Music Monday: Callie Thornton (1/26/26)

Callie Thornton, Editor • January 26, 2026

Photo taken by BlueBoxImaging, graphics by Lucas Selch

Now that school is back in session for the second semester, staying motivated and staying in a good mood becomes even more challenging. For me, these are the kind of tracks that get me in a good mood, and make the cold mornings a little less bitter. So if you’re looking for some new songs to listen to, here are my recommendations!

“Brilliant Disguise” by Bruce Springsteen

Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of Bruce Springsteen, and I’ve come to find that this song is one of my favorites. Even though this song is older, it’s still a great song. I often listen to this song in the car, it has a great pace, and it’s almost impossible to not sing along! I will never not sing along to a Bruce Springsteen song.

“Try and Love Again” by Eagles

If you know me, you know I absolutely love Eagles. Every now and then I love a slower paced song, and this track is just that. The guitar in this song is absolutely beautiful, and each time I hear it my mood instantly changes. Even though this is a slower song, it still gets me in a good mood, no matter what.

“Slide” by The Goo Goo Dolls

Everyone knows “Iris” by The Goo Goo Dolls, but I think “Slide” is even better. It’s a very upbeat song, and every time I listen to it, it brings me back to summer. No matter how many times I listen to this song, it never gets old. There’s a reason this song was one of my most listened to songs of 2025.

“Operator” by Grateful Dead

Anything by the Grateful Dead is automatically an amazing song for me. I’ve listened to them for years now, but this song is definitely one of my top three Grateful Dead songs. This song reminds me of summer, no matter how gloomy it is outside. I love the guitar and the harmonica parts in this song, it reminds me of a warm summer night each and every time I hear it. Each time this song comes on, I can’t help but sing along.

“Blue Denim” by Stevie Nicks

Everyone knows Fleetwood Mac, but Stevie Nicks on her own is phenomenal. “Blue Denim” is by far one of my favorites. The song captures that “once in a lifetime” feeling perfectly. Stevie Nick’s voice is just absolutely perfect in this song.

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About the Contributors

Callie Thornton, Editor

Callie Thornton (12) is an editor and writer. During her first year, Thornton first thought of participating in the Aerial as a way to fill a class period, but contrary to previous intentions, realized that she had fallen in love with journalism. In her second year on the Aerial, Thornton is excited to be deeply involved in journalism again. She has hopes for more perspectives to come through the newsite, expanding outside of school to see more impacts in the community. Thornton looks forward to the new team taking the Aerial to the next level. At Atherton, Thornton participates in archery and track. Passionate about movies, film, and photography, Thornton hopes to go to college to pursue a career in film. Thornton’s top three movies are The Iron Claw, The Way Way Back, and Mid90s. In her free time, she enjoys painting, scrapbooking, listening to music, and spending time with her cat named Tom.

Lucas Selch, Photo Editor

Lucas Selch, a senior here at Atherton, is excited to get the word out about the Aerial and help it grow during his first year on staff. He plans on being a photo editor, photographer, and writer for our news. He is looking to be a photo journalist after high school, which makes him even more excited to be a part of the Aerial. Selch is also in the media arts pathway, which furthers this goal. Lucas is a very creative person, some of his biggest hobbies being music and photography. Outside of school, Selch is in two local bands, Gaia, and Sweet Easy Listening, where he plays the bass. He loves all types of rock music including punk, prog, and psyche. He has a love for Jimmy Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and occasionally Limp Bizkit. His favorite movie is 10 Things I Hate About You, being introduced to it by his girlfriend. At home, he lives with his parents, sister, two brothers, and his two huskies. Lucas plans on using his creative talents to help us expand, and is very excited for what’s to come.