Mellow tracks to ring in fall

The University of Southern California is home to some of America’s best tailgates and traditions, a place where the weekends never end. There’s always something brewing on campus, whether it’s on The Row or at McCarthy Quad. Opportunities to socialize exist every minute of the day and night. So in the middle of all the mischief, it can get difficult to make time for oneself.

But as the nights get cooler and the sky a little gloomier this fall, pause. Breathe. During those overcast days spent making a cup of tea and finishing homework, relish in the best thing in this world: you.

This special playlist is made for the homebodies, the nighttime cereal-eaters, the incessant nappers, the quiet-time lovers. This is a sweater weather playlist to remind you that there’s nothing wrong with spending time alone.

“Lost in the Light” by Bahamas

Bahamas is the stage name of Canadian artist Afie Jurvanen. Unlike most indie-folk numbers that feature subdued vocals, Juravenen’s voice rings clearly in his songs. He brings his fans plenty of captivating selections in his most recent album, Barchords. “Lost in the Light,” in particular, has the ability to mesmerize and captivate listeners with simple lyrics and pure instrumentals. His work has earned him several well-deserved nominations at the 2013 Juno Awards.

“Wrapped in Piano Strings” by Radical Face 

Ben Cooper is the mysterious man behind Radical Face. His 2007 album, the fittingly titled Ghost, hosts 11 fascinating selections. Cooper’s eerie vocals manifest themselves in an instrumentation of various string and percussion instruments.

“A Change Is Gonna Come” by Ben Sollee

Kentucky-born gentleman Ben Sollee will woo you with this jazz-based number. The cello-laden intro and saxophone-savvy exit bring an upbeat rhythm to this selection, so savor this break from all the indie-folk melodies featured in this week’s “Traveler’s Tracks.”

“17” by Youth Lagoon

We’re back to the slower anthems with Youth Lagoon, the solo project of Boise, Idaho artist Trevor Powers. His appearance at this past summer’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival drew large crowds, as  festivalgoers flocked to hear Powers’ ghost-like vocals and uncanny synthesized beats. Though his lyrics are generally inaudible, they’re worth a closer listen. Some standout lines include: “When I was seventeen / My mother said to me / Don’t stop imagining, the day that you do is the day that you die,” and, “At least God doesn’t judge me by the thoughts that I find / The snakes I couldn’t find / I don’t want to find.”

“I’m Getting Ready” by Michael Kiwanuka

Blues singer Michael Kiwanuka’s voice has a texture of an entirely different era. Perhaps it is this characteristic that attracts listeners to Kiwanuka’s creations. “I’m Getting Ready,” the most popular track from his 2011 EP, reflects the style of ’60s soul artist Otis Redding. Especially since auto-tune dominates radio hits these days, Kiwanuka’s raw talent is refreshing.

“All the Years” by Wild Child

The ukulele-laden, happiness inducing tunes of folk-pop group Wild Child is a must-have for any relaxing playlist. The lyrics of this folk-pop group from Texas can melt even the coldest of hearts: “You, you know you mean the world to me / I can’t think of a better thing than growing old with you / You know I need you by my side / And everything seems better now with you here in my life.” Oh, and a note for the romantics: Share this one with your significant other. It’ll prove too cute to resist.

“Dear Marie” by John Mayer

Hints of tambourine, harmonica solos and Mayer’s sweet fingerpicking in this song will transport you to prairie fields. Despite the golden lyrics, my favorite snippet comes at 2:50, when Mayer simply croons a series of “Oh-oh”s and lets his guitar do the talking.

“Gray or Blue” by Jaymay

Jamie Seerman picked up the pseudonym Jaymay to distinguish herself from other artists. “Gray or Blue,” from one of her earliest albums, Autumn Fallin’, is a stunning arrangement of instruments such as the drums, guitar, piano, triangle and even the glockenspiel.

“If Only” by Fink

English artist Finian Greenhall started his career producing techno music and working as a DJ. But as Fink, he makes a structural shift by creating songs with a lullaby-like quality and deep, meaningful lyrics. In “If Only,” he sullenly croons, “I ain’t got the makings of / The man you deserve, I ain’t got the time / If only.” Fink’s songs have been featured in myriad popular television shows, such as Friday Night Lights, CSI: NY and Greek.

 

Rini Sampath is a sophomore majoring in international relations (global business). Her column “Traveler’s Tracks” runs Mondays.