For a giant part of the population, it’s back to school time — a time for spending way too much money on books that you’ll never read because the professor basically reads them for you and a time for reading lists online when you probably should be taking notes (because Physics for Non-Majors is still pretty hard). It’s even a rough time for those who aren’t going back to school. I was at my favorite coffee shop near Union Square the other day, and there were probably 15 giggling kids looking nervous and not ordering fast enough — we all have our struggles. In order for us to get through this time, let’s all sit down and listen to some feel good music.
“Trying to be Cool (Remix)” – R Kelly and Phoenix
This little diddy is for everyone, both the kids who are so sure that this is the year that they rise to the top and the people who just need something awesome to listen to while watching NYU freshman in the West Village.
“I Can Tell That We…” – The White Stripes
This is the perfect back to school song. It even melts the cold dead hearts of post-grads. Seriously, I want a lunchbox and a cubby again.
“Hazy Shade of Winter” – The Bangles
Listen, it’s going to a be long, long winter full of freezing cold weather and saying no to things because you have to write that paper. Luckily, this song was gifted to us from on high to get us through these very situations.
“My Girls” – Animal Collective
You aren’t allowed in the college radio station parties unless you list this as one of your favorites. It’s true.
“We Are Your Friends” – Justice vs. Simian
Guess what, this has been played at every house party since it came out in 2006, and will be played at every house party for the rest of time. Start practicing faking a smile and saying, “Wow, I still love this track,” now, so it doesn’t look so labored in October.
“Move Bitch, Get Out the Way” – Ludacris
Seriously, I want my coffee — move out the way!
“Ras Trent” – The Lonely Island
With the start of school also comes the start of that foul patchouli stench in the air.
“Common People” – Pulp
Hopefully, when you meet the awful person described in this song at a bar (and you will meet them many times over, I promise) they’ll at least buy you a rum and coke.
“Je T’aime, Mon Non Plus” – Serge Gainsbourg…
This is the cultured way to hook up with someone you’ll then avert your eyes from for the next 4+ years!
“Wrapped in Books” – Belle and Sebastian
We’d be remise not to include at least one song that makes it seem like you’ll be studying at school. So here, take this one and go open up those textbooks.
