This past month I have discovered and rediscovered a diverse range of albums and artists, through different experiences and interesting spaces. With the sun out again and spring presenting itself so abruptly, the music I’ve found has so far allowed for an exceptional smooth transition, tying songs, lyrics to thoughts and feelings as they get easier and things get brighter. Carrying this music with me throughout my day has made so much difference; in this issue I’ll be sharing my love for Best Coast’s sunny album from 2010, Crazy For You, and a few random tunes from my Discover Weekly Playlist that Spotify puts together every week based on other albums I’ve been listening to.

While waiting in line to buy a coffee at the Roasters in Andy’s Market, I thought I recognized the light, upbeat, rosy voice that could not be mistaken for any other than the lead singer of Best Coast, Bethany Cosentino. I stood there listening to the album and remembered how much I loved it throughout the summer before sophomore year, and how I now have no choice but to revel again in the music that has such fond memories attached to it, now during the spring of my senior year. As if longing for summer and for the last months of the school year to be over wasn’t enough, this album makes the anticipation for sun and festivals and swimming even more unbearable. They float around the genre of indie-rock and surf pop, so they are meant to give off a happy summer vibe. More than any album of theirs, Crazy For You is an unapologetically teen-aged, confused but lustful and passionate album, with every song containing a catchy, unique melody and meaning. Their lyrics are simple but so relatable. Some of my favorites are: “the other girl is not like me, she’s prettier and skinnier, she has a college degree, I dropped out when I was seventeen,” “every day I wake up and I thank the stars above, for sending me a man that I could really love,” and “when you leave me, the bed is empty and I feel crazy, cause’ I didn’t say anything. I wish you would tell me how you really feel, but you’ll never tell me cause’ that’s not our deal.”

Almost every morning before I head to school, I listen to Tim Buckley’s “Buzzin Fly” and it makes the rest of my day ten times more enjoyable. Making tea, getting ready, hopping onto my bike and listening to it on the ride to school when there’s sun and no longer fog, there is nothing more therapeutic than preparing yourself for the day ahead with a strong, peaceful love song. In this song he reminds me of Van Morrison with the rambling poetry and descriptions of nature, comparing it to his love and how he misses her. “And sometimes, honey, In the morning, Lord I miss you so.” This genre of meaningful love songs with unique rhythms and lyrics will do for any morning playlist, and Tim Buckley never disappoints.

Abner Jay was a multi-instrumentalist blues singer from Georgia, playing throughout his youth in the 50s and later becoming more popular in the late 60s and 70s with his own written blues songs. He comes from a family of banjo players and former slaves from Georgia, being very involved in the lively and old-time culture of blues and folk within Georgia’s small towns and collaborating with local bands and being on radio shows. My favorite song of his is called “I’m So Depressed,” and with a Harmonica and an insistent guitar and rhythms throughout, Abner Jay sings of living during sorrowful and hard times in Georgia, wanting to be with his lady and wanting to live a good life like he hasn’t before. The song is frank, repeating “I’m So Depressed,” throughout the song. However, with blues songs, there is a certain charisma and fervor that comes with singing about such sorrow, and each lyric, though they may be sad, are heartfelt.