While we generally feel pretty good about our music choices, we often seek the opinions of our musically–inclined co–editors and friends to round out our iTunes libraries. Check out some of their most recent recommendations, below.
Shana Rusonis, SPEC Concerts Co–Director “Walk Around the Lake,” Lost in the Trees
“This is a seven–person ensemble with the sound of a duet. Lead singer Ari Picker croons in a way that seems to impart clarity and sanity to his audience. For a twenty–something who tends to worry obsessively about how quickly time flies, this song is a mentally cleansing breath of fresh, woodsy air.”
Anthony Levy, Street Lowbrow Editor “Vesuvius,” Sufjan Stevens
“As full–of–shit as you may think him, there's no denying that Sufjan is a formidable songwriter and the most intriguing personality this side of Kanye West. Here, he ditches the ego and flirts with a Lennon–esque sincerity as the chorus bleeds into a plea sung by his back–ups: "Sufjan, follow your heart. Follow the flame, or fall on the floor."
Jung–Hyun Kim, Off The Beat Musical Director “Little Lion Man,” Mumford and Sons
"I love the singer's voice! There's an awesome a capella breakdown at the end of the song, which is always a nice change of pace. The song grabs your attention in the best of ways."
Grace Ambrose, Street Features Editor “Another Trick,” Circle Pit
“Sleazy classic rock riffs made by two Australian lushes that recently signed to Philadelphia’s Slitbreeze Records. Great electric blues riff, fun people and perfect fall music."
Hillary Reinsberg, UnderTheButton Managing Editor “Teenage Dream,” Katy Perry (GLEE CAST VERSION)
“I’m not hip enough to like cool music.”
Raya Jalabi, Street Managing Editor “Bizarre Love Triangle,” New Order
“Essentially, this song is happiness on a stick – well, not so much a stick but a rainbow–infused popsicle. And it describes my relationship with Barry Manilow and my orchid plant, Beverly II, quite adequately.”
Jessica Goodman, Street Food Editor “The Kids Don’t Stand a Chance,” Vampire Weekend (as covered by Chromeo)
“I listen to this on my way to class most days so I can get a little spring in my step. Chromeo’s cover has the awesome lyrics of the original, but with a more upbeat feel.”
McLean Baran, Penn Glee Club Member “Heart Your Eat Out,” The Capstan Shafts
“It’s a short, refreshing pop song, and it always manages to put me in a happy mood, even when they are out of vanilla ice cream at Commons.”
Adrian Pelliccia, UnderTheButton Contributing Editor “Roman's Revenge,” Nicki Minaj and Eminem
“This song awakens something primal in me. The nonstop grind of the beat, the frantic rapping and stupid–good wordplay make me feel like a dungeon dragon in the best way possible. If you aren’t totally changed by this song, check your pulse: you may be dead.”
Jordan Sale, SPEC Concerts Co–Director “What’s My Name?” Rihanna feat. Drake
“Because Rihanna is fierce, Drake is Jimmy from Degrassi, and the song is really freaking catchy.”
