivery are her preferred methods for providing her audience with a deeper understanding of the world around us. The themes surrounding this album intellectually confront Black American artistry in a predominately white culture.
Another intriguing aspect to the album is the number of features. Every additional artist brings their own unique sound to the album. This exemplifies the talent of Noname, as someone who can work with and adapt to create sonic aesthetics with anyone. One of the highlights of the album is “namesake”, with the catchy production and thorny jabs at some of the biggest names in the music industry, like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna and Jay-Z.
“Go, Rihanna, go/Watch the fighter jet fly high/ War machine gets glamorized/We play the game to pass the time”
“This Old Dog” – Mac DeMarco
Similarly to Elliott Smith, Demarco’s most attractive quality is his amiable personality. From his gap-toothed grin to his childlike whimsy when he performs, he is the perfect example of what kind of art can come from just enjoying what you do. But this analysis is not to underwhelm the intense themes of self-reflection and philosophy that can be found in the album.
“Once a life, believes it’s got it’s set up/A closer look reveals/Just how empty you can feel/Once a dream, is finally put to bed/Rest up, sleepy head/Might as well be dead”
The album itself feels like a warm hug, which makes it the perfect fall companion. Originally from Canada, DeMarco eventually moved to New York and then Los Angeles. It was during his move to the West Coast that he was in the process of making the album. He credits the intimate vibe of the album to this context, as he had to sit on the songs after they were written before being able to complete the album, due to the intensity of the move.
“The Epic” – Kamasi Washington
One of the greatest orchestrators of our time, Washington can paint an entire scene of any movement with his understanding of the interlocking mechanisms of differing instruments. This album works as both passive study music, as well as a challenge for listeners who like to pick apart and analyze the music they are listening to.
Interestingly enough, the majority of people who have never even heard of Washington still know his sound. Washington was a part of the studio band that recorded with Kendrick Lamar on “To Pimp a Butterfly.” But make no mistake, this album has no mention of hip-hop and is instead, a love letter to the jazz of the past, present and future.
“MTV Unplugged in New York” – Nirvana
MTV Unplugged had been a series for some time before Kurt Cobain finally agreed to attend. Although the series name suggests that everything would be acoustic, Cobain played his acoustic guitar through an amp and pedals. The producer of the show, Alex Colleti said,
“It was Kurt’s security blanket. He was used to hearing this guitar through his fender. He wanted those effects. You can hear it on ‘The Man Who Sold the World’. It’s an acoustic guitar, but he’s obviously going through an amp.”
For those that have yet to explore Nirvana’s discography, this is a great introduction as you get a taste from three different albums, as well as a few covers of songs from bands like “Meat Puppets” and legendary musician “David Bowie.”
“Chrome” – The Drought
Local band The Drought’s first EP is impressive in breadth and satisfying in musicality. The vocals, performed by Emmy Gilbert, bridge the gap between jazz and pop sounds that the band dances between. The short track list lends itself to the listener’s understanding that the band clearly appreciates quality, and has put extensive time and energy into creating something that they can gift to their listeners.
If you would like to experience the EP live, The Drought will be performing all of the songs off the album September 27. For more information make sure to follow their Instagram @thedrought_slc to stay updated as they post about the show.
“The EP” – Theoretical Blonde
Another local band, Theoretical Blonde is one of the leaders of bluegrass for our generation. Talent bleeds through their music, with perfectly tuned harmonies and mastery of their individual instruments. Bluegrass brings the perfect listening for fall and coincidentally the band is playing a show at Red Butte Garden on Sept. 23.
If you haven’t seen them live, Theoretical Blonde should be on your must-see list. Not only is their ability something that must be seen to be believed, you can tell that every show they play is their favorite.
“Endtroducing…..” – DJ Shadow
The liner notes of this album summarizes the album perfectly,
“This album reflects of a lifetime of vinyl culture.”
There is truly nothing like DJ Shadow’s “Endtroducing…..” and the album fits perfectly into the landscape of a student during the Fall semester. This album is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the art of sampling and mixing, as this album broke many boundaries in the music world and inspired many. All of the songs on the album were created almost exclusively using samples, recorded using a Akai MPC60 sampler. The album cover is a picture of DJ Shadow at Rare Records, a record store in Sacramento where DJ Shadow collected various albums and singles to sample.
With 10 fall albums of this degree of difference, there is guaranteed to be something for everybody on this list. Additionally, you can look forward to the two upcoming shows by local bands The Drought and Theoretical Blonde. Were all going to get through this fall semester one way or another, you might as well be listening to some good music while you do it.