Music to stay warm
There is nothing quite like seeing your white breath billowing
out of your mouth and nose. It’s peaceful and reassuring
– you are breathing after all. But mostly, it means it’s cold
and usually it’s near wintertime.
For many reasons, the transition between fall and winter is my
favorite time of the year. Of course, in my younger days
– I know it’s really only a few years ago – there were two times
I looked forward to most: my birthday and Christmas. And Christmas
falls in this wonderful time.
Music to stay warm
There is nothing quite like seeing your white breath billowing out of your mouth and nose. It’s peaceful and reassuring – you are breathing after all. But mostly, it means it’s cold and usually it’s near wintertime.
For many reasons, the transition between fall and winter is my favorite time of the year. Of course, in my younger days – I know it’s really only a few years ago – there were two times I looked forward to most: my birthday and Christmas. And Christmas falls in this wonderful time.
But what I’ve always loved about this time of the year was eating soup, wearing big warm jackets and huddling around the fire with loved ones and friends. It’s cold outside so playing catch with your dad or friends is out of the question. Instead it’s the time of the year for settling down, relaxing and staying warm.
And of course, it’s the time of the year when music has a large impact – at least for me. Everyone knows those Christmas carols that take over the second Thanksgiving ends. The songs full of joy and celebration are everywhere – it’s incredibly hard not to be excited when you hear them.
The songs bring back wonderful childhood memories – where all you worried about was what presents you wanted. The songs bring back a time of innocence.
But as I get older, I don’t want to listen to those carols and songs of just pure joy. The powerful happiness and glow doesn’t match the cold, brittle weather.
Throughout my college winters, in Chico’s blast of 40-degree cold, I wanted to listen to a small sample of songs that were warm and welcoming. I wanted to listen to songs that mimicked the feeling of huddling around a fire, with apple cider in my hands.
And over time, I’ve developed my five favorite cold-weather albums. Every time this year, they become my most played songs on my iPod. They fill my ears, room and car. For me, these albums are necessary for this time of year.
5. The Antlers: Hospice
The newest album to this list, 2009’s gem is a sweeping folk beauty that is a little over 50 minutes long. The songs start slow and meander but when they find their focus it’s hard to find something so heartbreaking and beautiful. But the album is perfect for the cold months because of its warmth. The songs use a wide array of instruments to create a core grandiose sound and lead singer Peter Silberman’s voice is something to behold.
4. Bon Iver: For Emma, Forever Ago
Another folk gem, Bon Iver creates warmth by using his voice in harmonies that playfully bounce off his guitar. The songs are simple but full, with layers upon layers of sounds and noises. The album was written in the snowy woods of Wisconsin in the winter of 2006. And the sound almost feels like it was made to keep him warm.
3. Iron & Wine: The Creek Drank the Cradle
The great indie folk band’s first album defines the idea of low-fi. The sound crackles and pops, almost like a fire is burning next to the band. The music itself is bare, just Samuel Beam and his guitar. The simplicity, though, is what makes this album a standout and a cold weather classic.
2. The Decemberists: The Crane Wife
The band’s name really says it all. Their sound is crafted for the winter. Lead singer Colin Meloy’s voice is high-pitched and even a little bit raspy. But it’s the bands’ music, which blends accordions, guitar and organs, which makes it perfect for the end of the year.
1. Fleet Foxes, self titled
This 2008 album, which pays homage to the Beach Boys and every band that bases their sound off group harmonies, is something special. The Fleet Foxes debut album is simple – just a guitar, drums and five voices melding together.
The harmonies create a sense of warmth and utter beauty. Its eleven songs bounce from happy to somber but they always keep their warmth. This is easily my favorite album for the cold months.
