The first month of the year seems to be nothing but gray and gloomy. Excluding the occassional glimpse of the sun, January”s mostly cloudy, rainy days make for a somber atmosphere. Sometimes, during times like this, you just have to bust out the blues. The clouds are covering your sky and you can”t help but have a little bit of a self-reflective moment from time to time. It”s the perfect environment for some bluesy tunes. Luckily, here are the perfect songs and artists to listen to during the contemplative, cloudy days of late winter.
Will Meyer
“I Should Live in Salt” – The National
The rhythm in this song makes you feel like you”re living through the climax of your own indie film. The National front man, Matt Berninger, not only has a unique voice, but also infuses every song with enchanting lyrics. In addition to the striking vocals and gentle rhythm, the song, from the album, “Trouble Will Find Me,” is perfect for driving in the car on a rainy day or while staring out the window, thinking about life.
“Ballrooms of Mars” – T. Rex
This group is possibly my favorite band of all time, so I have some bias in this song choice. The deep symbolism and heavy British accent that are the signatures of the group”s lead singer, Marc Bolan, have developed somewhat of a cult following. The highly influential guitar hypnotizes me every time I hear it, and I can”t help being carried away to some dance hall far off, perhaps on another planet.
“Days of Candy” – Beach House
Beach house has been more than prolific this past year. After the release of two consecutive albums, followers have myriad songs to satiate their thirst for electro-synthetic beats that quell any emotional storm. The singer is like a siren pulling in the audience to another world. Her soft, sheer-sounding voice carries a melody that confronts, and promises the beauty that fills the room with a sort of peace.
“I Know It”s Over” – The Smiths
Morrissey”s voice is legendary in the music world. Many know this group, especially after they were more or less reintroduced in the film “Perks of Being a Wallflower.” Since the beginning, The Smiths have been a champion for the outcast, and a voice for truth. Morrissey”s outspoken actions and lyrics allow for an incomparable experience. In this song, the narrator holds on for a little longer to convenience of the past, before he confronts the change of his reality – something that anyone in the contemplative mindset can relate to all too well.
Will Meyer can be reached at [email protected]