Sweaters? Dead leaves? Seasonal depression? Oh boy, it's fall!
With all of these autumnal festivities, one part of truly enjoying this time of year is its accompanying soundtrack. As the self-anointed king of music at Beaver Area High School, I feel it's my duty to grant you all some of the best autumnal albums as you enjoy the fall of your lives.
Late Registration - Kanye West
One of the most controversial acts of the this century, Kanye West came onto the rap scene filled with a confidence and melodic ear unheard of at the time. After the success of his debut, West called in film composer Jon Brion to help produce his sophomore record Late Registration. Brion brings a baroque approach to West's Motown-based sampling that makes Late Registration the perfect fall hip-hop record. Some great cuts include "Gold Digger", "Heard Em' Say", and "Hey Mama."
In The Aeroplane Over The Sea - Neutral Milk Hotel
This is the album that weird kids pray to before they go to sleep at night. Filled with fuzzy guitars, singing saws, and stream-of-consciousness lyrics about sticking forks in shoulders and playing pianos filled with flames, In The Aeroplane Over The Sea has been lauded for its simplistic beauties. Incredible stand-alone tracks include "Holland, 1945", "In The Aeroplane Over the Sea", and "The King of Carrot Flowers."
Harvest - Neil Young
One of the first classic fall records that even your dad likes, Harvest by Neil Young is a masterclass in folk songwriting. The record consists of Young's signature croon, poetic lyricism, and wonderful orchestral arrangements performed by the London Symphonic Orchestra. The greatest tracks from this album include "Heart of Gold," "Harvest," and "Old Man."
Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
Who knew that four rich boys from New England would become the hottest indie pop act of the 2010s? Vampire Weekend appeared in 2008 with electric pianos, cellos, sweaters with collars, and one of the greatest pop records of the year. With witty lyricism that is just one more literary reference away from becoming unbearable, Vampire Weekend's self-titled debut is perfect for the preppy kids who need some sweet melodies this fall. Great tracks include "A-Punk," "Oxford Comma,” (your English teacher can explain it to you) and "Walcott."
Either/Or - Elliott Smith
This albums really gets the waterworks going. Smith is a folk-rock songwriter who can paint a vivid picture with beautiful guitar fingerpicking and angry, yet beautiful poetry. Either/Or is the last self-recorded album he made before he was signed to a major label, and the homeyness of the record seeps through the speakers and into your soul. Some of the most beautiful tracks are "Say Yes", "Between the Bars", and "Ballad of Big Nothing."
The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We - Mitski
The most recent record on this list comes from one of the greatest songwriters active today, Mitski. Americana, folk, and country influences envelope this album like a wool blanket. Mitski's raw lyrics once again tug at the listener's heartstrings and bring ease and visibility to those who need it. Standout tracks include "My Love Mine All Mine," "Bug Like an Angel," and "Heaven."