With hundreds, possibly thousands, of tracks flooding our iTunes and Spotify libraries, choosing what song to listen to can be difficult and overwhelming at times. New album releases, artist recommendations from friends and random songs we find on Pandora can cause an immense struggle when picking which song to jam out to while you're walking to class. Luckily, I have a playlist on hand of songs that are always there to fall back on - songs that, no matter what I'm doing, I'll always listen to the whole way through. While finding new music can be exciting, it's comforting to have a few classic tracks that will never get old no matter how many times you relentlessly play them on repeat.
1. “Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games” by of Montreal
Hands down, this song will always be my absolute favorite by of Montreal. Even though I struggle to remember the title every time I play it, its dream-like indie pop vocals will have you feeling as though you're floating on a cloud in an alternate universe. Plus, who could go wrong with lyrics like, “Let's pretend we don't exist/Let's pretend we're in Antarctica”? Come on now.
2. “The Weight” by The Band
This song is truly the track that inspired me to create this playlist. It might be a bit of a cliché to include this, but this song is the epitome of one that will never get old. Seriously. Its folk-country vibes and story-like lyrics take you on a journey to Nazareth with Carmen, the Devil, Crazy Chester and, of course, Fanny. I dare you to listen to this one and not belt the chorus at the top of your lungs; it's impossible.
3. “Mr. Tambourine Man” by Bob Dylan
Sometimes, you've just gotta have your Bob days. Sprawl out in a giant field, close your eyes and let the king of folk take you away.
4. “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1” by The Flaming Lips
You can never go wrong with Yoshimi. Ever.
5. “Sweet Jane” by The Velvet Underground
This song includes all the key elements that make it the perfect classic rock song. It's something about the mystical, unforgettable opening, a simple yet memorable chorus and, of course, Lou Reed's flawless vocals.
6. “The Wind” by Cat Stevens
This is the most beautiful, halcyon song on this playlist. Stevens' voice wraps you up in a blanket of serenity and moves you in a way that not many songs can. Listen to this one and pretend you're Kate Hudson as Penny Lane dancing alone in an empty room in Almost Famous; it's all happening.
7. “Uncle John's Band” by Grateful Dead
“Where does the time go?” Jerry Garcia does everything right in debatably one of Grateful Dead's best songs. “Uncle John's Band” will never cease to cheer me up no matter how crappy my day is. Its psychedelic folk-rock sound and uplifting lyrics puts the listener in a better mood from the moment the song begins to the last line.
8. “This Year” by The Mountain Goats
A song about escaping, teen-angst and rebellion - what could be better? This song constantly plays in the back of my head and will forever be my personal anthem. Whenever you feel like giving up or life is just getting too stressful to handle, listen to this tune and remember the chorus, “I am going to make it through this year/If it kills me.” You've got this.