The Weekly List: Boyhood

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Hey guys and welcome to my first attempt at the Weekly List! My inspiration for this week’s playlist comes from the film Boyhood and that introspective happy-sad mood it evokes. Released on July 11, Richard Linklater’s hit independent film is a thought-provoking journey that took 12 years to make. It follows the life of a boy from age six to 18 using the same actors to chronicle the account. So as to not give any spoilers, I will only say that it is inspiring and gripping both emotionally and intellectually. Without any more delay here are some of my favorite mellow songs in a tribute to reflection.

The first track is one by Cults off of their self-titled first album. “You Know What I Mean,” starts off soft and slow then hits back with an increasingly strong, drums-heavy chorus. “Stay Useless,” by Cloud Nothings is a more grunge style song with fun, steady rhythm guitar and a great, scratchy-voiced message. The same ideas can be said for “I Don’t Wanna Be An Asshole Anymore,” by the Menzingers. Although a bit more pop-punk, the unyielding, aggressive style makes this a great listen.

For a change of pace, I threw in “Just a Boy,” by everyone’s favorite Australian sibling duo, Angus and Julia Stone. This song can be seen as an acoustic story of sadness or simply hopeless romanticism with charming folk lyrics and harmonica solos to match. PHOX’s “Slow Motion” is reminiscent of Angus and Julia’s folk style with more synth elements. If you prefer a more electro-folk sound, “Anthems For A Seventeen Year Old Girl,” by Broken Social Scene combines violin, banjo and digitally layered vocals to provide something wonderful in outcome.

While staying in a similar sound, this next song is much older than most of what I have selected for your hearing pleasure. The Cranberries’ undoubtedly timeless track “Ode to My Family” glorifies Dolores O’Riordan’s angelic brogue vocals in this 1994 recording. Words cannot do justice to the well spread sound that the band presents throughout the song. I see the spark of Cranberries greatness in Noah and the Whale and rising alternative legends Vampire Weekend. Noah and the Whale and their track “There Will Come a Time,” give listeners a loud bass line and strongly sung bridge; the message of this song can bring a nostalgic smile to anyone’s face in recollection of those friends who were there when you needed them the most. I cannot forget my personal favorite from Vampire Weekend, “Hannah Hunt.” Echoing, faintly tribal-esque drums compliment Ezra Koenig’s somber vocals to create a memorable song experience.

Rising dark wave, indie pop band MS MR rendition LCD Soundsystem’s classic, “Dance Yrself Clean” has given music nerds something to be ecstatic about. You’ll have to listen for yourself as Lizzy Plapinger lays her unique flair on a well-known record.

My final track is the cornerstone in my Boyhood inspiration idea. “Hero” by Family of the Year is a key element in Linklater’s film and one of my favorite travel songs. The far-reaching vocals and powerful lyrics are in perfect combination with the layered music and the (relatively) upbeat group chorus that finishes the number.

The Weekly List: Boyhood