Columns

Here comes the sun

Melissa Essig | Evergreen music columnist
March 3, 2014

When skies are blue, your skin begins to soak up the sun, warmth radiates from your soul, the windows are down, you are cruising down Pacific Coast Highway, and the ocean mist is at the tips of your fingers. It’s the best spring break scenario, right?

Wrong. One thing is missing: the perfect playlist.

Spring break is just around the corner and we have all been counting down the days. If you really want to incorporate all of your senses into your vacation, tune in to this perfect spring break playlist I have carefully crafted for you.

To start off your road-trip, beach day or camping excursion, a little Vampire Weekend is a must. “Modern Vampires of the City” was one of my favorite albums of 2013; “Unbelievers” is so catchy and perfect for inviting in the sunshine and good times.

As you continue to listen you will find yourself jamming out to “Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys. Growing up, my dad had all of their records and would play them constantly, so they are near and dear to my heart. Having previously lived in California, these guys are the epitome of surf, sand and sun.

Next comes alt-J and Pacific Air, two artists that go hand in hand. Their light, airy tunes will continue to contribute to the happiness and relaxation that spring break promises us.

For those reggae lovers, I have included both Iration and J Boog. I am completely obsessed with these guys (along with Rebelution and Slightly Stoopid) and find myself instantly calming down and chillin’ out when I listen to them. All I need is a coconut filled with a piña colada to complete me.

The only time I truly listen to country—please don’t hate me—is summer, mostly because I am with my best friend and she forces me to listen to it. But, not going to lie, Dierks Bentley’s “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)” gets me every time. It reminds me of long drives off-roading amongst the elk in my Jeep Cherokee as the sun sets and there is a slight breeze. There is a freedom that I can’t explain.

STRFCKR, Gold Fields, Surfer Blood, Ghost Beach, Grizzly Bear and Bastille are all pretty self-explanatory unless you have never listened to them. If that is the case, listen up and you will find yourself bobbing your head and maybe even wanting to dance.

And then there is “Money Trees” by Kendrick Lamar. I have the biggest grin across my face as I write this: Kendrick is my man, my guilty pleasure. This song is my jam. Whenever I go on any sort of long drive, “Money Trees” has to be included. With every new listen I feel a little bit more hip, and who doesn’t want to feel like a straight up G over break?

I intentionally placed Vacationer’s “Good as New” and Bombay Bicycle Club’s “Shuffle” directly after one another for a few reasons. In 2012 I saw them together live at The Showbox in Seattle and the vibe was unreal. I felt transported to a far-off utopia and always do whenever I listen to them.

Wrapping up this spring break playlist is “My Girls” by Animal Collective, “Latch” by Disclosure and Sam Smith, and the ever-so-popular “I Love It” by Icona Pop.

There are so many twists and turns you can take when creating the perfect playlist. As I created this one for break, I wanted to arouse a sense of vitality that so many people here have been lacking. Especially around this time of year things can get hard, depressing even.

Take time for yourself this spring break. Fall in love with life, breathe in fresh air, drive endlessly without having a destination and don’t forget to bring this playlist.

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