Select your spring soundtrack

In honor of spring finally being here to stay, I have some albums to discuss that bring in that cozy and colorful feeling that the season is known for. I’venoticed most of my listening habits during the spring lean towards a slow, gentle sound that feels pleasantly warm. These albums embody this sound perfectly, and you may enjoy these as well if you’re into that sort of sound.  

The album “On Fire” by Galaxie 500 is my go-to album for a nice spring day. It’s perfect for when the sun is hitting your skin just right. The album cover brings this vibe as well, having a warm color scheme that is dominated by a sunlike orange color. 

Ironically, the song “Snowstorm” is a great introduction to how the sound of this album feels like spring. The guitar is dreamy while the tempo remainsslow and steady, making the song feel easygoing without feeling lethargic. 

The version of “Blue Thunder” on this album is similarly slow and dreamy like “Snowstorm” but has the added benefit of Dean Wareham’s background vocals contributing to a nice sunrise-inducing buildup throughout the song.  

When the song hits its peak near the end while Wareham sings “I’ll drive so far away,” it finally feels like the sun has risen enough to light the world around it, finally waking up. If you enjoy this version of “Blue Thunder,” there’s an alternate version with saxophone, which adds to the song tremendously. The saxophone makes the buildup and climax of the song feel more spectacular.  

Even when the album has more intense moments, it feels like a nice spring afternoon. The instrumental in “Strange” brings in a simplicity that feels like the perfect soundtrack for hanging out in a field with some friends, sipping on some iced tea. 

“And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out" by Yo La Tengo is known for its mellowness and it feels like a calm spring night throughout. 

Similar to “On Fire,” the album has a dreamy vibe to it. The main difference though is the fact Yo La Tengo makes the album more eerie and low-key sounding. Opening song “Everyday” sets the scene extremely well, having an almost eerie melody through the organ and guitar while having minimal drums.  

The album also brings a vibe of having a cozy night in after a long day. “You Can Have It All” perfectly captures a night by yourself and watching fireflies through the window as you go through your nighttime routine. “Madeline” has a nice energy to it while also being laid back, making it the perfect song to dance to while cooking dinner during the sunset of a nice, breezy day in mid-April. 

More sad and mellow cuts like “The Crying of Lot G” and “Tears Are In Your Eyes” sound lonely by comparison to other tracks but still maintain a cozy energy. “The Crying of Lot G” specifically feels like the silence after a lovers’ quarrel, while “Tears Are In Your Eyes” homes in on this lonely feeling. The guitars throughout both songs have this subtle wailing effect that adds to the overall texture and vibe that they are going for. 

Even the most energetic songs feel like nights during the spring. “Cherry Chapstick” feels like the beginning of a bonfire on an already warm and humid night. The song reminds me of hours spent by the fire, making you smell smoky and having long conversations with friends while grasshoppers rudely interrupt. 

Both of these albums have a way of evoking a springtime vibe and frankly, I enjoy soaking up every bit of the season with both of these albums. As the flowers bloom and grasshoppers begin to sing, make sure to keep slow, dreamy songs and albums in mind when selecting your soundtrack for the season.