Even though students and teachers are back in the building for in-person learning after a week of snow days and NTI, it doesn’t mean that winter weather is a thing of the past. Here’s a list of my favorite songs to listen to during this season, whether it’s out on the icy road or huddled up inside my home with some hot chocolate.
“Foxes in the Snow” by Jason Isbell
The title track off of the acclaimed songwriter’s most recent solo album, “Foxes in the Snow,” is a mesmerizing look into the mind of a man who is deeply in love with a woman. As he sings about all the parts of her that he loves, the solo acoustic guitar instrumentation and Isbell’s gravely voice result in an eerie tune that perfectly encapsulates all of the darker sides of infatuation.
Isbell explained the inspiration for the song title in The Tennessean, and how shooing foxes from his own chicken coop resulted in “the perfect imagery for the album.”
“Everybody knows that the fox is a smart animal, but it is just as shocking when you see something that beautiful that is on its way to kill your chickens,” said Isbell. “I like something that is beautiful but also vicious, because I think that’s how life is.”
“Flume” by Bon Iver
When singer-songwriter Justin Vernon retreated to his father’s hunting cabin in Northwestern Wisconsin, his three months in the remote location resulted in the For Emma, Forever Ago, his band Bon Iver’s debut studio album. Since its release in 2007, the record remains a cornerstone of modern indie folk, and perfectly encapsulates the dark and lonely feeling that often comes with Winter (Vernon came up with his band name due to a mishearing of the French phrase “Bon Hiver,” which means “good winter”.)
“Flume” is the album’s opening track, and it’s a perfect introduction to the world that For Emma, Forever Ago’s transports the listener to. Vernon’s signature layered falsetto vocals paired with rusty guitar strums result in a sound that is both sweeping and intimate. “Flume” is also the only track on the album to feature a vocalist other than Vernon, with Christy Smith accompanying him in the track’s final chorus.
“Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson
While not a song about winter, the idea of being stuck inside the house during bad weather certainly hits close to home for Atherton students. In “Banana Pancakes,” Johnson gives a positive spin on the predicament, highlighting all of its positive aspects like getting to sleep in, ignoring the telephone, and, of course, making banana pancakes.
The catchy guitar riff and Johnson’s smooth voice result in a song that is both upbeat and relaxed. It’s one of the Hawaiian singer-songwriter’s classic tracks, and a good place to start for those who want to begin digging into his discography.
“I Want Wind to Blow” by The Microphones
Fans of For Emma, Forever Ago’s rusty, rough around the edges sound will appreciate The Microphones album The Glow, Pt. 2. Released in 2001, the record was recorded on a 16-track analog system by Phil Elverum, who utilized a lot of experimental techniques in creating the albums unique sound.
“I Want Wind to Blow,” the album’s opening track, is a perfect example of its unique sound. Like Vernon, Elverum sings quietly, layering his vocals while accompanied by a slow yet catchy acoustic guitar riff. As the song progresses, more and more sounds are introduced as he sings about feeling lost and a desire to disassociate, invoking lots of natural imagery in the process. After the lyrics end, the song transitions into a sweeping yet soothing instrumental section that lasts for several minutes before transitioning into a loud, aggressive breakdown that closes out the over 5-minute long track.
The Glow, Pt. 2 has developed a cult following due to its unique and diverse sound. While the record contains epic tracks such as “I Want Wind to Blow,” it also offers quieter, more intimate songs like “I Felt Your Shape.” It’s the perfect album to listen to on a long car drive through nature and mountains.
“Girl from the North Country” by Bob Dylan (and Johnny Cash)
Like many Bob Dylan songs, “Girl from the North Country” has multiple versions: the original on The Freewheelin’ Bob Dlyan is brought to life by the songwriter’s iconic voice, acoustic fingerpicking and harmonica. Six years later, Dylan and Johnny Cash recorded a duet version for Nashville Skyline that was slower paced, focusing more on the contrast between Dylan’s nasally delivery and Cash’s resonant baritone.
Even though the tracks are distinct sonically, the lyrics (with the exception of the original version containing an additional verse) are the same: the singer(s) tell the listener about a girl from the North Country who they used to be romantically involved with. The song is unique in the sense that unlike in other love songs, the singer has seemingly accepted the fact that the girl he once loved is gone for good, and now just wishes that she stays safe and remains the person she was while they were together. There’s also the possibility that he wants her preserved in the chance one day he can be reunited with her. Either way, it’s a moving piece, and both versions are worth checking out.
