“Wrath” – The Smashing Pumpkins
Autumn’s here, at last. Foliage, cute sweaters, and apple cider donuts fill my Instagram feed. But not only do we have carving pumpkins to look forward to, we also have The Smashing Pumpkins. The band is back, having recently dropped four singles from their upcoming double album, Cyr, set for release on November 27. “Wrath,” released on September 25, showcases the band’s departure from guitar-saturated grunge into an equally heavy but electronic direction, which they hinted on their 2014 album, Moments to an Elegy. Billy Corgan’s wailing nasal voice dances around the empty sound of a synth with no guitar — a bold stylistic move for a band known for their quintessential 90s rock anthems. —EMILY HURWITZ
“Dear Mr. President” – Kiana Ledé
We are currently living through one of the worst pandemics recorded in history and mass civil rights protests unlike any other; two issues that can be attributed to the actions taken by the current sitting president. All the heartbreak and suffering we have seen this year gave re-birth to P!nk’s single ‘Dear Mr. President’ originally released on March 28th, 2011. Kiana Ledé released a beautiful rendition of the piece as a piano ballad single on the June 12th, 2020. The piece opens with chants from a protest where people are proclaiming ‘No Peace, No Justice’, directly referring to the protests we have been seeing recently. This is proceeded by the entrance of Ledés euphonious vocals accompanied by heavenly harmonies, making this piece a must listen to. Ledé asks the questions, directed towards the president, that everyone wants to know the answers to such as ‘How do you sleep while the rest of us cry?’. It is very disappointing to think that 11 years after the original release, this song could still be so relevant. —AARIK IBANEZ
“That’s on You (Japanese Remix)” – Joyce Wrice, UM
This collaboration breaks all barriers, combining different languages, R&B and neo-soul, and two half-Japanese, half-Black female icons. Rising artist Joyce Wrice released her single “That’s on You” back in May, but UMI joined her for the October 6th release of this powerful Japanese remix. The song still keeps the original storyline of an uncertain and hopeless love, but this time, the two artists’ voices melt together into a buttery, soulful blend of harmonies. The smooth bass-line coupled with the swaying rhythm of the guitar will bring on the sweet groove that everybody needs. —MIA GLASS
“Gwendolyn” – Jeff Tweedy
This week, Jeff Tweedy released “Gwendolyn,” a new song to preface the release of his upcoming solo album Love Is the King. Tweedy’s gentle, detached voice, became a cornerstone of his esteemed alternative rock band, Wilco. Once again, his rustling voice is featured prominently, yet the steady groove of the guitar and bass keep it from roaming too far from the melody. The result is a soft, yet infectiously toe-tapping tune.—JONAH LEVINE
“We Are Golden” – MIKA
Cornell’s pressure-filled climate makes it is so easy to get caught up in becoming a cookie-cutter graduate with a job lined up. And in doing so, many find themselves relinquishing the time and effort that should duly be put into exploring their interests and curiosities. With that said, as we are entering prelim season, or as I see it, the period of time where priorities get skewed and life perspectives are warped, MIKA’s “We Are Golden” is a tried-and-true reset button. The song’s uplifting beat and instrumentals backing up MIKA’s stern chants of this seemingly repetitive chorus will not fail to shake us out of this trance we’re in.—PATRICIA KU
“Little Dreamer” – Van Halen
After the death of the most influential rock guitarist, Eddie Van Halen, it would be remiss to exclude one of the band’s invigorating tunes in this month’s playlist. “Little Dreamer” is a neglected gem from Van Halen’s debut record in 1978, being overpowered by the mighty “Eruption” and radio hit “Runnin’ with the Devil.” This mid-tempo masterpiece formed an integral part of the Van Halen setlist even before they hit the studio, and it resultantly became its own force of nature by the time the red record button was pushed. Eddie’s signature tapping style makes a brief but ferocious appearance mid-song, but “Little Dreamer” proves that groove beats speed. Eddie Van Halen inspired a generation of guitarists and air-guitarists alike that continue to look up to him as the ultimate guitar god. —SPENCER NACHMAN
“Why Are Sundays So Depressing” – The Strokes
In the blur of the months, an album that shines through is The New Abnormal by the Strokes. It is their first full-length release since 2013 and produced by the industrious Rick Rubin. I chose the arbitrarily titled “Why Are Sundays So Depressing.” It blends early Strokes guitars with more eccentric vocals from Julian Casablancas, redolent of his experimental band The Voidz. The sugary guitar melodies and vocoder-based chorus feel like a new atmosphere of joy, far away from the current strangeness. This song is a fresh alternative cut in a collection of rock oddities. If you love The Strokes and haven’t yet heard this, get ready for your next true love. —ANDIE CHAPMAN
“Mustang” – Bartees Strange
Though Bartees Strange’s impressive, genre-hopping debut Live Forever was filled with wonderful tracks, the album’s highlight, “Mustang”, an indie-rock banger replete with distorted riffs an infectious synth line, demonstrates Strange’s powerful voice and emotional range, along with his ability to craft a song that begs to be screamed and replayed until your voice gives out. —MILES GREENBLATT
“Atoll” – Nail Palm
Accompanied by a single electric guitar, Nai Palm croons a promise of healing on “Atoll,” singing “When the damn thing breaks/ I’ll be there to take you home”. Also known also as the frontman of the futuristic jazz-funk quartet Haitus Kaiyote, Nai Palm sings spring-loaded with intention, purring the melody in her husky lower register before curling into her airy falsetto. The song blooms into harmony in the verse, the hum of voices swelling and overflowing from the ends of each line, rich but never cloying. Ending in an exuberant chorus, Nai Palm ensconces the listener in this momentary atoll. —LYNN HONG
“Good Job” – Alicia Keys
Self doubt is something that effects college students in the best of times. In 2020, there isn’t a college student who hasn’t doubted themselves, or been discouraged by the pandemic and its alterations on normal life. Alicia Keys’ soothing voice in her single “Good Job” brings memories of Robin Williams famously telling Matt Damon that “its not your fault.” Keys wrote the tune before the pandemic, but its message to regular people and workers is especially inspiring. She sings, “You’re doing a good job / A good job.” A message we all need to hear right now, only made better by her charisma and talent. A great addition to this playlist.—JON DONVILLE
“You Sad” – Tkay Maidza
As the weather grows colder and the sky becomes darker, it is easy to forget about the joyful parts of life. Tkay Maidza’s “You Sad” encourages listeners to take life less seriously, with a kooky music video and a catchy chorus. The song is an amalgamation of quirky little sounds – from shakers and bongos to whistles that echo throughout. Maidza’s music video is scattered with vibrant colors and butterflies, emulating the magical energy that her song exudes. Released on August 7, “You Sad” has the carefree energy of the summer and is the perfect listen for anyone missing the sun. —GRACE STASOLLA