A break from the norm: Songs that are off the beaten path.
I’ll admit, my brain tends to be a bit scatter-brained, which can induce a bit of stress. It also means that when it comes to music, I consider myself a song-oriented person. Although I acknowledge there are amazing musicians out there, I tend to skip between music genres and pick out a handful of songs I enjoy from various artists.
It is difficult for me to name an album that I consider a favorite since I usually pick songs from multiple artists and multiple albums. So, for those who categorize their music the same way, here are a few songs that are off the beaten path.
These songs aren’t on traditional radio, or top charting hits, but are worth listening to if you’re looking for something different.
1. Disclosure - Boiling (ft. Sinead Harriet)
Disclosure is mostly known for their international hit “Latch” featuring Sam Smith, but the pair of brothers experimented with electronic music before hitting the mainstream. Their 2012 EP, The Face, exemplifies that sound, especially with the song “Boiling.”
The vocals of Sinead Harriet backed to a melodic and smooth rhythm creates a haunting yet calming effect throughout the song. It’s a perfect song to listen to on a night drive.
2. Joanna Newsom - “Sapokanikan” and “Leaving the City”
Joanna Newsom’s music mixes poetic lyricism, which is filled with literary, mythical, and biblical references, with unique and moving instrumentation, mostly through her harp. Her song “Sapokanikan” from her 2015 album Divers details a history of New York City that transcends time and question’s one's mortality.
“Leaving the City,” from the same album, uses harp and various instruments to give the song a mysterious tone, one that is reminiscent of ‘70s rock and folk music. Although it might take a couple of listens to adjust to Newsom’s unique voice, her songs are worth a listen and great for background music while studying.
3. Marie Sioux - “Wizard Flurry Home” and “Wild Eyes”
Marie Sioux is another folk singer whose songs take on a mythical and folkloric approach. From her 2006 album, Faces from the Rock, “Wizard Flurry Home” and “Wild Eyes” mix acoustic guitar and flutes to make one feel as if they were in the middle of the forest, hearing of songs from another time.
The elements of nature, such as fire, wood, and water are present within both songs. It is definitely worth a listen if you are seeking a “home away from home” through music.
4. Lone - “Crystal Caverns 1991” and “Endlessly”
If anyone is nostalgic for the sound effects and music heard in video games of the early nineties, then look no further. Producer Lone’s discography consists of many electronic songs that recreate those sounds.
“Crystal Caverns 1991”, off of his 2012 album Galaxy Garden sounds like something that can be taken out of a Capcom arcade game, with various one-word vocal samples scattered throughout the song. His song “Endlessly,” (from his 2009 album Ecstacy and Friends) has that effect but also gives off the feeling that someone is spending a relaxing day on the beach.
Both songs are for the most part instrumental and are great to listen to on a day trip or looking over those Sega Genesis games.
Most of these songs can be found on Pandora, Soundcloud, Youtube, iTunes, or on their respective labels. They are great to listen to on their own, but even better to hear if you’re trying to get through a study session or just take a break from the monotony of the work day.
