7 alluring melodies to add to your October playlist

Cover of 'powerful October' playlist/@csessinger on Spotify

Music as a way to declare a new month

Is it just me, or does anyone else find that at the start of each month, you begin to carefully curate a playlist to be endlessly streamed until the end of the month?

Of course, the cycle carries over into the next month as well. For me, time has always been defined by the music I was listening to then and I have gotten in the habitual routine of creating a monthly playlist that I will continue to associate with those specific times.

Since music is a powerful mode of communication, I feel so inclined to share some of the music that has been defining the first few weeks of October for me. Feel free to connect with me on Spotify and listen to the playlist here.

'powerful October' by @csessinger on Spotify

1. The Strokes, Under Control

From the 2003 album Room on Fire, "Under Control" is a relentless declaration of wasting time by frontman Julian Casablancas. This song doesn't require active listening, rather, the music just moves throughout your mind.

2. Radiohead, True Love Waits (Live in Oslo)

This specific live recording of this song sends chills throughout my body. Thom Yorke, lead singer of Radiohead, beautifully whines into the microphone in this track as he sings about the subliminal message behind the phrase'True Love Waits.' Read more about the messages behind this song here.

Watch Radiohead play "True Love Waits" live in 2018. Courtesy of youtube.com/WiseRiley.

3. Daniel Johnston, Walking the Cow

This track of Johnston's 1983 album Hi How Are You gives off soft-techno-fuzzy vibrations. According to a Rolling Stone article written after Johnston's death, most of his songs were recorded on a 1980's boombox which explains his defining sound.

Watch Pearl Jam cover "Walking the Cow" at the 1994 Bridge School Event. Courtesy of youtube.com/ruggs1996.

4. The Velvet Underground, After Hours

This sweet little ditty from The Velvet Underground is very reminiscent of crisp fall days. On this song, originally written by Lou Reed, the lead vocals come from drummer Maureen Tucker.

Maureen Tucker of The Velvet Underground on drums. Photo courtesy of Rolling Stone.com/Gisbert Hanekroot

5. Good Morning, Credentials (Lester & Eliza)

This complex narrative between two individuals takes the form of a descriptive song, "Credentials (Lester & Eliza)." The intricate lyricism describes an unhappy marriage as the song unfolds.

6. The Districts, Young Blood

"Young Blood," by Pittsburgh band The Districts, is a drawn-out ballad in which the subject comes to terms with the idea that love is far gone. I saw The Districts perform this live in 2019, and their performance of "Young Blood" was so passionate. Another great example of their energy while performing can be seen during their performance at AudioTree.

The Districts performing "Young Blood." Courtesy of Youtube.com/Audiotree.

7. Neil Young, Walk On-2016 Remaster

On the Beach is easily my favorite Neil Young album. Released in 1974, the album eludes soft, beachy tunes, but also displays Young in a very vulnerable light. I especially love the recent remastered version that was released in 2016. This track specifically is one I will turn to when I need a boost of energy or enlightenment. Not to mention, the album cover is incredible.

On the Beach album cover. Photo Courtesy of Ripe Records Detroit.

Music for the people

I encourage you to interact with these songs in whichever way seems appropriate for you! Listen to them once, add them to your playlist, and share them with your loved ones. Let these songs speak for themselves. Visit me on Spotify to listen to the rest of the playlist!

Drop a comment letting me know which track was your favorite!