Greetings and welcome to another edition of Halftime’s the Week List! We are now in a time of pumpkin spice, colorful leaves on the trees, and apparently hurricanes (all the more reason to bundle up). If we shuck all the negative stereotypes that come along with the autumn season, we are left with a time to be cozy and enjoy time with loved ones. Take a walk through Georgetown in your best sweater and stop into your favorite coffee shop. Everything is perfect: warm coffee on the table, book in hand, but the perfect soundtrack still remains a mystery to you. Well look no further, for Halftime proudly presents exactly what you need, The Weekly List: Classic Coffee Shop Tunes.
“Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac
This rocking ballad, produced for the band’s album Rumors, was written during a time of struggle for the band where the music was the only thing keeping them together. The tale of letting go of love can parallel the morose aspects of the somber fall season, while the rich music and lovely harmonies of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham help all listeners crack a smile.
“Dreams” – Fleetwood Mac
“Dreams” is personally my favorite Fleetwood Mac track; this mellow song flaunts a catchy, steady drum beat behind Nicks’ gorgeous voice. The timeless lyrics of the track are almost impossible to forget, not only for their entertaining qualities, but also for the value of the song’s message.
“The Chain” – Fleetwood Mac
Seeing a trend here? This acoustic-vibe, bluegrassy track serves as another perfect supplement to your coffee shop soundtrack. An intense guitar solo fading the song out peaks up the energy while adding a calm, almost eerie attitude to the track.
“Tiny Dancer” – Elton John
The chorus of this beautiful song always seems to find its way into the drunken serenade of your party-ready best friend. In the peaceful solitude of your favorite spot for coffee, it’s you and Elton in those headphones. Bask in his vocal glory, along with a bit of elegant piano to add even more to the experience.
“Rocket Man” – Elton John
Those first twenty seconds or so of this track reflect how wonderful a singer Mr. John really is. Take a look out of the coffee shop window and internally sing your heart out to another eternally-famous chorus that lasts the tests of time.
“Live and Let Die (Live)” – Paul McCartney
Any song written for a bond film is already close to a 10/10 in my book. Feel like a spy for a while or just take in this roaring live performance by a beloved former Beatle.
“Band on the Run” – Paul McCartney, Wings
For a gentle Sunday afternoon, this song is a much listen. A slow tempo and trippy guitar work relax the mind. The coffeehouse is a place for easy listening, and this classic gives you exactly that.
“Maybe I’m Amazed” – Paul McCartney
It’s easy to forget that Mr. McCartney is a master of the love ballad as well. If you’re ordering a second mug for a special someone, let this song play through.
“A Case of You” – Joni Mitchell
Twangy guitar steadily supports Joni Mitchell’s sad yet beautiful vocals. This is certainly not the song to listen to if you’re looking to keep the joyful vibes going, but it is nonetheless a pleasant listen for anyone looking to ponder.
“Dream A Little Dream of Me” – Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong
This next track brings the playlist back a few decades to a classic period of traditional jazz pop. What more could you ask for than a duet between Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong? These two musical legends belt out this classic track to immortalize it with Louis’ quintessential trumpet.
“A Kiss to Build a Dream On” – Louis Armstrong
Halftime leaves you with a final classic for your listening pleasure. Louis croons over the subtle clicks of the piano keys that soon breaks into one of his very best trumpet solos to give the piece a higher energy than expected.
That’s it for this edition of the Weekly List! Halftime hopes that you’re enjoying the start of the fall season, and enjoying your favorite coffee spot. Next time you’re there, see if this playlist makes the experience even better.
