Though it doesn’t technically start until the Sept 23, fall (or with the snow… actually, winter) is evidently upon us in Calgary. The glorious two months of freedom we all know as summer is over. Most of us are back to school, and as the weather begins to get nippy, we may find that the upbeat and vibrant songs we so loved in the warmer months may not be suited for the fall (AKA winter if you live in Calgary). To remedy that, I’ve compiled a list of songs that I feel create a unique fall vibe.
I’ve sorted my playlist into genres to make exploring these songs easier, and since I’m a big fan of alternative and indie music, you’ll find a lot of that here (sorry top-chart lovers). Pull on your jacket and plug in your headphones; it’s time to celebrate fall with these melodies!
Alternative
Song for Zula – Phosphorescent
Brooklyn based artist Matthew Houck started performing in 2000 and has since then produced 7 albums. Song for Zula was featured in the official soundtrack for The Amazing Spiderman 2.
Morning – Beck
I’ll be honest here, I hadn’t heard this song prior to hearing it in If I Stay a few weeks ago, but I did know Beck through his works on songs such as Blue Moon (which is also fantastic). He is definitely an artist to watch out for!
http://youtu.be/GZo8_IV0IGQ
Went to War – Amason
Amason (Amazon) was started in late 2012 by 5 Swedish indie pop artists. Though they have only released three singles and one EP, Amason was nominated for the Best Newcomer Grammy in 2014.
Dance, Dance, Dance – Lykke Li
Another Swedish artist, Lykke Li stepped into the limelight after the release of her first album, Youth Novels, in 2008. She has performed at events such as Lollapalooza and Coachella and has collaborated with Bon Iver on occasion.
I Will Be There – Odessa
After suffering from a near-fatal bike accident, singer Odessa gave up her career playing violin for bands like Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and began her own band. I Will Be There was also included in soundtrack for the film If I Stay.
http://youtu.be/IHZ0Oq24Hd8
Gold – James Vincent McMorrow
Scottish singer-songwriter James Vincent McMorrow has been my stand-in Bon Iver ever since the band went off-cycle indefinitely. Gold is one of my favourite songs from his second album, Post Tropical.
Indie Folk
Helplessness Blues – Fleet Foxes
The indie folk scene basically belongs to the Fleet Foxes. From their humble beginnings in Seattle, WA, they have redefined the folk genre.
http://youtu.be/6mR8Z-gmK1g
Lonesome Dreams – Lord Huron
Another big name in the world of indie folk, many may know them from that Peoples Jewelers commercial that was airing during the Sochi games… (x)
1904 – The Tallest Man on Earth
There seems to be an endless supply of fantastic Swedish artists (thanks, Sweden!), and Kristian Matsson is certainly one of them. He has toured under his stage name with Bon Iver and his vocal style has been likened to those of Bob Dylan.
http://youtu.be/ibEwxlV1ac4
Can’t Help Falling in Love – cover by the Fleet Foxes
Man, I love the Fleet Foxes. Their cover of this hit Elvis song just makes me love them more.
Indie
Candy – Wake Owl
Wake Owl is a band originating from Vancouver that is fairly new to the music scene. Their tracks have been extensively broadcast by CBC Radio 2, and the group was nominated for a Juno in the Breakout Artist category in 2014.
Stronger Than That – Bahamas
Having just released his 3rd studio album, Afie Jurvanen was born in Toronto. He has worked with other exceptional artists such as Feist and Jack Johnson.
Dead Flowers – Coeur de Pirate
I first found out about Quebecois Beatrice Martin when my elementary French teacher showed us a music video for her song Comme des enfants. Since then, I have really loved both her French and English works. This year, she released her soundtrack album (all of the songs being covers) for the Radio-Canada TV show,”Trauma”. Dead Flowers is her mellow take on the Rolling Stones song.
http://youtu.be/6sCp6vyfo_E
Music When the Lights Go Out – Coeur de Pirate
You know that feeling of complete joy that you get when you find the perfect album? For me, Beatrice Martin’s Trauma album was it. This song is another great cover from the compilation.
http://youtu.be/c1ErI_9WCQk
Now at Last – Feist
You have probably heard Canadian singer-songwriter Leslie Feist’s music from Apple commercials. For those who attend Bishop Caroll High School here in Calgary, did you know Feist also studied there? Now at Last is a soft and melodious song that was included in her 2004 album, Let it Die.
Rock
Come on Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners
This one might be a throwback. The Dexy’s Midnight Runners have been around since 1978, and after a 14-year break up from 1986, the band was reformed in 2003. Come on Eileen is arguably the most popular song ever produced by the successful British pop rock band, and was also featured in the movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAvfjqzwsW0
Classical
The Four Seasons: Autumn – Antonio Vivaldi
Even if you don’t know the name of the piece or the composer, you are guaranteed to have heard a movement of The Four Seasons at some point in your life (just search up the spring movement). What better classical piece to listen to in autumn than the autumn movement of The Seasons?
Piano Sonata in G major Op. 14 No.2 Mvt. 1- Ludwig Van Beethoven
Yes, I’m one of those people that love to listen to classical music. I suppose that would happen since I also play classical music… Being a musician, I like to listen to pieces that I am currently working on so I pick up on the stylistics of the playing. Right now, this piano sonata is in my repertoire, and Daniel Barenboim plays an absolutely fantastic interpretation of it.
Cello Concerto in B-flat Major, Wq 171 – Carl Phillip Emanuel Bach (C.P.E)
I initially heard the first movement of this composition (allegretto) performed by the Calgary Youth Orchestra (CYO) and it was breathtakingly beautiful. Seriously, I’m encouraging you fans of classical music to go out and see more live shows at the CPO or CYO because they are so much more engaging than recordings.
http://youtu.be/Xkqmeu__srw