This spring break, Tulane University students may venture anywhere from Hawaii to Spain. Whether on a beach tanning or indoors catching up on sleep, this is a playlist for those who are looking for a musical accompaniment to their break.
‘I Have the Moon’ by Lush
A 90s indie classic, “I Have the Moon” is a perfect song to turn up as you lie on the beach.
Gaining popularity for its use in Gregg Araki’s classic film “Nowhere,” it’s easily one of my favorite indie songs ever created. The song’s warm feeling is on full display as British band Lush — one of the first bands associated with the term “shoegaze” — covers a track originally performed by indie rock band The Magnetic Fields. It’s impossible not to close your eyes and feel that powerful chorus enter your soul.
‘Colours’ by The Avalanches
Another song perfect for taking in the sun, “Colours” is a perfect embodiment of the charm an Avalanches track can bring. It’s a psychedelic electronic track full of heart and a great vocal performance from Mercury Rev frontman Jonathan Donahue. An instant mood lifter, I couldn’t imagine being on a long flight home without the help of “Colours.”
‘Summer Soft’ by Stevie Wonder
It still shocks me every time I remember Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life” was released in 1976. Its timeless melodies and instrumentation never fail to amaze me, as the album celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
“Summer Soft” is definitely one of my favorite songs on the album. Wonder’s vocals are incredible as always, but I love the feeling that this song brings and how my head bobs the second the piano starts.
‘Flies’ by Peter Cat Recording Co.
Let’s take a trip across the world for this next choice. Indian band Peter Cat Recording Co. is poised to blow up in the next few years. Their vocalist, Suryakant Sawhney, is one of my favorite voices in modern music; there’s something so timeless and jazzy about his voice.
His performance on “Flies” is one for the ages, full of jazz and indie influences that are powered by a phenomenal drum section. It’s hard to even describe this song; if you haven’t heard the genre-bending work of Peter Cat Recording Co. yet, you need to explore them right now.
‘Mindflower’ by Now Always Fades
Deep house music is always a go-to late-night choice for me, and “Mindflower” is a great starting point for those who haven’t gotten into it yet. With dreamy vocals from Lili Hall, Australian electronic artist Now Always Fades delivers with this trip-hop beat that transports you back to the 90s. The song is so captivating and the soundscape that it creates is incredible.
‘Lilly’ by Toro y Moi
Another psychedelic selection, “Lilly” has all the funk from “Summer Soft” but told from a modern lens. As usual from the widely influential Toro y Moi, the chorus is infectious with a life-changing guitar section. More pop and indie focused than his previous electronic songs, “Lilly” is a classic Toro y Moi song and a perfect song to boost your morning after waking up late over break.
‘Someone Like You’ by Mac Miller
I couldn’t have a list without a great rap song to listen to over break. After much deliberation, I chose “Someone Like You.”
The beat hits so hard from start to finish, with the sample of Nylo’s song of the same name being a highlight. Miller’s verses are always incredible, but his flow is great. This has always been a standout track off of “Watching Movies with the Sound Off” for me, so if you’re taking any night drives back home over spring break, turn this one on.