These past few weeks have felt like a fracture in time, fraught with my dissociative tendencies and dream-like version of existence. Join me as I escape from reality, soundtracked to some of my favorite pieces ever.
The War on Drugs’ song, “Thinking of a Place,” totaling a full 11 minutes and ten seconds, is the ultimate escape. My obsession with this band is unmeasurable, and certainly doesn’t sway with this track. I have a special place in my heart for lengthy tracks—a momentary break from experience. Leading listeners on a journey through alluring synth and fuzzy guitar strums intertwined with a steady drum beat, this track transcends reality into a place beyond this planet.
Track eight “LosyMyHead” on British indie-rock band, The 1975’s second studio album “I like it when you sleep for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it” is severely underrated. Allegedly the first ‘The 1975’ song written, frontman Matty Healy unloads his descent into insanity, “documenting [his] deteriorating mental health,” (Spotify: Behind the Lyrics).
“Numb,” by indie-pop group Men I Trust, matches perfectly to its title. Honestly, I’m not particularly educated when it comes to identifying specific instruments, so all I can offer for a description is my enjoyment of their “wavy” instrumentals. The vocals are especially poignant, with eerie, hazy overtones and eloquent lyrics like “I’ll be your candle, burn me upside down.” This track is the perfect background music for when you find yourself endlessly staring into space.
“On Melancholy Hill” by virtual band Gorillaz is a truly fascinating piece. I didn’t even know virtual bands were a thing until I discovered them, but I’m so grateful I did. The song guides listeners outside of their lives, transporting them to the “melancholy hill” described throughout the song. Between synth, techno beats, and layered vocals, listeners find themselves “Just looking out on the day/Of another dream.”
If I could ramble on The Growlers fifth studio album “City Club” in its entirety, I would, but track four, “Night Ride” is especially pertinent. With striking lyrics like “Morning sun fills the void/Now you see there never was a point,” and a flawless pre-chorus to chorus flow, this song is the perfect night drive melody. Also, this album has one of my favorite cover photos ever.
American rock band Eagles’ song “Hotel California” is simply a classic. You’ve probably heard this one on an old playlist your dad loves, but don’t underestimate its capabilities. Frontman Don Henely depicts a mystical descent into addiction with sinister vocals clashing with striking guitar solos by Don Felder and Joe Walsh, illustrating an illusive scene beyond earthly understanding.
