Songs I Am Thankful For

By Eryn Longstaff

Thinking back on the past few months since I last posted, I wanted to share a little of what music has been especially special to me. Here are a few songs and the bands that sing them that have made my life better so far this semester. I hope they bring a little joy into your hearts, too. And feel free to post in response any music that you are particularly thankful for.

1. Challengers by The New Pornographers

A few times a friend of mine and I contemplated what songs we would use if ever asked to create a soundtrack for a love movie. This is my first pick. I always picture this song playing in the background as a montage of a pair split apart scrolls across the screen.

2. Dog Days by Florence and the Machine

Slightly strange music video aside, this song is the epitome of happiness for me right now. It is so catchy and upbeat, I can’t help by find myself humming it through slightly boring days. It’s just a little flavor to add to the monotony of life. Besides, Florence Welch has such an awesome voice. I always wanna say “Preach it, sister!” when she sings J

3. Ghosts by Laura Marling

I love this song. It is pretty and tells a pretty awesome tale that I’m sure we all can relate to. There are many ghosts of lingering past feelings and relationships that always get in the way of moving forward.

4. White Winter Hymnal as sung by Kiersten Holine, Jeff Pianki, and Jaytee Royster

I couldn’t help but throw these three into the mix. The link above shows 3 people who put together this song while separated into 3 different states. I highly recommend looking any one of them up on youtube. That’s where I found them, and fell a bit in love with them. They are all really talented musicians in their own rights, give them a listen!

5. Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros

Recently I was asked what I thought was the most perfect piece of music I had ever heard. This song instantly came flooding into my mind. It is so beautiful and uplifting. The music video is also just another beautiful thing about it. If you haven’t heard of Sigur Ros yet, you are missing out.

6. The Funeral by Band of Horses

There is no denying that Band of Horses is a rising group on the indie music scene, and this song shows why. Their haunting music, and ability to convey such strong and meaningful lyrics with equally strong and meaningful melodies make them who they are. Sure, it isn’t the happiest of songs, but it always makes me feel hopeful.

7. Wake Up by Arcade Fire

You will hopefully recognize this music as the background for the promos for the movie Where the Wild Things Are. I had been a fan of Arcade Fire for a while, but this song reawakened that love I had for them. Can we just be kids again?

8. My Favorite Song by Skyler Stonestreet

Okay, this song is back to being light, acoustic, and pretty. Skyler Stonestreet is great for that. My roommate showed me her myspace site, and I instantly fell in love with this song. Yes, it has the qualities to be “my favorite song” hahaha.

9. I Feel It All by Feist

I adore this; it is so fresh and clean feeling. I think it’s an essential song for anyone’s music collection. My favorite line? “I don’t know what I knew before, but now I know I wanna win the war.” Fight on!

10. Two Weeks by Grizzly Bear

Again, pardon the slightly strange music video, but the song is soooo good! I can’t help but like Grizzly Bear and this song is one of my favorites they play. There is something just hypnotizing about the piano music in the background music and the backup singers.

11. Her Morning Elegance by Oren Lavie

To make up for the strange music videos to good songs, here is an AMAZING music video to a truly awesome song. Oren Lavie is the perfect musician to relax to, and this stop motion video always makes my day. Every now and then I forget about it, and then watch it again and time and time again this video blows my mind and makes me smile.

Well enjoy, friends! I’m thankful that you took the time to read!

-Eryn

Ps. I was serious, share the music you’re thankful for in a comment! Share!