In the face of a post-spring break reality, it may serve returning students well to be reminded of all there is to appreciate about a spring at the University. After all, a return to longer days and warmth signals the chance to laze in the sun with friends, go for a stroll in the shade of the rejuvenated trees or even just feel the breeze as you while away a cloudless afternoon. The air is singing with a sense of hope perhaps lost in the fervor of pre-break midterms — an energy that this soundtrack is made to capture.
“Ooh La La” by Rod Stewart
A lush Irish fiddle pervades Rod Stewart’s 1998 cover of his former band Faces’ 1973 original track “Ooh La La,” backing a tale of an aging grandfather warning his grandson about the perils of young relationships. The ensuing theme of nostalgia is only compounded by the reflective nature of the lyrics as the elder warns, “For love is blind and you’re far too kind / Don’t ever let it show.” Stewart’s energy in the choral chant of “I wish that I knew what I know now / When I was younger” overlaid on a bouncy instrumental suddenly injects a bright sense of hope into the track.
The distinctly Celtic anthem serves as an auditory bridge for the transition from the frosty throes of winter blues to the flowery vitality of spring. Narratively, Stewart provides a reminder to be wary of the youthful mistakes that might define a Charlottesville spring to be remembered in later years.
“new david bowie” by Jim Legxacy
Jim Legxacy has the blueprint for those choosing to appreciate the thawing weather by taking a minute for themselves. “Put my phone on DND,” as Legxacy repeats, could be the ideal advice for someone looking to escape or just walk away from the resounding chaos of everyday life into the now-inviting landscape of the Charlottesville outdoors.
With an aggressively self-assured lyrical flow superimposed over less serious chirping vocal samples, the track turns into a sonical collage that is equal parts calm and confident. Here, Legxacy finds a combination perfect for dealing with the social and academic anxieties students may meet again after break. On a catchy hip-hop instrumental, an array of strings cutting through the mix and pulsating drums form a homemade and genuine feel, creating an upbeat ode fit for an evening spent taking in the Blue Ridge sunset.
“トーキョー レギー” by Masayoshi Takanaka
This song’s title translates to “Tokyo Reggae” in English, hinting at a twist on the Jamaican genre’s typical themes of slow and easygoing, bassful tunes. It opens with a teaser of melodic guitar strings before flowing into a fast-paced and funk-charged riff, paired with soft and laid-back drums. Immediately, the song sets the mood for an afternoon under the now cloudless sky.
Its virtuosic guitar playing undeniably stands out, with layers of strings building on each other to create a feeling reminiscent of levitating over a sunny field covered in flowers. The track never fails to throw something new into the musical mix — from quiet electronic plinking or subtle intonations of bass tailor-made for basking in the sun. Served in a Japanese rock-fusion dish quite unlike anything most spring playlists would have to offer, Tankanaka’s work offers a taste of the vibrance of spring.
“Raspberry Beret” by Prince, The New Tower Generation, and The Revolution
“Raspberry Beret” is a foray into Prince’s more playful side that those familiar with him through the 1984 album “Purple Rain” and song “When Doves Cry” may not immediately recognize. After a long week away, however, the track brings a listening experience fit for renewed energy. The track’s version of the genre-bending artist complements the warm tones of springtime with a popping sound, blending a teasing narrative with Prince’s ever-present vocal intensity and rawness in a way that is built for bopping along to.
As Prince masterfully regales the story of a fling with a woman dressed in the titular garment, listeners may feel inclined to search for their own Raspberry Beret-graced relationship. Whether it’s the refrain of “Raspberry Beret / The kind you find in a second-hand store” that remains catchy 40 years after its release in 1985 or Prince’s relentless commitment to experimentation, the track is a unique confluence of indie feel and mainstream appeal — as suited for a long walk in the shade as it is for a dance at a party.
As students are launched back into the fray of school, it is easy to forget to appreciate some of the subtler aspects of this time of year — like longer days and budding flowers. This selection — by combining experimental indie sounds and exciting pop appeal — can be a healthy reminder to maintain that gratitude within just about any spring mood.
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