It’s pretty much summer. Everybody’s breaking out their shorts and flip-flops and getting ready for the beach. Unfortunately, finals still lie between students and the sweet, sandy respite, so it seems only appropriate to drop a study mix-tape. Unfortunately, this is no ordinary mix-tape, a short list of similar songs — this is the random mix-tape. It has songs, artists, albums and maybe even a video or two.
Cy Whitling
Odesza
Yeah, I know, it’s not a song or even an album. It’s just an artist. That said, I think all of their songs make for pretty good study music. There is just enough going on to keep your brain stimulated without distracting you from the task at hand. Just put them on shuffle and start stuffing your brain with facts that you’ll quickly lose after finals.
“The Family Sign” (Instrumental) by Atmosphere
All of Atmosphere’s music is worth a listen. Their lyrics are consistently interesting and thoughtful, so it’s hard for me to recommend an instrumental album when the normal version is so good. However, this album provides smooth consistent rhythms, perfect for reading or writing. Need to crank out a final paper? Just put on your headphones, turn on “The Family Sign” and don’t emerge until the word count has been completed.
“A Tribute to Discomfort” by Cory Richards
I told you this wasn’t a normal mix-tape. This is not a song, it’s actually a video. Sometime, far past midnight, you will think you have hit the wall. You’ll be done, over it. Go Google, “A Tribute to Discomfort” and watch the video. Then think about how easy this school thing actually is. Then think about how much of a complainer you are being and stop it. Now that you are inspired, go kick school’s butt. Disclaimer, this video could also potentially inspire you to drop out of school and go climb mountains.
“Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus
OK, this one is not mandatory, but you do need some sort of victory song for when you successfully complete your tests or projects. Maybe you jam out to something classier or mix it up with some Bieber, regardless, you need something to scream at the top of your lungs as you skip out of your classroom and into a summer of sand, sunscreen and surfing. Or maybe you just have an internship somewhere.
Cy Whitling can be reached at [email protected]