Fall is the perfect time for pretty much everything. The weather isn’t too hot or too cold, the leaves are turning, Halloween is on its way and there’s a specific smell in the air I can never quite put my finger on. I don’t know if it is the way that sunlight looks in late September or the anticipation of winter that gives me this feeling of being in a different time. I always want to explain it and never can. Maybe, you can relate. If so, you should grab your earbuds. What better to go with a hyper-specific feeling than a hyper-specific playlist? I want to take us back to a special time in indie music, when the lyrics made no sense but the vibes were impossible to replicate. “Girls” on HBO, “Elementary” on CBS, “Wizards of Waverly Place” on the Disney Channel. We’re all rocking striped shirts, infinity scarves, lace-patterned tops and a side part. Tumblr is thriving, Pinterest is teaching us how to DIY a chevron phone case for our iPhone 4s (maybe a 5 if you’re fancy) and Instagram is a competition to see who can put the thickest white border on our warm-toned photos. Grab your red lipstick and a statement necklace because we’re going back to the early 2010s.
“Rill Rill” – Sleigh Bells
The floaty vocals and jingly (like the name, get it?) guitars combine for a distinctive sound from this Brooklyn alt-pop staple. The band’s debut album, “Treats,” is so full of interesting music, I had a hard time picking just one for this playlist. Try “Infinity Guitars” for a heavier sound.
“A-Punk” – Vampire Weekend
It is impossible to talk about indie rock or pop without Vampire Weekend. The upbeat punk drum beat of this song goes well with lyrics that kind of don’t make sense, but we all dance to anyway. I remember my hipster parents playing this when I was a kid, so I can confirm that it is the best song to dance to in the kitchen using a random spatula as a microphone.
“1901” – Phoenix
A true indie sleaze banger, this song from French band Phoenix captures a particular vibe perfectly. The synth creates a unique atmosphere, and I really feel like I should be wearing gray tights and ballet flats to the club.
“Boom Clap” – Charli xcx
If you were anywhere near the internet, a bookstore or a movie theater between 2012 and 2014, you know “The Fault in Our Stars.” The coming of age novel and later movie that made us all cry and want to go to Amsterdam also had us listening to this song on repeat. Charli’s impressive talent for pop music never misses.
“Greek Tragedy” – The Wombats
I feel like the main character when this shows up in my shuffle play. The sharp synth turns the energy up while the lyrics referencing tarot cards and tragedy add to the feeling of wanting someone who isn’t in your destiny.
“Diane Young” – Vampire Weekend
This fast-paced rock single from the band’s third studio album uses voice effects and impressive guitar riffs to create an out-of-control feeling that is a sharp turn from the band’s earlier collegiate aesthetic. The nonsensical music video features other prominent artists of that genre and time, such as Santigold and Sky Ferreira (we’re getting to them don’t worry).
‘Don’t Leave Me (Ne me quitte pas)” – Regina Spektor
Regina Spektor strikes a balance between twee and modern pop. Her isolated voice supported by her ear for interesting melodies and instrument pairings make all her songs fun to listen to. I also recommend her entire “Soviet Kitsch” album.
“Lost in My Bedroom” – Sky Ferreira
As the former It-Girl of Tumblr, Sky Ferreira has style like no other. From her pastel hair to her synth-heavy vocally driven music, she had everyone on the internet in a chokehold. I would be remiss to not include her on a playlist based on that exact aesthetic.
“L.E.S. Artistes” – Santigold
Strong bass, poetic lyrics, captivating voice, iconic artist, my favorite on the playlist. Need I say more? As implied in the Diane Young music video, Santigold was a pivotal artist to this era, with her poetic lyrics and layered music helping to establish genre conventions.
“Helena Beat”- Foster The People
Foster The People is an artist who does not shy away from writing about dark subjects. I am sure you have heard “Pumped Up Kicks,” from the same album. The emotional lyrics related to self-destruction and “poison” are in direct conflict with the upbeat, pop sound. That is why I like this song so much. The conflict makes it so interesting to listen to.
“Hawaiian Air” – Friendly Fires
A bit of a deeper cut, this is another track that my parents would play that stuck with me. I really enjoy the lead singer’s voice and the pop-rock guitar sound in many of their songs. If you like this song I highly recommend checking out more of Friendly Fires.
“Came Out of a Lady” – Rubblebucket
The fun lyrics tell the story of finding someone who makes you feel purposeful. This band puts on a great show and was just at the Beachland Ballroom this past January. And yes, that is a trumpet and a cowbell you hear.
“Hang Me Up To Dry” – Cold War Kids
The swift change of monotone to scratchy, unfiltered vocals contribute to the laundry-themed lyrics that convey the feeling of being tightly linked with someone. The discordant piano and slight speeding up of the melody is very fun to listen to; it makes you feel like the music is on a spin cycle.
“Sleepyhead” – Passion Pit
I have heard this song more times than I can count, and it never gets old. I couldn’t really tell you what the lyrics mean. Is it a double entendre? Is he really just that sleepy? Either way, the sampling and mixing on this track gives me the urge to cut my bangs even shorter and lace up my Doc Martens.
Other songs to add to your iPod shuffle:
“This Modern Love” – Bloc Party
“Giving up the Gun” – Vampire Weekend
“Two Weeks” – Grizzly Bear
“Lisztomania” – Phoenix
“Disparate Youth” – Santigold
“Will Do” – TV on the Radio
“Help I’m Alive” – Metric