Picks of the Week: Dance Away the Winter Blues
Each week, Dartbeat asks a group of musically inclined students to recommend their favorite songs of the week according to a particular theme. This week we focus on songs to help dance away the winter blues. Even though spring is here, the winter seems to want to hang around, so put these songs on whenever the weather gets you down. Enjoy!
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp0NOjZlNlo[/embed]
Tiantian Zhang: Madeon, a 20-year-old French DJ, made a name for himself a couple years ago with his Pop Culture mash-up video on YouTube and his single "The City." Since then, he's landed several huge gigs and a prominent residency position in Las Vegas. He also recently released his debut album, “Adventure” (2015). The selected track comes from the album and has been one of my favorite upbeat study jams since this winter (I'll admit, I had to fight off the urge to dance in Periodicals). With its funky beat, catchy melody and smooth sound, "You're On" is an infectious jam. Groove to this tune to kick off your spring term, and if you're digging what you hear, give some love to the remixes too.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0go2nfVXFgA[/embed]
The Vamps — Somebody to You (ft. Demi Lovato)
Jillian Dayneka: This week, my pick would have to be “Somebody to You” by The Vamps. Now that One Direction is on the rocks, The Vamps will probably be the next big boy band, and their pop sound is out in a big way on this track. It’s impossible not to want to bounce around to this song, guaranteed. Bonus feature: Demi Levato.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb8oUbMrydk[/embed]
The Decemberists — Make You Better
Samantha Webster: Sometimes the best way to deal with the winter blues is to stop begging for spring and simply embrace the winter. And what better way to embrace winter than by listening to a band called The Decemberists? I know, it’s corny. Whether you hated that joke or not, I'm wagering you won't hate this song. Over spring break I listened to it on repeat on the train from Philadelphia to D.C. to visit one of my best friends who graduated last year. It was snowing so much that my train was delayed, but it was so beautiful with the falling snowflakes and this song made the trip even lovelier. So, as we hold out for the blossoms of spring, check out "Make You Better" if for no other reason than that “Parks & Recreations” star Nick Offerman makes a bizarre cameo in the music video.
Fault Lines — Basins
Maya Poddar: This track is ideal for shaking off the winter blues. The garage-pop guitar and crashing drums infuse this track with all the energy that the warm weather will hopefully bring. In addition, the lyrics, “So I’m going take my days/ One day at a time/ I’ll be just fine/ Or at least that’s what I say” encapsulate my attitude towards this humdinger of a term.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svNgdv-rlkI[/embed]
Twin Shadow — I’m Ready
Koryn Ternes: George Lewis Jr., better known as his alias Twin Shadow, is back at it again with his major-label debut album “Eclipse” (2015). Released just a couple of weeks ago, this album combines ‘80s new wave influences with modern rock, resulting in a number of ambitious tracks like “To the Top,” “Turn Me Up” and my pick of the week, “I’m Ready.” With a towering chorus, this track exudes a positivity that is sure to have you playing it on repeat. So if you’re looking to add something alternative to your 15S playlist, this is the song for you.