Lauren Drapeau – Editor-in-Chief:
This month, I’m choosing “Laramee” by Richy Mitch and the Coal Miners. I spent a lot of time taking alternative routes on my way back from campus, and this song allowed me to sit and reflect on my thoughts. My time here will quickly come to an end and the job force awaits. The majority of my friends have already said goodbye to Kingston and I am beginning to accept that it will soon be my turn. I drive, stare at the Narrow River and understand that life will continue to change. I was staring at a clock the other day and its arm didn’t stop between seconds. Time is constant, and before you can recognize that it’s been moving, the surroundings have already changed.
Nathan Robillard – Managing Editor:
I’m picking Zach Bryan for a second consecutive month and you are going to deal with it. I love his music. With the end of the semester nearing and a random “work” trip to Colorado on the cards (I promise my laptop will open at least once!), “Sarah’s Place” provides the perfect road trip vibe that will take me through the end of the semester and to the mountains. I can’t get enough of the super chill, “moving on” vibe that I get from his songs, and when you combine it with a nice drive it is so healing. It’s a perfect contrast to a very hectic last few weeks of my time at the Cigar.
Maia Hembruff – News Editor:
It’s November, and as we creep toward winter that can only mean one thing: it’s folk music season. Stan Rogers is a Canadian coastal folk artist who, after discovering at 14 years old, quickly became my favorite singer of all time. His lyrics are honest, beautiful and beyond comparison. His songs sound of comfort, particularly when I’m homesick and we’re nearing Christmas. The past few months I’ve gotten really into his album “From Coffee House To Concert Hall,” with “Louise’s Song” and “Down the Road” being my personal favorites. If you’re looking to be serenaded into a simpler time, then Stan’s music is for you.
Ellie Sennhenn – News Editor:
Every fall, as the November sun begins to swell and the ‘crunch-factor’ of leaves quickly dissipates, I choose one album in the indie-folk genre to obsess over. This year, that obsession is married to “I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning” by Bright Eyes. Primarily composed of acoustic and pedal steel guitar, with the occasional trumpet and mandolin, this 2005 masterpiece brings about feelings of nostalgia, introspection and love through 10 beautiful tracks. I am partial to “First Day of My Life” and “Road to Joy” as trees grow gray, but each song holds a place in my heart. Time may pass, but November air feels the same every year. In a world with so much music, revisiting this album is like having a conversation with an old friend.
Ryan Pelillo – Arts & Entertainment Editor:
A genre that is in and out of rotation for me is progressive rock. At this point I’m willing to say it’s one of those comfort genres and I’m not complaining. November is interesting for me as a college student, as I feel like I’ve simultaneously settled into the semester, despite still actually being busy. Reflective of this feeling is the sound of Canadian rock band Rush, specifically their album “Permanent Waves.” Neil Peart might be the best drummer to ever live and the band’s creativity tickles my brain. Bonus points for reminding me of sitting in the back of my dad’s beat-up 2004 Ford F-350.
Zack Petrick – Sports Editor:
On Monday I went to Ocean Mist for their weekly bingo night and about halfway through the night the bar played “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood. For some reason those throwback songs just always hit me the right way. Knowing every lyric for whatever reason just makes me so happy. It’s not a new song but it is a new addition to my rotation when driving to campus in the morning.
Aidan Cahill – Photo Editor: One of my favorite bands during my time in college has been the Vancouver-based indie-rock band Peach Pit. During my freshman year, they released “From 2 to 3,” which diverged from their traditional psychedelic, surf rock sound in favor of a more acoustic approach. This year, they released their fourth full-length album, “Magpie,” which continued their new sound, only with more refinement. Though the album as a whole didn’t knock my socks off like prior records, the title track “Magpie” has already cemented itself as one of my favorite Peach Pit songs. The high-energy delivery of the vocals pairs well with the incredible drive in the instrumental, topped off with an intricate solo that manages to shine without entirely stealing the show.
Owen Tierney – Newscast Editor:
I have to admit: I’m a little biased here. By this I mean that my pick “In The Basement Pts. 1–2” by Etta James, is directly linked to my recent live musical shenanigan. Last week I hosted a basement show for my friend Merritt Cathers—the lead singer of a local RI band Moss Boy—celebrating the release of his band’s Extended Play “Throw Me a Bone,” a nd it was a smashing success. Perhaps that was because I’m blessed to have a great community, or that I’m an idiot savant. I like to think it’s the latter. Anyway, this song has become the anthem for this fantastic space: “…where can you party all night long…where can you dance to any music you choose? In the basement, down in the basement.” It’s a raucous little number, whether you’ve been to this proverbial basement or not, and a swinging good time. I suggest throwing it on while you’re cleaning the dishes or folding some laundry. It’ll make the drudgery of life just that much easier, and the highs of life purely intoxicating.
Jenny Arnold – Social Media Coordinator:
Tate McRae has been my favorite artist for a while now, not just because she is an amazing singer, but an incredible performer. She has been teasing a new album starting with her single “It’s ok I’m ok.” This song is dramatic and another masterpiece of McRae being emotionally vulnerable with her fans.
Sully Cummins – Production Manager:
I always listen to The Beatles a ton in the fall, and I have been really inspired by George Harrison recently. I feel like he doesn’t get enough credit, and a lot of his contributions are unsung. It’s hard to shine next to Paul McCartney and John Lennon, but I guess that’s why he was nicknamed “The Quiet Beatle.” Anyways, I have two staff picks this week – “If Not For You” by George Harrison and “I Will” by The Beatles. I especially like how Paul McCartney is the vocal bass in the latter, his bow-bow-bows giving a sing-songy feel, kind of like “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.” The Beatles always make me think of my dad, who sings in a fairly high voice reminding me of Paul McCartney. Check out his goofy single on Spotify about our late, blind and deaf dog, Helen. It’s called “Christmas Doggie” by I Am Tom Cummins.