Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and it's finally warm enough to consider abandoning pants forever. It's almost summer, and there's only one thing keeping you from eating copious amounts of ice cream, having sand stuck in places that wouldn't be polite to mention in mixed company (HA I know that's an antiquated and odd term but bear with me), and otherwise taking advantage of this time in your life where you don't have to work all summer because you're, in most respects, not a real adult (even though you will be soon and you're like a lost, drowning kitten tossed on waves of panic and self-doubt about your future and jobs and rent and not knowing what quinoa is and I'm sorry I'll give you a moment to lightly panic).

ANYWAYS.

There's one thing keeping you from all that summer lovin- I hate to remind you, lil chickadees, but finals are upon us.

Sorry guys. I am new to the joys of the internet and I felt like that goat GIF was acceptable.

Anyways, there are three things every student needs to conquer their finals:

1. Motivation

2. Snacks

3. Music

I can't help you out with the first two, but today I'm doing my civic duty and presenting you with 8 albums that will have you grooving so hard that writing a 20 page paper on Freudian conceptions of sexual psychology might even be an enjoyable time.

HA. Guys I'm just kidding. Finals are the worst. Here's some music. God bless.

1. The Satanic Satanist by Portugal. The Man

Portugal. The Man is an experimental rock band from Wasilla, Alaska. The Satanic Satanist, released in 2009, is their 4th album. If you like Cage the Elephant, Foster the People, or MGMT, you may find Portugal. The Man pretty groovable. If you like this album, Evil Friends (2013) is another great choice.

2.The Shape of Brat Pop to Come by HOLYCHILD

HOLYCHILD is a fun indie pop duo from Los Angeles, California. The Shape of Brat Pop to Come was released in 2015 and is their first full-length album (although they released a 4-track EP, MINDSPEAK, in 2014). They have a bright, in-your-face sound that I can only describe as endearingly obnoxious.

Listen to this album if you need to

GET.

SHIT.

DONE.

If you listen to nothing else from these two, listen to 'Monumental Glow' and sultrily drape yourself over expensive lounge chairs while wearing a slinky silk gown.

3. Are You Serious by Andrew Bird

Andrew Bird is a very talented guy from Los Angeles. His music is folksy, multidimensional, and very cerebral. He's a lyrical genius and he plays the violin and I want to have his children. Are You Serious is his 2016 contribution to the world.

His entire discography is absolutely stunning (if you ask me).

BUT if you listen to nothing else, give his collaboration with Fiona Apple ('Left-Handed Kisses') a shot. It's good. Very good. I want to marry both of them but that's illegal and improbable. A girl can dream, right?

4. I Never Learn by Lykke Li

Lykke Li is a dream pop artist from Sweden. I Never Learn, released in 2014, is a fantastically compiled power album. If you need music to get inspired, give Lykke Li a try. This lady hits you right in the feels. And not like Adele who basically punches you in the emotional gonads and renders you incapable of being productive with her powerful songstress abilities. Lykke Li is tired of your procrastinating bullshit and wants you to be productive. Listen to her.

5. Control by Fyfe

Who even is this guy, amirite?

Fyfe is on the elusive end. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure how I stumbled across Paul Dixon and this lovely little project of his, but I'm really glad I did. He also has an album out under the name David's Lyre (equally great), but I really find Control (Released in 2015) a charming album with a lot of musical goodness. It's certainly one of my go-to studying albums. Solace is an exceptionally good track off of this record, but I'd recommend this whole album as very listenable regardless of what you normally jam to.

6. The Idler Wheel is Wiser than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More than Ropes Will Ever Do by Fiona Apple

Oh, Fiona. Don't let the ambitious album title fool you folks, this lady is a genius. NO ONE writes lyrics like her. NO ONE. This album has a lot of textural goodness to it so if you find yourself longing for some good percussion or interesting instrument usage that differs a little from contemporary pop, Fiona is your girl. Can't sing enough of her praises. This is her most recent album, released in 2012 (I know, I know. Homegirl's been busy living and stuff and she's left her fans sad and desperate). 'Hot Knife' (the video is really cool and recorded with her sister!) should get you a-cappella types all in a tizzy.

7. After the Disco by Broken Bells

Broken Bells is another band from Los Angeles. Basically, the lead singer/guitarist of the Shins seditiously created something very danceable and good. Their 2014 album 'After the Disco' has some fun electronic influence, and it's fabulous front to finish. The title track, 'After the Disco', is one of my favorite tunes and I think my roommates are absolutely done with me dancing around the kitchen to it. I release this album to you so you can do the same with your roommates.

8. Familiars by The Antlers

I figured I should add some slow jamz to this list, and while I was tempted to add current favorites Currents (Tame Impala, 2015) or Depression Cherry (Beach House, 2015) to this list, I figured the Antlers are a less familiar band and well worth a little exposure. The Antlers are a Brooklyn band that do some great things with folksy indie pop. This album is great for studying because it's mellow, lovely, and very well crafted. Their discography is consistently good, but I especially love their 2014 album Familiars. 'Director' is an especially good track.

So there you have it - 8 great albums to study/dance/cry your finals away. Walk softly and carry a big stick. I've been told that's good advice.