Happy October, all. We’ve at LAST reached the time of sweaters, of thick hot chocolate and thicker fog—and of a lack of things to talk about. The standard “How was your _____?” questions have now almost entirely lost their applicability, and you find yourself at a conversational standstill. Sure, you could talk about the beauty of the campus or the fantastic dogs that just wander around like wayward, furry angels, but lately the autumnal cast of the trees and the shaggy happiness factories just don’t spark your interest. Boy, do I have the solution for you!
In an ideal world, we would all open dialogue with strangers by describing in excruciating detail our exact musical tastes—you like Norwegian death metal that incorporates Swedish horn players and has at LEAST two solid verses of throaty hymns? Me too!—but until the Obamas answer my many letters, here are some of the most common artists/bands I’ve heard talked about on campus. Who knows? You may just open conversation with the exact right person at the exact right time.
Indie/Folk Music:
1. Mumford and Sons
Okay, this one’s a given. Excessive banjos, a distinctive English twang, and lyrics that are either profoundly deep or complete nonsense – they’re the total package. A couple songs to build your base: "The Cave" and "I Will Wait." Trust me, the band has a 99 percent rate of effectiveness.
2. The Avett Brothers
Sometimes I hate admitting to myself that I actively enjoy listening to The Avett Brothers, but they’re definitely a general crowd-pleaser here in Folk City, USA. If after listening to their music you don't feel like learning the guitar and the banjo simultaneously, listen again. It'll come.
3. The Head and the Heart
This one's a little more "obscure," but similar enough to Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers that I'm confident most folks will have at least heard of them. Similar to The Paper Kites, The Head and the Heart has exactly the right amount of sappiness-mixed-with-etherealness to make me feel like crying while I play the pipe reed to my woodland friends. From what I've gathered, a lot of people on the plateau ALSO enjoy this feeling.
Rock/Alternative:
1. The Black Keys
I'm very extra sure that one of their songs was featured in a movie soundtrack at some point, but this is definitely one of those bands that near everyone has heard of and is likely almost sick of. But put on their "Chulahoma" record and you're sure to be transported to the bluesy world of seedy roadside bars, choking in stale cigarette smoke and the scent of hard liquor and leather.
2. The White Stripes
Mostly I'm throwing this one up here because I enjoy them greatly and feel like everyone else should too, but listening to the White Stripes also opens you up to a whole world of other music (and questionable personal choices) and Jack White's voice/guitar combo is striking enough to be memorable: that perfect blend of whiny and... well, whiny.
3. Hozier
Whether it's due to his aggressive man bun or to the smooth, deep crevasse that is his voice, Hozier is absolutely one of those artists that everyone should be exposed to at some point in their life. He really has a song for every possible occasion and mood. Feeling warm and nostalgically in love? "Cherry Wine." Realize you become romantically interested in near everything with a pulse and a vaguely humanoid shape? "Someone New" (the video for which comes with the added bonus of featuring Natalie Dormer, an absolute goddess come to better the world). Treat yo' self: Go give Hozier a listen.
Sprinkle in a vague notion of the classics (The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Fleetwood Mac, and The Rolling Stones to name a few) and you're golden, Ponyboy.
