Arts & Life, Music

‘A very merry crisis’ playlist

Winter break: for some, it’s a peppermint-flavored time of warmth and comfort food. For others, it’s a prolonged time filled with moments of existential terror and neurotic introspection. We’ve gathered some of our favorite albums to reflect (or cry to) for your New Year’s playlist.

Submarine soundtrack by Alex Turner

Though not an independent album, the “Submarine” soundtrack introduces sole Arctic Monkeys front-man Alex Turner to the public. The soundtrack accompanies a Richard Ayoade classic: “Submarine,” a 2010 film set on the damp gray beaches of Wales. On this soundtrack, Turner’s haunting, reminiscent lyricism evokes a feeling of nostalgia for a place you’ve never been. The quiet intimacy of the soundtrack may have something to do with simplistic tracks, shown through the coarseness of Turner’s voice accompanied by an acoustic guitar. This is a public transportation soundtrack best listened to when you’re coasting on the Blue Line catching the first rain shower of the day.

Art Angels by Grimes

With “Art Angels,” Claire Boucher (otherwise known as Grimes) has once again proved herself to be the Queen of Pop — or some kind of feral synthpop-artpop hybrid. Whether she’s hissing out what may sound like hexes or belting out a shrill soprano, Grimes has a voice that enchants — “Art Angels” merges 2000s pop beats with the lyrics of Sabrina, the (manic) teenage witch. Producing infectious beats isn’t the only thing Grimes has mastered, the juxtaposition of upbeat dance tracks and macabre lyrics provide create an album meant to be listened to on damp, chilly nights spent inside.

OK Computer by Radiohead

The common rule for any Radiohead album is this: if you don’t want to cry, Thom Yorke will do it for you. This is especially true for “OK Computer.” Released in 1997, this gem made the list simply because it is so very, very sad. The album delves into questions of humanity and the dehumanization of people through technology, each track consisting of understated (if not completely sluggish) vocals by Thom Yorke. There’s a genuine, raw melancholy about “OK Computer” that you can only get in the 90s, and this utter misery produced by Radiohead is timeless

Beach House by Beach House

Beach House’s self-titled debut album will usher you through any kind of emotional crisis, or land you neck-deep in one. It’s an album for finding yourself alone, cornered in a nihilistic crisis — the eclectic, haunting organs will remind you of some kind of meaning behind life. Maybe you’re plagued with the burden of unrequited love—head out to your local record store for a dose, let the record needle scratch away at your calloused heart. Fall in love with each track one at a time and dedicate a song to each day of your miserable week. This fan would point listeners to their bonus track, “Rain in Numbers,” for a ride through the desperate fog of the River Styx.

M3LL155X by FKA Twigs

For those of us who have been ignoring FKA Twigs’ newest EP, “M3LL155X,” now is the time to give it a listen. Twigs’ performance boasts of an expansive vocal range, while her instrumentals have the multilayered, experimental experience she’s come to perfect. The EP requires a grain of patience, for the track’s structure does not follow conventional standards. With that being said, the tracks bang — and their variety make them great to mix around with (if you’re into that). However, there is a monster in these songs — a grim desire that is no doubt enhanced by her often distorted vocals. These are not love songs, but shadows of what once was.

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