Eerie barren forests of Eugene - Photo by Fiona McMeekin
1. Introduction (Private Press Version) - WITCH
Besides the obvious reasons I’ve chosen this song to start off our fall playlist, WITCH, (We Intend to Cause Havoc) will always be a band I return to when the leaves begin to turn crimson in color. I started listening to WITCH back in 2020 when I had more than enough time on my hands to discover new music and spent what feels like hours strolling the forest by my lonesome blasting this 1970’s Zamrock. The funky psychedelic tunes that seem to transport me to a different dimension are such an underrated gem. I recommend everyone go and check out the rest of their discography if you like this song.
2. Babay (Eat a Critter, Feel Its Wrath) – The Blow
This album was one of the firsts downloaded onto my little iPod shuffle. The textured electric pop-ness of this song really homes in major early 2000’s “twee” vibes. And for me twee reminds me of fall? Not exactly sure of the connection there, but I feel like Zoey Deschanel has something to do with it.
3. The Coffin Was So Light I Thought It Might Float Away – Eiafuawn
One of my favorite Eiafuawn songs that also happens to include mentions of all the spooky things, coffins, ghosts, vampires, unrequited love. If schools starting to overwhelm you and you’re perhaps starting to feel like Everything Is All Fucked Up And What Not, listen to one of Clay Parton’s side projects. His album pairs well with a pumpkin chai latte and a fall stroll through Eugene.
4. School – Supertramp
The very first album I ever bought simply because I liked the cover, this album by Supertramp is full of bangers. But the exciting range of motions that “School” takes you through is like no other. The slow building suspense of those long electric guitar lines, and the lingering intro, the richness of the outro, the subtle use of the harmonica all wire this song into a hauntingly complex masterpiece. It’s one of those songs that you can listen to hundreds of times and still find something new to like about it each listen.
5. Jimmy – Renée
I feel like I’ve stumbled upon an undiscovered gem when listening to Renée’s music. A Dutch 1980’s duo, Renée, expertly plays into the Americana spirit - seriously, they even have an album titled “Great American Hits”. The smooth country guitar track and angelic vocals make me want to put on a fuzzy cardigan, knee high boots, and majestically gallop away a horse.
6. Our House – CoCo & Clair Clair
I can’t begin to describe my surprise when I found out my favorite girl duo did a rendition of the most played song of my childhood. It all felt very serendipitous, especially since before CoCo & Clair Clair released this, I had recently obsessed over the demo version of Our House featuring a giggling Joni Mitchell. These girly pop beats still ring in the hominess of fall but give you an extra pep in your step.
7. Ugly – Moonbear
Eugene’s own Moonbear has the perfect sweet syrupy indie rock song for fall. “Ugly” was released about a month ago and I can’t seem to get enough of the catchy tune. This band frequents the local house show scene here in Eugene, I would definitely suggest attending an upcoming show if you have the chance!
8. Decode – Twilight Soundtrack Version – Paramore
If a little Paramore twilight overlap doesn’t scream fall, I’m not sure what does. Taking this one back to my middle school roots where any minor inconvenience would necessitate this album to be played through tangled wired headphones at max volume. If for whatever reason you aren’t aware of this song’s existence and want to be throttled into a misunderstood edgy teenage (vampire?) state of mind, give it a listen.
9. The Arm Returns – OGRE
Ogre is a Portland based band that is nothing short of theatrics. If you can see this band in person, it’s easiest said to expect the unexpected - although you might want to expect milk. This song off their most recent album “Ogre 3” starts with a slow build up that quickly turns into heavy bass lines, metallic undertones, and futuristic synths as the main singer walks us through a frightening encounter.
10. Send the Pain Below – Midwife
As the weather transitions from warm to cool, so does my music taste. Send the Pain Below is the perfect hypnotizing shoegaze song for all the slowcore fans listening. Midwife (Madeline Johnston) uses a phone mic to build these ethereal distorted vocals that expertly contrast with the angsty breaks many of her songs have, evoking a wide range of emotions. It's ok to feel sad but it’s even better to feel sad to this song.
11. Track Of The Cat – Pram
A beautifully eerie song by Pram that really emphasizes the Halloween season. This track by Pram is a beautifully layered song that’s repeated chorus has an almost dizzying effect. Its chilling whistles throughout might leave you feeling the need to look over your shoulder every once and a while.
12. U Ba Khin – STRFKR
This leisurely synth heavy electro pop song off STRFKR’s “Starfucker” 2008 album is the perfect song to pair well with our rainy Eugenian fall. Something about the slow yet motivational beat allows for a sense of introspection Autumn seems to call for.
13. Sleepy – Funki Porcini
In a similar vein to the last leisurely dreamy song, this track by Funki Porcini really seems to accentuate the fall weather here in Eugene. The ambient songs remind me of a slow train passing by, as the weather suggests a time for rest and relaxation. Smooth jazz always seems to remind me of the cooling weather, and these instrumental tracks from “Fast Asleep” make for great study music.
14. End how You start intro – Westside Gunn
Westside Gunn coats A.A. Rashid’s soothing words over a chopped and screwed sample of Willie Hutch’s “Mother’s Theme (Mama)”. The school year is in full swing now, and with the weather changing it can be easy to feel a sense of doom and gloom. I hope this final song on our playlist leaves you with a feeling of encouragement that helps you through these last few weeks of the term.
Listen to this playlist on the Playlist tab!