Heave Media

The Graduation Mixtape

We thought it would be better for everyone if we left off Vitamin C.

Every year around this time, a wave of nostalgia sets in as graduation season goes into full swing. Whether you’re moving on from a dump of a high school into the freedom of the “real world,” or graduating from a higher institution terrified of the current economy, graduations are a time of reflection and celebration. Sure, you’re probably in debt, facing a long road as you climb the corporate ladder and the future is totally unknown, but that sort of freedom on the horizon is actually fun.

Third Eye Blind - Graduate - Nothing like some angst filled 90’s alternative rock to push you over the edge of senioritis. I remember listening to this song the weeks before both high school and college graduation, counting down the days until freedom prevailed.

Hot Chip - Boy From School - Sure, you’ll have office crushes and flirt with neighbors in your building, but nothing will beat the sideway smiles and bedroom eyes you made with the cute boys in your classes. Keep those boys from school around. You never know who the next CEO could be.

Necros -I Hate My School - If you went to public high school, chances are at some point this teen anthem from the cult classic hardcore punk outfit was or could have been your theme song. Because who didn’t really hate school at one point or another?

Alice Cooper - School’s Out - Alice Cooper knew what he was doing when he recorded this bombastic rock ‘n’ roll proverbial middle finger to organized education. I remember this song being played towards the end of every school year growing up, and every kid knew the words by heart.

Kanye West - Graduation Day - Kanye West went to my alma mater for one semester, and given the drop out rate, I feel sometimes this song should be played at every graduation ceremony at the liberal arts college I attended. Funny enough, the majority of successful people that attended my college actually dropped out, so maybe Kanye was onto something.

Jimmy Eat World - Futures - Nothing brings optimism to the table then some good old fashion pop punk. Their album Bleed American was the soundtrack to the year I got my first car and went to my first prom, so this band in general always makes me yearn for the past years when the unknown future seemed so pleasant and intriguing.

The Polyphonic Spree - Move Away and Shine - This song is so perfect for a recent grad, it was actually used in the scene in Thumbsucker where the main character moves away and goes to college to pursue his dreams. If you’re feeling down about following your dreams, listen to this track, and I assure you, you’ll feel like you can conquer the world.

The Rakes - Just a Man with a Job - Leave it to the French to write a song that so profoundly captures the monotony of the working world. The Rakes put their spin on this Serge Gainsbourg classic, reminding everyone that many people spend their day dreaming about the life they could be living if they weren’t working to live.

Wilco - Poor Places - If anyone knows what’s it like to be poor, it would be a musician. Not the most profitable profession, but definitely one of the most passionate ones, following the urge to make a living doing what you love takes guts, a thick skin, and a strong stomach. But trust me recent grads, at the end of the day, you maybe eating ramen, but you won’t be dreading waking up for work the next day. Congratulations, and welcome to the real world. It’s an interesting ride.

Posted by Lisa White on May 27, 2009 @ 12:00 am