Pandora may become obsolete with Spotify around, but I still find myself drawn back to the Internet radio site again and again. I especially love the Florence + the Machine station and the indie-ish songs it leads me to. Here’s a peek at some of the collection.
Claire Whitley
“Heavy in Your Arms” by Florence + the Machine
Naturally, the first song on the playlist is from Florence + the Machine. This song, which uses the power of singer Florence Welch’s slightly raspy voice, drives home the point that love is heavy. It can weigh people down. The lyrics are dark, but the song is powerful.
“The News” by Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson’s earlier work from the album Brushfire Fairytales might seem out place in an indie rock mix-tape. However, it shows up on the station every once in a while. “The News” is a powerful song to listen to. Johnson points out despite all the sad news every day, anchors on TV don’t react. They don’t even bat an eye, or cry in sympathy.
“The Hanging Tree” by James Newton Howard feat. Jennifer Lawrence
For those familiar with the Hunger Games trilogy, this song was in Mockingjay part one. Jennifer Lawrence, who actually sang the song, makes it sound beautiful. It is a strange song though, talking about meeting underneath the hanging tree, but the beauty of it lies in its eerie lyrics.
“Yellow Flicker Beat” by Lorde
Another song from the Hunger Games movies, “Yellow Flicker Beat” by Lorde has a different feel from “The Hanging Tree.” Lorde’s song suggests loneliness. People no longer cheer for her and instead she shuts them out. The song is depressing, but it is still eerily catchy.
“The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson
This song is beautiful. One of the few songs out there about being loved and accepted as the way you are. It is a short song, lyrical wise for sure, but it doesn’t seem short when it’s playing. It’s a cute little song everyone should listen to.
“Love Of An Orchestra” by Noah and the Whale
Noah and the Whale is a fun name for a band, and their music is fun, too. This song only has three different sets of lyrics, which is fun, if not a little redundant. It is all about how when a singer is alone, he carries songs in his blood, so he has all the love of an orchestra.
Claire Whitley can be reached at [email protected]