Twice per semester, Arts and Entertainment staffers compile a list of their favorite songs. See what songs the staff couldn’t stop listening to over winter break in its first playlist of 2017.
1. “Close Your Eyes (And Count to F--k)” by Run the Jewels
"Close Your Eyes (And Count to F--k)" is far better than the sum of its parts. The incessant background chanting of "run them jewels fast" is obnoxious, the blaring siren is irritating at best and the lyrics are all but nonsensical. Yet, taken together, and coupled with Run the Jewels’ killer flow, "Close Your Eyes (And Count to F--k)" somehow becomes the best song on the group's album. It’s definitely one to check out.
— Flo Overfelt
2. “Saints Preservus” by Andrew Bird
Andrew Bird's concerns about the drabness of modernity pack quite the punch. This track showcases Bird's virtuosity with the violin and whistling while he reflects on an age in which he feels lost.
— Paul Rohrbach
3. “JJ” by Priests
“JJ,” the first song released from the upcoming debut album of D.C.-based punk group Priest "Nothing Feels Natural," applies surf rock-tinged guitar, a wiggling bassline and lead singer Katie Alice Greer's old-school growl to a strange yet satisfying stream-of-consciousness portrait of a relationship.
— Aline Dolinh
4. “The Answer” by Big Words
“The Answer” is the perfect groove song. Whether you were baking cookies, searching for a gift for a friend or simply spreading Christmas cheer, this was the song to listen to over winter break. With its combination of chill, swaying rhythm with guitar riffs and the singer's smooth vocals, this song deserves to be replayed many times.
-- Maggie Snow
5. “Rain Clouds” by The Arcadian Wild
The Arcadian Wild captures the soothing feel of a rainy, no-obligations day. “Rain Clouds” emulates the contentedness of raindrops humming on windowpanes and the relief of relaxation. The song’s initial content is a bit gloomy, but a constant, positive and underlying beat, albeit subtle at times, holds it together. A crescendo in tone and lyrics near the song’s end further elevates the mood. The harmonies complement one another very well, and while the folky sound is reminiscent of other bands at times, it remains unique.
— Anna Morgan
6. “Linger” by The Cranberries
This soft, vocal-centric tune is perfect for bonding with Mom. Gentle strings and soft drums will lull anyone into easy listening.
— Ian McConaughy Williams
7. “Love on the Weekend” by John Mayer
Mayer's distinctive, glassy guitar tone and breathless, romantic modus operandi return in his latest single. "Love on the Weekend" doesn't showcase Mayer's exquisite guitar playing as much as some of his other work, but the track is subtly catchy, and its lyrics warmly lean into cliche to just the right degree. It's charming, emotional and comforting — it's classic John Mayer.
— Ben Hitchcock
8. “Hybrid Moments” by Misfits
This classic early-punk song features great chugging guitars and a memorable chorus with quality vocal energy.
— Lou Malmgren
9. “A Stutter” by Ólafur Arnalds and Arnor Dan
No artist better captures the somber yet peaceful silence of winter than Ólafur Arnalds. The Icelandic composer is well-known for his beautifully-arranged ambient music. "A Stutter" finds Arnalds pairing up with fellow Icelandic musician and vocalist Arnor Dan to deliver a masterfully-arranged song more soothing and relaxing than the thickest sheets of snow falling from the sky.
— Ben Mossholder
10. “This Feeling” by Alabama Shakes
It's hard to find a more soothing song. This track describes a feeling of peace, supported by soft acoustics and vocals. With lyrics like, "See, I've been having me a real hard time / But it feels so nice to know I'm gonna be alright," what better post-finals tune could students have asked for?
— Dan Goff
11. “1992” by Rejjie Snow
Rejjie Snow and Loyle Carner bring Dublin and London together with heat. Both rappers flex their infectious flow over the smoothest instrumentals heard in years.
— John Trainum
Listen to the playlist on A&E’s Spotify page here.
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