The Fall Mixtape
Because it's more than a season - it's a state of mind.
Fall is officially here. I've broken out my sweater weather clothing, I'm drinking hot instead of iced coffee and I'm actually feeling a shiver while waiting for the bus. Summer in Chicago is a glorious thing - full of lazy days at the beach and sunburned weekends spent listening to live music outdoors; but I have a soft spot for the city in the fall. Maybe I'm just a sucker for apple cider and bonfires, but there is something incredibly invigorating about wandering around the city on a nice crisp and cold Chicago evening. Here are some songs to accompany you while you wonder around your fall-laden city.
Sufjan Stevens - Chicago - If we could pick a theme song for Chicago, my vote would probably be for this gem.
Broken Social Scene - 7/4 (Shoreline) - This song is exhilarating and uplifting, and sort of makes me want to start running down the street triumphantly when I hear it.
Page France – Windy - Page France makes simple and sweet pop music. This song is the perfect soundtrack to walking down the street with leaves blowing in the air around you.
Anathallo - Hanasakajiijii (The Man Who Made Dead Trees Bloom) - Anathallo is a criminally underrated band. They are stunning live, really showing the passion they put behind their music. Their songs are diverse and complex, yet come together perfectly. This is by far one of my favorites.
Doves - Sky Starts Falling - Doves got lost in the comparison shuffle stateside in the light of Coldplaymania years ago. Which is a shame since they make some beautiful anathematic Brit-rock tunes.
Built to Spill - Carry the Zero - A classic college rock morose type of song that is perfect for being alone - whether it be your own choice or someone else's.
Wilco - I Am Trying To Break Your Heart - This song always reminds me of past loves and brings up a bit of pain, but it’s such a therapeutic song. I find myself thinking of the past when I walk around the city alone. Having songs like this is comforting to help push past those memories that are still a bit tender to the touch.
Air - The Vagabond - Beck has the perfect melancholy voice that compliments Air's style of music. This song is made for wandering side streets and letting time slip by.
Sia - Breathe Me - Everything I write about this song sounds cheesy and trite, so just trust me on this one. Put on some headphones, go walk by a lake on a nice fall day and put on this song.
Spoon - Chicago At Night - I once had a job that would bring me home around four in the morning. This song captures the soft murmur of a sleeping Chicago. The city is so peaceful, yet still has an underlying buzz of life that you can only really witness when the lights go out.
Posted by Lisa White on Oct 16, 2008 @ 7:30 am
