Ellie Sennhenn – Editor-in-Chief:
Admittedly, I am a Radiohead girl, and it is only fitting to choose a song from Thom Yorke’s ample discography for the last staff pick of the semester. “Let Down” off of Radiohead’s 1997 album “OK Computer” feels akin to swimming in clouds or melting onto concrete. It is euphoric and bombastic, hopeful but terrifyingly raw. I view this song as an anthem of self-acceptance, and I plan to get the song’s lyric “Someday I am gonna grow wings” on the back of my neck as a reminder. Listen to “Let Down” in the car with the bass boosted and rain coating your windshield, and let yourself feel the emotions that arise.
Maia Hembruff – Managing Editor:
The semester is coming to a close and while I love my classes, I couldn’t be more grateful for the arrival of summer break. I’ve discovered a lot of new music in my time spent darting around campus this month, including the band Black Country, New Road who recently came out with their new album “Forever Howlong” on April 4. My favorite song on the album has to be “Happy Birthday.” Its unique lyrics and melody took me a few listens to get used to, but once I did, I was hooked.
Abbie Chipps – News Editor:
As summer draws near, I find it hard to escape the accusations of being a reggae, bluegrass, folk-loving and barefoot sailor. So no song feels truer to the season than Slightly Stoopid’s “Closer to the Sun.” The sun is quite literally getting closer every day, and as we get closer to it, the trees start to bloom again. I find myself getting more and more wistful about leaving this place. So when I drive away from Rhode Island one final time after graduation, I will listen to this song fondly, not remembering how absolutely disgusting it is here in the winter.
Sadie Brandt – News Editor:
Similar to my dear friend Morganne, I am also in a rough spot romantically. April has been the longest month of my life and yet the shortest, so I’ve brought back an old album that I used to listen to in my high school angst: “Superache” by Conan Gray. “Footnote” is a personal favorite of mine and one I’ve been revisiting in the last couple weeks. I’m doing swell!
Ryan Pelillo – Arts & Culture Editor:
For my final staff pick, I’m going with one of my favorite band’s lesser-known albums. Pink Floyd’s “Meddle” came out before they found their iconic sound and broke into the mainstream, but that album may be an immaculate example of how to blend progressive and psychedelic rock. I listened to it while lying on the Quad last week, and a song like “San Tropez” can help you forget about the anxiety of the looming finals week. If you really want an experience, throw on “Echoes” as you try and fall asleep; you won’t regret it.
David Okula – Sports Editor:
As the weather continues to warm and the academic year draws to a close, I felt the need to go with an upbeat song for my final pick of the semester. With that, I’m going with “Get Closer” by Life In Film. I heard this song for the first time a couple of months ago when watching the pilot episode of “Shrinking,” which is a great show by the way; Jason Segel is awesome. Anyway, I had never heard of the song nor the band before this, but this tune just itches my brain for whatever reason. With its energetic feel and catchy melody, “Get Closer” is a perfect song for you to blast during an immaculate summer day.
Nora Kelley – Photo Editor:
For my final staff pick of the semester, I am choosing “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver. This song was introduced to me by my dad, and it has been one of my favorite songs ever since. Since the days have been getting warmer, I find myself blasting this song in my car as I drive with the windows down. This song just screams a relaxing summer day to me and makes me want to frolic in a field.
Morganne Judd – Newscast Editor:
When it comes to dating, my fatal flaw is trying to make things work until I ultimately crash out. Lit’s “Miserable” sums up that feeling. “You make me come / You make me complete / You make me completely miserable.” It’s the cycle of a relationship: finding love, gaining fulfillment and ending in disappointment – coming to the realization that this person does make you miserable, and there’s nothing else you can do. Why for my last staff pick of the semester? Better people will come along; don’t become miserable.
Brigid Locke – Social Media Coordinator:
For my final pick of the semester, I’m choosing a song that I think accomplishes the way I currently feel at this very moment. Taylor Swift’s “Is it Over Now?” is the song of transition from season to season, year to year or even editor to editor in the Cigar. I think “1989’s (Taylor Verison)” being reclaimed as a beach album was a defining day for all Swifties, in which entering NYC chic changed to Coney Island madness for being in New York for too long.
Sully Cummins – Production Manager:
IT’S SPRING NOW WOO WOO WOO WOO! It’s also the last staff picks of the year, so I kind of want to make this a good one, but I feel like there isn’t a particular song that encapsulates the last month of school for me. So what I have been bumping a ton the past few days since it’s so nice out is “Scorsese Baby Daddy” by SZA. It’s a great windows-down song. SZA, Doechii and Fleetwood Mac have been featured heavily in my warm-weather music listening these days. Have a great summer!
