By Harry Donnell
Staff Writer
The following passage will relay a real-life horror story in vivid, horrifying detail. You have been warned. Proceed with caution. It is the first week of November and you turn on the radio. Your heart skips a beat when you hear it: sleigh bells. This is an unfortunate reality this time of year.
However, one need not suffer. Here is a list of albums for people who would rather savor the lingering autumn season than dive into the deep, dark, frightening sea of jingle bells and soft, sappy pop hits most radio stations favor at this time of year.
1. “Luna” by Faun
The German pagan folk, neo-Medieval, darkwave band Faun started in 2002 and has been producing phenomenal music ever since. Their 2014 album, “Luna,” is thrilling and beautiful. Age-old instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy and Celtic harp are combined with modern sound editing techniques to create lively and haunting music.
The album truly encompasses the high and low moods of the harvest season and is an excellent listen. In particular, the songs “Buntes Volk” and “Hekate” are must-listens!
2. “Village Lanterne” by Blackmore’s Night
“Village Lanterne,” released in 2006, was the fifth of nine studio albums from British-American folk-rock duo Blackmore’s Night. The soothing, gentle beauty of the instrumentation is matched in the elegant vocals and lyrics.
This album would certainly improve an evening of homework. This is not to say the music is boring. “I Guess it Doesn’t Matter Anymore” and “Faerie Queen / Faerie Dance” would be perfect for dancing.
3. “Alarms” by Galileo Galilei
Japanese indie rock group Galileo Galilei simply cannot be missed. Their simultaneously mellow and energetic style captures the unique rhythm of daily life. The mood of their 2013 album, “Alarms,” pairs well with the inconsistent autumn weather. This writer recommends “Wakkanai” and “18” for warm, sunny days and “SIREN” for cloudy ones.
4. “Broken Bells” by Broken Bells
The Broken Bells’ 2010 self-titled album is an excellent match for the season. The soft, complex harmonies, catchy rhythms, and lyrics rife with existential conflict make this indie rock album a great companion for long walks down leaf-littered streets.
The writer particularly recommends listening to the more mellow tracks “Vaporize” and “October.” “The Ghost Inside” and “The High Road” are recommended for those looking for something with a little more punch.
