By: Henry Nickerson | Co-Editor-in-Chief
Mosaic’s 2019 Fall Playlist on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/mosaic-2019-fall-playlist/pl.u-ZPErtxzAX8k
Mosaic’s 2019 Fall Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1m8i46szXMgLvNB1E3YU7b?si=nv9klMpmTj6KYJYBjdV4SQ
Autumn is here ladies and gentlemen. The leaves are falling, local Newporters are beginning to emerge from their season hiding, and we’re chasing Tito’s with apple cider. There’s but one thing missing; SRU Mosaic’s annual Fall playlist! Equipped with both weekend bangers and Ocean Drive vibes, this year’s playlist will prepare you for all of your cute Autumn activities.
1. Make it Better- Anderson Paak. (Feat. Smokey Robinson)
Let’s kick this Autumn off with some oh-so-sweet sounds from Anderson Paak and the godfather of Motown, Smokey Robinson. Off of Pakk’s latest project, Ventura, “Make it Better” is a milky-smooth ode to reinvigorated romance. Featuring some of his best songwriting to date, Paak explores traditional R&B instrumentation alongside impeccable flow. I have yet to meet anyone who failed to release at least one savory “mmmmm” at first listen.
2. Better Than Stoned- Twin Peaks
“Better Than Stoned” is off of Twin Peaks recent album, “Lookout Low”. Twin Peaks have succeeded in making four fantastic albums over the past six years that offer little more than some tunes to grab a beer and kick back to. Twin Peaks is not necessarily concerned with pushing sonic boundaries, they are concerned with giving their listeners a vibe. The vibe is as such: smell of pine, corduroy, thrift store-bought baseball caps, untrimmed hair… maybe hummus? Regardless, it is the perfect vibe for your Autumn Ocean Drives.
3. Your Arms Around Me- Jens Lekman
The next track on Mosaic’s Fall Playlist comes from Swedish singer-songwriter Jens Lekman. “Your Arms Around Me” is off of Lekman’s 2007 album Night Falls Over Kartedala. This project features some of the most luscious synth-pop instrumentals in the game, along with wonderful lyricism. This tune is intimate, introspective, and downright gorgeous. One would do themselves a disservice by not giving this song listen.
4. Slip Away- Perfume Genius
If we are on the topic of luscious compositions, then we must mention one of the most exciting and ambitious artists on the scene right now, Perfume Genius. Mike Hadreas, A.K.A. Perfume Genius, first came to my attention when I saw his NPR Tiny Desk performance (if you don’t know what NPR Tiny Desk is, please stop reading this article, open Youtube, and get your life in order). I was awe-struck by how Hadreas’ fragile vocals complimented the gigantic and vibrant instrumentation of his music. “Slip Away” off of his 2017 album No Shape is the perfect introduction to Perfume Genius’ sound.
5. A Boy Is A Gun- Tyler, the Creator
Tyler, the Creator dropped one of the best albums of the year this Summer, Igor. Igor is a masterpiece of experimental production and songwriting; the track list moves from somber and reflective one moment to completely rowdy and spastic the next, all the while maintaining thematic consistency. This project details Tyler’s romantic relationships, combative sentiments toward love, and consequent heartbreak. It was hard to choose a song to feature off of this album, for every song is uniquely awesome. However, “A Boy Is A Gun”is a particularly potent track. Tyler conveys the feeling of loving someone who is ultimately bad for you with a sparkling, sample-heavy beat and lyricism that evokes those of Kanye West,
“How come you the best of me, I know you the worst for me
You sweet as sugar, diabetic to the first degree”.
If you experience any type of heartbreak this Autumn, ditch the chocolate frosting and turn on Igor.
6. Love Will Tear Us Apart- Joy Division
Ladies and Gentleman, new wave is making a comeback. As everyday passes, a new artist is using drum machines, shining synthesizers, and A LOT of reverb; it’s glorious. To prepare ourselves for what I am hoping will be the great renaissance of new wave this coming season, let’s give homage to one of its founding fathers, Joy Division. “Love Will Tear Us Apart” is a single released in 1980 following Joy Division’s legendary 1979 project, Unknown Pleasures. This tune is responsible for generations of indie music and continues to define Joy Division’s legacy. Although the untimely death of lead singer Ian Curtis brought about the end of Joy Division, “Love Will Tear Us Apart” remains one of greatest songs in rock history. Come for the energetic and dance-inspiring instrumentation, stay for the superb lyricism. Viva la new wave!
7. 5 Min- Free Snacks
Among the thick blankets, hot cider, and chilly weather, one must remember that Autumn is not only a time to kickback and watch the leaves, but also a season to rage. Chicago-based rap duo Free Snacks reminds us of this fact with their recent single, “5 Min”. “5 Min” is a perfect tune for any pregame if you’re looking to make things rowdy. The track features an absolutely gigantic beat alongside some tongue-and-cheek lyrics from Watson and Virtue.
“Brodie slinging flame like D.R.E,
I’m tryna change the game like A.O.C.”
Comprised of rapper/producers Ruby Watson and Joshua Virtue, Free Snacks released this track in anticipation of their upcoming album, Fast Food, dropping on November 22.
8. Bad Idea- YBN Cordae ft. Chance the Rapper
This song is what you wanted Chance’s newest album, The Big Day, to sound like. That’s all.
9. Stay High- Brittney Howard
Alabama Shakes front-woman Brittney Howard’s new album, Jamie, is a sonically diverse and thematically poignant project about Howard’s sexual and racial identity. By far Howard’s most personal release, Jamie is a smorgasbord of lo-fi hip-hop, soul, and rock. Howard remains loyal to the style of southern rock that launched Alabama Shakes to prominence in the track “Stay High”, a glittery tune that highlights Howard’s songwriting ability and insane vocal skill. Although Jamie is by no means a perfect project, it is wonderful platform for Brittney Howard to experiment with different sounds and genres she may not typically work with. A must listen for any Alabama Shakes fan.
10. Paper Skies- Noah Denzer
Rhode Island musician and Salve Alumni Noah Denzer’s track “Paper Skies” off of his 2017 project Diminuendo in Purple and Orange is the sonic embodiment of falling leaves. The instrumentation is simple yet lush. The lyrics are somber yet affirming. Denzer’s rugged vocal delivery creates a wonderful juxtaposition between the fragile instrumentation. Falling leaves, frigid winds, nostalgia, Noah Denzer.
To read more about Denzer’s career after Salve and his music, check out our recent article: http://www.srumosaic.com/graduate-noah-denzer-continues-his-musical-journey-beyond-salve-and-into-his-career/ .
