Autumn is upon us and students everywhere are bundling up against the changing weather, indulging in their favorite seasonal foods and preparing for Halloween. Of course, no celebration of the season would be complete without great music to accompany it. We’ve rounded up just a handful of albums to soundtrack your fall season, whether you’re a fan of mellow indie or harder rock. Get cozy and give these albums a spin!
For the indie fan:
“Bookends” by Simon & Garfunkel
To place “Bookends” under the indie category is a definite miscategorization of Simon & Garfunkel’s music – the duo began as a folk act, and this particular album is generally categorized as folk rock. At the same time, there’s a wistful quality to most of the songs on the album that make it feel perfectly at home on this list. Tracks like “America” and “Old Friends” are stunning both sonically and lyrically, with a strong focus on acoustic guitars and the duo’s gentle harmonies. “Bookends” is a perfect album for an autumn walk, striking a balance between somber and upbeat.
“Javelin” by Sufjan Stevens
Those less familiar with Sufjan Steven’s music may know him as the artist responsible for the original songs featured in the 2017 film “Call Me By Your Name,” but his discography includes several masterful albums that deserve to be appreciated in their own right. “Javelin” is Stevens’ most recent album and is generally considered to be among his best. Acoustic instrumentation reminiscent of Stevens’ earlier album “Carrie and Lowell” is present, but the songs’ true magic is in the swells of instrumentation and backing vocals that turn heart-wrenching lyrical writing into something that still glows with hope. Standout tracks include the stunning opener “Goodbye Evergreen,” “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?” and “Shit Talk.”
“The Mysterious Production of Eggs” by Andrew Bird
With its warm, acoustic tone, there is perhaps no better word to describe “The Mysterious Production of Eggs” than “autumnal.” Bird masterfully combines his signature violin with guitars and layered vocals to create a sound unlike almost anything else. From acoustic guitar-led tracks like “Sovay” that sound like the feeling of drifting asleep to the more idiosyncratic “A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left,” the album is both warm and whimsical.
“Dead Man’s Bones” by Dead Man’s Bones
Fun fact – this is the singular album released by Ryan Gosling’s band. Yes, that Ryan Gosling. For an album made by an A-list actor, this album is surprisingly out there. Fans of Ethel Cain will appreciate the horror-inspired atmosphere supported by eerie sound effects and a haunting children’s choir featured on several songs. For those less enthralled by the avant-garde, tracks like “In The Room Where You Sleep,” “Pa Pa Power” and “Lose Your Soul” have a more radio-friendly indie sound. “Flowers Grow Out of My Grave” is a gorgeous closing track that begs to be saved for after dark. Dead Man’s Bones’ self-titled album is certainly more out there, but the listener seeking something unconventional for the Halloween season will definitely find it here.
For the rock fan:
“Heroes” by David Bowie
To put “‘Heroes’” on any list of recommendations can feel odd, thanks to the well-deserved fame of its title track. This track is undeniably the highlight of the album, and by many accounts is among the most beloved songs of all time. However, the entire album is absolutely stunning as a more cohesive piece. In keeping with the fact that it was recorded for vinyl, the album was conceived to have two very distinct sides. The first half of the album contains more standard Bowie rock material, including the aforementioned title track. The second half largely consists of experimental ambient music, mostly without vocals. The discordant sounds present on “Sense of Doubt” and “Neuköln” only sweeten the blissful “Moss Garden” between them. For those seeking something more approachable, “Beauty and the Beast” and “Blackout” are additional standouts on the record’s first side.
“Everything Harmony” by The Lemon Twigs
This album’s opener may be called “When Winter Comes Around,” but “Everything Harmony” by the Lemon Twigs embodies autumn itself. Pulling from influences like the Beach Boys and Simon & Garfunkel, the duo combine jangling guitars and bright vocal harmonies to create a sound that is undeniably 1970s while still sounding fresh. Standouts include “When Winter Comes Around,” “In My Head” and “Ghost Run Free.”
“Turn On The Bright Lights” by Interpol
With its dark atmosphere and a guitar-driven sound reminiscent of shoegaze, Interpol’s first album feels like it has just the right level of grime. Songs like “Obstacle 1” and “PDA” have an unambiguously fun bounce, while “NYC” and “Stella Was a Diver and She Was Always Down” are more languid. Across the tracklist, lush guitars and amateurish vocals combine for a sound that almost has you smelling the cigarette smoke.
“Without You I’m Nothing” by Placebo
On Placebo’s sophomore album, the dark, racy lyrics and gritty sound the band is known for are on full display. Distorted guitar carries songs like “Brick Shithouse” and “Scared of Girls” in a way that’s almost impossible not to nod along with. Lead singer Brian Molko’s signature nasal vocals can be an acquired taste, but they’re perfectly at home with the instrumentation in the album. “Ask for Answers” and “Summer’s Gone” are standouts among the more somber tracks in an album with raucous highs and melancholy lows.
From the brighter works of The Lemon Twigs and Andrew Bird, to the grit of Placebo and Interpol, this list has something for everyone. If you listen to an album and love it, dive deeper into the artist’s discography or check out some of the other entries – there’s always more to discover!