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With the first chill of winter upon us, it is time to take a static moment to appreciate the freshness of cold air in your lungs and the comforting touch of the cold on your nose. Although the cold may soon become unwelcome, coupled with darkness and wishes for the happiness of summer, it is important to appreciate the moment we are living in. Let this playlist keep you warm during this frigid season like a blanket made of the manifestations of your sadness. From the likes of Lana Del Rey, Noah Kahan, and SASAMI, these songs are perfect for defrosting your car at 6 AM.
“
Cage Girl” by Jane Remover
“Cage Girl” feels like it’s been enveloped in freezing air with a warm heat rising to the top. Textured vocals and ambient cries create a haunting setting as Jane pleads desperately to be seen. Slow, Deftones-like guitar licks make the song feel like it’s been blown up, just to be pieced together in a misshapen horror. Jane Remover sings behind a wall of smoky bit-crushed noise, “I peel my eyes open, everyone knows, and nobody cares.”
“Come Over” by Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan hit the scene early this year with his titular track, “Stick Season” which took the internet by storm and was followed by the release of deluxe tracks that nearly matched its popularity. Although excellent songs, his more ‘underground’ tracks surpass the quality of his more popular ones in both lyrics and production; “Come Over,” in particular, is a standout. The acoustic opening encompasses the insecurity Kahan is feeling. The crescendo of the song immediately impacts listeners with its raw vocals and vulnerable lyrics (e.g. one of my favorites “Someday I’m gonna be somebody people want”).
“Thanksgiving in Sacramento” by Jon Brion
This track is filled with simple instrumentals, and straightforward in juxtaposition to lyrically and productionally complex songs beside it on this Kilt Radio edition. Despite its simplicity, Jon Brion’s creation is one of the most emotion-provoking instrumentals I have heard. The themes of Lady Bird (the movie the track was written for), and the instability of growing up and finding your place in the world are perfectly encapsulated in this track. The nostalgic and melancholy aura is perfect for the passing of fall and the near presence of the darkness of winter. (Not to mention the title’s time is literally based on this time of year)
“Hand to Hold” by Instupendo
“Hand to Hold” by Instupendo is one of those songs that I have no idea how I found, yet I have continuously listened to it since my unknowing discovery in 2019; the electronically emotional track has stood the test of time. The song is comforting in its sadness, the dreamy production furthering the lyrical themes: “And if I see you in the darkness/ I will be your comfort/ And I will give you a hand to hold.” Instupendo is an artist I rarely see on playlists and around internet music communities, but on first listen, I believe it will be at home on many of your playlists.
- Let The Light In (feat. Father John Misty) by Lana Del Rey
- Duvet by Boa
- Certainty by Big Thief
- Heaven by Mitski
- Cage Girl by Jane Remover
- Mud by Alex G
- Take Care by SASAMI
- Amber by Alaska Reid
- Hire by Girlpool
- Monsoon by Hippo Campus
- But I Am a Lonely Girl by Canned Dream
- No Surprises by Radiohead
- Thanksgiving in Sacramento by Jon Brion
- Clay Pigeons by Michael Cera
- abyss kiss by Adrianne Lenker
- Reaper by Clario
- Come Over by Noah Kahan
- Clementine by Elliot Smith
- Skinny Love by Bon Iver
- Savior Complex by Phoebe Bridgers
- coney island (feat. The National) by Taylor Swift
- Futile Devices (Doveman Remix) by Sufjan Stevens
- Hand to Hold (feat. Lontalius) by Instupendo
- Just for me by PinkPantheress
- this is me trying by Taylor Swift
- “Slut!” (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift
- at least i’m pretty by Harriette
- Avril 14th by Aphex Twin
- Solo by Frank Ocean
- Thinkin Bout You by Frank Ocean
- Sweet Carolina by Lana Del Rey
- Polite Company by Rainbow Kitten Surprise
- It’ll All Work Out by Phoebe Bridgers
