Have you left Gambier for sunnier climes in order to make everyone jealous with your beach selfies and sunkissed return? Or did you hop in the car for that seemingly infinite drive through Pennsylvania to spend two weeks at home, cozy up in your bed hanging out with your parents? If the second situation applies to you, you’re in good company as my plans for break have involved me “travelling” from the kitchen to my bed and to the couch.
Readers, we gave you a playlist as you left for break, and now here we are again, providing you with tunes to sweeten the break itself. However you’ve decided to spend your break, I’ve compiled the best of both worlds, musically speaking, to gear you up for a little R&R.
Vacation Option 1: Dad’s Favorites for the Homeward Bound
1. Our House- Crosby, Stills & NashYOU MADE IT, you’re home! Time to talk to your Dad about “that time” he saw CSN at Woodstock. OK, maybe it’s too soon for that story- let’s wait till you’re older. As one of this trio’s cozier offerings, this song’s harmonies are as soft and bright as a fuzzy fleece blanket just out of the drier, and also has good karaoke potential with the “la la” section. The message is adorably sugary sweet as well- two cats and “Everything is good.” Damn right, Graham Nash.
2. Bonus Fun Pick: This muppety version of The Band’s “The Weight” on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon’s last episodeIt’s sentimental, it’s got a ton of charismatic puppets in it, and the stacking harmonies make the song an essential group sing favorite. If tears start welling up due to the perfect poignancy of this moment, just let it happen.
3. ‘Insanely Catchy, only listen to this ONCE’ pick: Last Train to Clarksville- The MonkeesTechnically the Monkees are a Mom’s pick because every mother of my parent’s generation used to crush on that dream boat, Davy Jones. When home sick once I caught four episodes of their show on weird daytime TV and thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of my brain melting out my ears. While they may be less cute than One Direction, the songs are equally as catchy and this episode where Davy accidentally unravels a Soviet espionage plot is just downright informative.
Option 2: Dream Vacation Sunshiney Songs
1. Jump in the Line- Harry BelafonteNothing says tropical like calypso music, and nothing says calypso music like Harry B. While I may have heard this song first from Tim Burton’s absurd ‘dramady’ Beetlejuice (playing on an ABC Family station near you within the next two weeks, probably) it has now become a staple in my packing playlist. The beat is infectious, and I believe it is scientifically impossible shimmy just a little during the chorus.
2. Island in the Sun- WeezerThis song is essential because it was on the Holiday in the Sun soundtrack. Enough said.
3. Sound of the Sunshine- Michael Franti & SpearheadThe normally socialjustice-inclined Franti has produced another track embedded with aural serotonin. Try not to smile with that beginning shuffling guitar rhythm! This hand-clapping, hip-shaking, jaunty song has been featured in a few commercials because it is essentially a vacation in itself. I would probably buy anything if it was advertised with this in the background.
4. Bonus Fun Pick: Anything by WIUOThe Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra is, in my opinion the best ukulele orchestra. Based out of New Zealand and boasting Flight of the Conchord’s Bret McKenzie as a member, the orchestra is fun, energetic and delightfully laid back. My favorite song is probably their cover of Kings of Leon’s “The Bucket.” I don’t even think all of the musicians have shoes on here, but they do have an infectious optimism made exotic by the plinky-plonky sounds of many ukuleles forming one giant ukulele machine.
5. ‘Insanely Catchy, only listen to this ONCE’ pick: Vacation’s All I Ever Wanted- The Go-GosSeriously, Surgeon General’s Warning: I think giving this two listens in the same day will cause spontaneous combustion. Even listening to it two times in the same week may ruin an entire vacation because the song will be just running through your head and you won’t be able to order a tropical drink without singing the lyrics and then you won’t have any tropical drinks and that would just be sad.