Staff picks 10/30
Ellie Sennhenn: Fighting that looming seasonal depression, I found solace in Chance Peña’s song “The Mountain Is You.” This is a beautiful anthem of self discovery and the journey of finding yourself again after a long winter, a rough bout of stress or internal hardship. It is easy to feel lost in seas of puffy coats, texting and cold nights, and taking a second for gratitude and reflection helps to form an anchor. The song’s outro puts it best: “You called my name in the dead of night / I was barely surviving, almost left the climb / Said, ‘Don’t look down, but open your eyes.’” Listen to Peña. Find your beam of light and swim even when that current feels insurmountable. Don’t stop the climb.
Maia Hembruff: The leaves are falling fast and autumn is speeding by. October is typically a very country music lovin’ time for me, and it is no different this year. This month’s staff pick for me is Zach Bryan’s “Highway Boys.” It’s raw yet calming to me – the lyrics make me wanna “sleep next to the river, hear it rushin’ again.” Alas, I am in midterms and not camping by a river… but someday.
Katelyn Drenga: “I Should Live in Salt” by The National
Sadie Brandt: My song for October came to me in an unconventional way, but it’s quickly become one of my favorites: “If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next” by the Manic Street Preachers. The posthumous recommendation from my father–long story–feels especially poignant as I’ve read the news every morning this month with a ball of stress in my throat! I’m making my way through the album now, but I recommend giving it a listen.
Ella Gerdts: I’m ready for the nerd allegations. My song of the month is “Theme From Jurassic Park.” I recently bought this massive tub of 55 plastic dinosaurs, and honestly, it might be the best $15 I’ve ever spent. Everywhere I go, my desk, the kitchen counter, the passenger seat of my friend’s car, I’ve been setting them up in little dramatic scenes. And yes, every single time, I play the theme song in the background like I’m directing the world’s smallest Spielberg reboot. To be fair, my all-time favorite movie is the original “Jurassic Park,” so this feels like my true calling. Peak nerd behavior? Absolutely. Do I regret it? Not even a little.
David Okula: I’m a sucker for some music from the 80s, which leads me to choose one of the most 80s-sounding songs out there: “I Ran (So Far Away)” by A Flock of Seagulls. I had always enjoyed this song, but I developed a newfound appreciation for it this past summer when I took a trip to Disney World with my family. This was the song in the background every time we went on the “Guardians of the Galaxy” ride, and it made the experience that much more enjoyable. Ever since then, it’s been one of my go-to songs in the car and seems to have the capability to always put me in a good mood.
Morganne Judd: If you asked me what one of the best cartoon-to-movie adaptations of our time is, I’d have to say, “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.” Not only is this movie absolute cinema, but its soundtrack is also fantastic, especially the song “Thank You (Falletin Me Be Mice Elf Again)” by Big Brovaz. This version of the song represents themes of acceptance, self-identity and empowerment in regards to being accepted as who you are. This song reminds me that it’s okay to express myself through my gender and sexuality. “Thank you” to all my friends who helped me accept myself this month.
Nora Kelley:
One of my favorite seasonal albums is the original soundtrack of “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” I love driving through the neighborhoods while the trees change color and thinking about my childhood. That being said, my staff pick for October is “The Great Pumpkin Waltz” by the Vince Guaraldi Trio. This song brings back such a sense of nostalgia, and it gives me comfort while being away from home during holidays that were very family-centered to me. Every time I hear this song, I think of cozying up on the couch with my family and watching this show every year during October.
Sully Cummins:
My pick for this week is “Always” by Daniel Caesar. I always scroll through my “On Repeat” playlist that Spotify makes for me around the time for staff picks, but this time I went through “Repeat Rewind.” In this playlist, it suggests songs that you used to have on repeat, and “Always” was a favorite of mine over the summer. I love this song! I haven’t listened to it in a while, but I have been really liking his new album. This song always reminds me of my girlfriend. I love you, Gianna! If you have a chance, listen to his new album. “Call On Me” and “Root of All Evil” are my favorites.
Brigid Locke: Currently, the song that has been nonstop replaying in my head since the start of September is “Shipping Up to Boston” by the Dropkick Murphys. If anyone knows me, I can say that especially right now with Boston sports ramping up, this is all I’ve been hearing 24/7. As I’m writing this, I’m getting ready for the Celtics game, so in true fashion, I am indeed shipping myself up to Boston.
