Staff Picks: Fall Essentials
Today is the Autumn Equinox, marking the first day of fall this year.
Of course, that means our writing staff here at Doors At Seven wanted to share a little something special with you to be the soundtrack to your fall. So, join us in celebrating the most magical season of all with a carefully curated batch of songs to listen to all season long.
—x—
Ash Hausrath
There are some artists that just sound like certain seasons. Slaughter Beach, Dog and Tom Petty are the most autumn-sounding artists I have ever encountered. To sum up Slaughter Beach, Dog’s music, it’s the music that I associate with the last hints of summer fighting for its final moment to shine in the first week of October when the leaves have all already come to the consensus that summer is over. Their song “Monsters” from their debut album Welcome perfectly captures this feeling. On the inverse of the autumnal artist spectrum, so much of Tom Petty’s discography feels like later fall, where the weather imposes a minor threat of being chilly if you’re not prepared with a jacket (preferably denim, just for the vibes). In this case, “Square One” is one of the most fall songs I’ve ever encountered. Both of these artists have expansive discographies (within their aforementioned projects or with other groups) that both represent fall and are aseasonal, but to me, their autumnal hearts stand out beautifully.
—x—
Lindsey Johnson
When I think of Fall I think of two things—Midwest Emo and Halloween. Of course, there’s a wide array in the Midwest Emo genre, but Modern Baseball has the proper angst for the change of season. “Your Graduation” is by far my favorite song by them, and I (ironically) picture its story as taking place under yellow/red/orange trees. As far as Halloween, Bright Eyes’ “Lover I Don’t Have To Love” is the closest to a Halloween song you can get without sourcing it from a horror movie. The instrumentals sound like they’re made from a toy piano and the vocals are desperate and shaky.
—x—
Justin Donders
First pick: “cardigan” by Taylor Swift. The pop star’s delve into indie music in 2020 came with this amazingly autumnal song with a piano-based backdrop from Aaron Dessner of The National. The original name of the production track before Swift even wrote over it was “Maple,” which just gives it even more bonus points.
While Soccer Mommy’s entire 2016 EP For Young Hearts could suffice for this list, “Skinned Knees” has some stripped-back grainy guitar and vivid imagery of the transition from summer to fall takes the win.
“If Blue Could Be Happiness” by Florist closes these picks out. This Florist cut from their 2017 album of the same name is stunningly written and produced. With little warbles in the production behind a light drum beat, it is the perfect soundtrack for any fall day.
—x—
Kal Mota Lopes
When I think fall, I think of that perfectly crisp air, the best fashion of the year, and that dark, mysterious, melancholiness that makes everything seem like a coming-of-age movie and reminds everyone why they’re alive. To me, that is Elliot Smith’s “Say Yes”. The late artist’s vulnerability paired with his folky and acoustic guitar-driven sound creates this emotional but hopeful atmosphere that reminds you of the time passing as the leaves change and fall to the ground while the world enters its transitional period into winter. Carrying that same contemplative and moody feeling associated with autumn, Fiona Apple’s cover of “Across the Universe” by The Beatles infuses the already cozy song with her husky vocal delivery and slow tempo making it the perfect soundtrack to reflect the languid essence of the season. It feels like walking through a rainy forest of red and yellow leaves thinking about the person you love. “Falling Out the Sky” by Armand Hammer, The Alchemist, and Earl Sweatshirt feel like nights growing longer while movies and decorations turn scary, but you’re also having an existential crisis. The rapper’s smooth deadpan delivery of introspective existentialist lyrics over the textured and haunting jazz samples creates a sonic landscape that mirrors the beauty of the changing scenery blended with the gloom of the year ending.
—x—
Jennifer Poroyé
My all-time favorite fall song would have to be Tis Autumn by Nat King Cole/Nat King Cole Trio. It’s got this slowly steady rhythm, and Nat’s voice works just like butter in this piece. He constantly dips in and out of the different vocal registers so smoothly. Plus, the piano accents and chords are so lush; they soften all the edges and create a vibe that just feels so fall.
Another fall essential definitely has to be "October Song" by Denielle Campbell—who’s actually a friend of mine! If you’re reading this, hey Denielle! :) "October Song" is a super groovy jazz tune about love and heartbreak, but it doesn’t have nearly as somber of a feel. Rather, it seems to be more of an acceptance of seasons changing, people leaving and coming in, which is so fall. Denielle’s voice is incredible, truly. And everything about the arrangement of this piece is so smooth and tasteful. I listen to this piece year-round, but I definitely crank it up for the fall.
—x—
Hannah Forbes
“Hit Me Just a Little” by Tino Drima is a perfect song for a relaxing morning walk (or drive) to class. The lyrics tell us a story about a girl who is trying to become successful and live in the moment, and a guy who sees and understands her but also knows she would be using him to gain that success. It starts low-key but builds up with supporting vocals and enchanting chimes. The chorus of the song is very catchy and fun to sing which I value as well.
Racoma's “Get On” is a great reminder that you need to do things for yourself. As the weather gets colder and seasonal depression starts to hit, you might start to feel unmotivated and/or sluggish. Just remember to take things at your own pace and avoid seeking approval from others. After all, they “don’t get to wear [your] shoes.”
Tommy Newport’s “Sunset For the Dead,” dives into an internalized world of emotional turmoil as the world around him seems to collapse at his feet. This song is composed of unique instrumentals and comforting vocals that contrast the somber lyrics. This is one of my favorite recent additions to my playlists for daily commutes. It's a perfect sing-along for that drive to school, work, or wherever you may be headed.
—x—
Ava Paciariello
When I think of the fall, Taylor Swift's Red is always the first album that comes to mind. The acoustic sound from the start transitions into a punchy, catchy melody that sings of long drives and leaves losing their color during fall. The album as a whole is the epitome of a fall day, but the titular song specifically encapsulates the entire season in 3 minutes.
During the fall, I find myself drawn to a lot of softer rock. Steve Miller Band’s catalog is a great one for when you’re looking for a more mellow but solid tune. “Fly Like An Eagle” has an unmistakable riff that opens the song, before flowing into a smooth instrumental that creates a perfect rhythm.
Dr. Dog's “Abandoned Mansion” has become one of my most recent additions to my fall playlist. I often listen to it on my walks to class, or when doing some homework as I think it gives off a warm, calm tone—which is perfect for the season.