Good Songs About Bad News: 10 Must-Haves for Your March Playlist
Shakespeare’s famously foreboding “Ides of March” have passed us, but that notwithstanding, the entrity of March itself can be dreary. Instead of simply waiting for March (the year’s awkward “in between winter and spring” phase) to be over, check out this medley of songs tailored to fit the month’s gray weather. This blend of classic tracks and fresher tunes should make anybody’s day, regardless of their tastes.
1. “I Will Wait (Bloombox & Sam Feldt Remix)” Mumford and Sons- A fresh, saxophone-riddled take on the British band’s love ballad, Bloombox & Feldt manage to keep the track’s original sound intact, while adding layers of jazz and synths that give it a jumpier feel—perfect for a dance session in your living room while you wait for the Rhode Island weather to sort itself out. Remix/Blues
2. “Soil, Soil” Tegan & Sara- From their fifth studio album The Con, this mellow and winding song by Canadian twins is the perfect track to describe March’s aimless boredom. “I’m feeling directionless, yes, but that’s to be expected”, they sing—could the month be summarized any better? Indie Rock
3. “After the Disco” Broken Bells- A duo comprised of DJ/ producer Danger Mouse and former frontman of The Shins, James Mercer, Broken Bells’ work is nothing short of addictive. “After the Disco” is a track with a surprisingly soft, retro feel, and is far from lacking in both talented execution and dance-ability. Go ahead, get hooked. Alt Rock
4. “Innocence” Pontiak- Picture Jimi Hendrix, ressurected (don’t we wish??) and having a baby with Swedish punk band The Hives, and you’ll approach the sound of Pontiak. “Innocence” is the perfect blend of heavy metal-esque guitar licks and psychedelic-sounding lyrics, making the track excellent for clearing away the mid-March angst. Rock
5. “Running to the Sea” Röyksopp ft. Susanne Sundfør (Seven Lions Remix) – Seven Lions are a remix group who doesn’t seem afraid of remixing all of the big names in music–in the past they’ve taken on and conquered tracks by Florence + the Machine, Superbus, and Velvetine. On this track, however, they reach for the obscure, blending Sundfør’s smooth, original vocals with deep house backbeats and amazingly spastic drops. You’ll earn a bonus ten points if you can properly pronounce either of the original artists’ names, by the way. Synthetica/Electronic
6. “Hold on, We’re Going Home (Drake Cover)” The Arctic Monkeys- Just when we thought the Monkeys’ frontman Alex Turner couldn’t get any cooler after his smashing acceptance speech and mic-dropping at the Brit Awards (look that video up—it’s worth it), he covered Drake. After hearing this fresh, rock n’ roll take on the hip-hop track, the original will never sound the same… I guarantee it. Rock
7. “Tether (Junior Sanchez Remix)” CHVRCHES- This Scottish synthpop band threw the alt-rock world for a loop at first when it came to the pronunciation of their name, but they are “churches,” and this track is delightful. Sanchez’s remix of their track “Tether” layers heavier, faster backbeats and echoes to create a tune that’s sure to become your favorite track to unwind with during your frigid walks to your car in the junior lot. Remix/Electronica
9.5. “Who Will Comfort Me” Melody Gardot- One of the few contemporary and successful women to break the bank in the Blues industry, Gardot’s 2009 album My One and Only Thrill is entirely a success. In particular, this track is equal bits classic blues and inventive structure, making it both catchy and surprising. Blue is a color of March, and Gardot is definite perfection. Blues
8. “Laura Palmer” Bastille- If the only track you’ve heard by this British group is “Pompeii,” rectify this as soon as possible. Their entire 2013 album Bad Blood, is incredible and award-winning, but this track in particular is one of its standouts. Alt Rock
9. “Far Alone (Feat. Jay Ant)” G-Eazy- This song oozes swag, something which March in general normally lacks. With an addictive, mellow beat and hook, this recent addition to Eazy’s collection of bangers is definitely a stunner. Hip-Hop/Rap
10. “Love More, Worry Less (Woz Remix)” Bipolar Sunshine- There are three steps you must follow to fully enjoy this inspirational, funkadelic remix: find the song, crank the volume, and press the repeat button. Not to mention, Bipolar Sunshine’s message is clear and concise, as well as accurate—we all ought to love more and worry less. Hip-Hop/Electronica
11. “Dyin’ Day” Anais Mitchell- Born in Vermont yet inspired by the Midwest, Mitchell’s folk ballads flow expertly and appear polished, though still retaining her unique vocals. From her 2012 album Young Man in America, this track rises and falls effortlessly, leading it’s listeners on a cathartic, musical roller-coaster in only roughly three minutes. Folk
12. “212 (DJSliink Remix)” Azaelia Banks- Featured in TV shows Girls and Skins, as well as hit films Pitch Perfect and The Bling Ring, this track by Banks has made waves in both the hip-hop and pop culture worlds. DJ Sliink’s fresh take on the song adds dramatic drops and trap-style scratches to create even more of an intense sound. Use this to amp up your makeup routine before you go out next weekend. Rap/Remix
13. “Disparate Youth (Jacuzzi Remix)” Santigold- Brooklyn’s hip-hop/alt crossover legend is at it again, this time with extra bass and synthetic trappings. “Don’t look ahead, there’s stormy weather,” she says; something which the entire month of March is no stranger to. Banger alert! Hip-Hop/Remix
All of these songs can be found on Soundcloud; and with the exception of the few remixes mentioned above, iTunes as well. Happy listening!
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