The semester is over, final grades are in, and perhaps you’re packing up to go home or on vacation or to your out-of-state internship. The reality of not having any classes to go to or discussion board posts to write takes some time to set in. Maybe you just don’t know what to do with yourself! In the midst of all of this, it’s easy to feel restless. No worries, music can help. Here are seven songs to restfully get you through this week.
1. "dlp 1.1" by William Basinski.
William Basinski’s most well-known compositions, The Disintegration Loops, are just that for a reason. They are quiet storms, musical representations of pensive thought. I particularly enjoy “dlp 1.1” for its struggling, rising intensity of crescendoing and decrescendoing horns. Reflect on this semester—what you loved, learned, or hated—with this one. Or you can simply take in the complex simplicity of Basinski’s instrumentation.
2. "On Some Faraway Beach" by Brian Eno.
By none other than ambient music master, the one, and only Brian Eno, this song is a release of all built up tension. Off of one of Eno’s more experimentally ambitious albums from the ‘70s, Here Come the Warm Jets, it builds upon itself in layers of rich, light melodies. It begins with a simple piano riff and soft “ahs” and ends with Eno singing a melancholy verse. Listen to this one, perhaps while driving home or just to clear your head.
3. "Im Rauch" by Bohren & Der Club of Gore.
More specifically classified as dark jazz, Bohren & Der Club of Gore’s “Im Rauch” is reminiscent of some of Angelo Badalmenti’s soundtrack pieces for Twin Peaks. So, if you like the show, you’ll love this composition. The melody is slight and suspenseful, like a quiet but restless night. Though you could relax with this one, I’d say it’s more for musical appreciation than anything.
4. "Beat" by Bowery Electric.
This one is no secret to fans of contemporary ambient music. It begins with a warping synth and then welcomes a rhythmic beat, hence the title. “Words are just noise,” are most of the few lyrics the song has, and well, that’s basically ambient music in a nutshell.
5. "Peacock Tail" by Boards of Canada.
Perhaps most-known for their illustrious Music Has the Right to Children, Boards of Canada create musical landscapes for the appreciator of precise instrumentation. “Peacock Tail” is bright and serious all at the same time. Plug this one in and just contemplate life in your parents’ house or on the highway to the beach.
6. "great party, susan" by winded.
This list would not be complete without an addition from one the many talented local musicians. If you haven’t seen winded live, you’re missing out! This one is short but full of emotion. Thrin Diesel's delicate yet sure voice is like a quiet reassurance of something you can't quite put a finger on. It might make you feel homesick for Tallahassee.
7. "Don’t Wait" by Tom Rosenthal.
This song is not like the others. It boasts Rosenthal’s distinct timbre and, well, it’s just an overall encouraging song. Rosenthal sings, “All the losers are late, darling/if you want it don’t wait.” Personally, it’s my go-to happy song.
Even if these songs are not your fancy, take a moment to reflect and relax before jumping into this summer! In fact, try making your own playlist (I’m very much addicted to making playlists)! Summer ‘18 definitely feels like it’s going to be one for the scrapbooks.
