Playlists for any situation

Jay Forness, Editor

As much as I love sarcasm, pure joy is the best feeling in the entire world and music can get you there better than most things. Therefore, my playlist is full of ‘instant smile songs.’ All of these instantly bring me joy and happiness, and are a perfect listen for any time where you are stuck with nothing to do or are feeling blue.

“Come Sail Away”: I have always liked this song, but it wasn’t until I watched the “Freaks and Geeks” pilot that I first truly connected to it. It keeps on changing so you never get bored with it, and by the time you get to the end, you have become officially pumped.

“Where You Lead I Will Follow”: Nothing says joy like "Gilmore Girls" and Carole King.

“Shut Up and Dance”: Even if it is just a small shoulder dance, no one can resist this song. This was my song of the summer, and I hope it never grows old.

“Chandelier”: The Sia song is great, but there is a cover of this by The Wind and The Wave that gives me butterflies.

“I Want You To Want Me”: Even if you are still being a grumpy gills after the four previous songs, this will give you the joy of rebellion and punk, while still having a basis of feels. Plus “10 Things I Hate About You” is the best movie ever.

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Zarah Laurence, Managing Editor

A road trip’s only a road trip with the proper playlist. I’m from Kansas City, and it’s typically around a six-hour drive home, so it’s safe to say I have some insight on what’s worth listening to. Seeing that five songs won’t take up the time, I’m breaking the rules and advising you on albums. I warned you I was pretty artsy. Forget any pre-made playlists on your phone and dust off some CDs. Yes, CDs. To start off, pick something mellow, but not like so Bon Iver-mellow that you’ll fall asleep right away. It’s a long drive. “Shallow Grave” by The Tallest Man on Earth is my go-to. If you haven’t heard of this rising, modern Bob Dylan, go look him up right now. You should know by now, too, that I’m always up for jazz. Naturally, that means Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black” is going on next. Follow that with classic rock. I could put “White Blood Cells” by the White Stripes on repeat. The Rolling Stones also just re-released their 1971 full-length “Sticky Fingers,” which happens to be my all-time favorite album. You knew that was coming. But it’s not the final record I want to blast out from your center console. Keep the mix going by throwing in some “college rock” with Vampire Weekend’s “Contra.” I know you probably don’t want to step foot from your car now, and I hate to break it you, but you’ve arrived at your destination.

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Malana Bradford, Online Managing Editor

Music has the ability to set or enhance just about any mood or feeling I’m having. What I listen to when I’m studying is different than what I’m listening to when I’m getting ready to go out with my friends, which is different than what I listen to when I just need to have a good cry.

I think with the first round of tests and large assignments coming up in the next week or so, I’ll elaborate on that last list, the crying one.

I am by no means depressed or a pessimistic person, but I absolutely love sad music. Have you ever been really stressed or tired, and know you’d feel better if you could just release that from your body in the physical form of many many tears falling from your face? These five albums usually have the power to inspire my eyes to perspire.

“The Lonely Hour” by Sam Smith

“It’s About Us” by Alex & Sierra

“21” by Adele

“Born To Die” by Lana Del Rey

“Bon Iver” by Bon Iver

I chose albums instead of songs because when you need to cry, five songs just isn’t long enough. Enjoy hours worth of tears my friends!

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Nick McNeal, Sports Editor

Daily routines for me, and for everyone else, just become such a blur that it all blends in and I feel like I’m not living. A routine that I spend most of my time thinking is definitely in the shower, and I found myself thinking too much and almost just ruining my day before it even started. I started strolling through my phone one day before getting in the shower and thought, “Why do I have to do this in silence and just think about things I don’t need to?” So that’s what started my new routine within my routine, which is listening to music while I shower.

​Going back to what I think about while I’m showering, it’s usually something depressing like a girl I stopped talking to — it’s always something along those lines. So here are the songs that are usually on my shower playlist: “I’m Not Over” by Carolina Liar, “Shimmer” by Fuel, “I Want Out (Knights Remix)” by Young Guns, “Wheels” by Foo Fighters and last but it definitely isn’t least, “In The Blood” by Better Than Ezra. Give them a listen if you’re ever thinking too much, and these songs will either make you think more (lol) or actually get it off your mind in three minutes or more.

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Justin Fischer, Multimedia Editor

I absolutely love music. It can be the worst part of a day or week and one of your favorite songs comes on. It’s a fantastic feeling. I can enjoy music from any genre and any artists. If a song makes me pay attention to the beat and lyrics, I’m most likely going to enjoy it. The only thing I don't enjoy is music where it’s hard to understand the lyrics. I’m not one to sing out loud in my car or in the shower like some people, but I do enjoy these songs any way.

”Remember The Name” by Fort Minor

”Crushin’ It” by Brad Paisley

”Lose Yourself” by Eminem

”This Is How We Roll - Remix” by Florida Georgia Line ft. Nelly

”Ease My Mind” by Skrillex

It was actually quite hard to name just five songs because there's hundreds that could make the list.

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Tim Eads, Campus Engagement and Advertising Manager

Fall isn’t quite here yet, so that means it’s still barbeque season. When I’m about to throw some brisket into the smoker, the first thing I need to do is get my stereo cranking out some solid backyard tunes. I grew up in the deep south, which basically means the only acceptable music to have playing while cooking is blues or anything that has blues undertones.

With that said, I’d probably start off with a Mississippi favorite: R. L. Burnside’s “Someday Baby.” This gem reeks of that old school blues that’s slowly fading away. Next on the list is by a St. Louis musician, Pokey LaFarge. His latest song, “Something in the Water,” is a local hit in the River City. Once it’s time to check on the brisket, get some Jack White playing, specifically “Salute Your Solution” by The Raconteurs. When you start getting antsy, you need to listen to something with some bite to it. “Elephant” by Them Crooked Vultures should take care of that. You can’t get better than a band that is comprised of Joshua Homme, Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones. It’s finally time to chow down on your perfect brisket, so celebrate with “Wicked Waters” by New Orleans underdog Benjamin Booker. Bon appétit!