Imagine you’re laying in the middle of an Upstate New York forest, and your towel is laid out beneath you on a sun-heated rock. You are surrounded by a cacophony of sounds: the trees swaying, birds singing and water rushing. It's the beginning of May and school just got out. You have nowhere to be, no internship to show up for and no school work to complete. No, right now it feels as if you and Mother Earth are in a conversation. If only you had the perfect playlist for this exact moment. To this I say, light up your joint and power on your speaker because I’m bringing you the ultimate playlist for sunbathing beneath a canopy of trees: Sunbaked Frequencies.
1. Masayoshi Takanaka: Tokyo Reggie
If you want to feel enveloped in a song, this is the right choice for you. Takanaka’s blend of jazz fusion, reggae and city pop makes this song a smooth and melodic experience; perfect for closing your eyes and feeling the warm summer breeze wash over your body.
2. Grateful Dead: Fire on the Mountain
I mean, this one is a pretty obvious choice. The Dead’s groove, intertwined with psychedelia, funk and reggae creates a syncopated drum groove that holds down the beat. The intermittent improvisation mirrors the gateway to psychedelic experiences, perfect for a sunny day surrounded by nature's creations.
3. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard: Shanghai
This song is different and possibly one of the most sonically interesting songs I’ve listened to lately. The layering of synthesizers creates a bubbly and airy sound, driving the melodic forces of this unique tune. The track blends Middle Eastern inspired instrumentals with a jam band sound, building a relaxing environment in which to enjoy the song.
4. Mk.gee: You
Moving away from the jam band/rock oriented sound, we meet Mk.gee. While influenced by psychedelic rock, he tends to lean towards lo-fi indie alternative rock. Once again we are met with the lush enveloping sound of synthesizers creating a soundscape similar to classic R&B. The languid beat and leisurely lyricism is the perfect combination for a lethargic day outside.
5. MF Doom: Doomsday
This song is just perfect. MF Doom samples Sades “Kiss of Life” looping it for the backing beat throughout the song. This track, emblematic of early ’90s underground hip-hop, is an ode to MF Dooms nostalgia of the past. Sades' sample paired with the emotional rap style layered over the beat is exactly what’s needed while laying outside in the beating sun.
6. DARGZ, Moses Boyd: Lous Tune
This song is flawless. Just listen to it and you’ll understand why it needed to be added to this playlist. The fusion of jazz, soul and electronic music weave together a soundscape of languity and peace. If you need to connect with your inner feelings while music washes over you, this is the song for you.
7. Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist: Life is Beautiful
This song is almost like if a fairy and a rapper had a baby. The flute sample that loops in the background produces a lush soulful sound that compliments the laidback delivery of the lyrics. This song is quintessential for a chill lazy day outside.
8. Lauryn Hill: Superstar
This song is a classic and deserves its flowers. While straying away from the rock sound it’s fusion of R&B, jazz and soul makes it an absolute standout. Hill’s hypnotizing vocals and natural elements featured in the background makes for a magical listening experience. Turn up your speaker, lay down and let Hill's voice cleanse your thoughts.
9. Earl Sweatshirt: Riot
This solely instrumental song is exactly one minute and six seconds long and every second of it is exactly what you need. This track heavily samples from a South African jazz musician Hugh Masekela's 1972 song “Riot.” Earl Sweatshirt doesn’t alter the sample much, letting its history and instrumentation speak for itself. This song is the perfect splice of sound to get comfortable to while connecting with your inner self.
10. Delegation: Oh Honey
Another luxuriant jazzy and soulful song that transports you into a world of idealism and tranquility. The soft electric piano and the prominent, melodic bass line makes the track almost intoxicating. This song has the perfect sound to lull you to sleep next to a rushing river.
11. Marvin Gaye: What’s Going On
This is an absolute classic. I mean what better song to listen to when surrounded by nature other than the song commemorating Earth and peace? The song's social commentary paired with lush soulful jazz makes it one of the most iconic and important soul songs to come out of the ’70s.
https://open.spotify.com/playl...
Eve Riskind is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at elr229@cornell.edu
‘Solar Flare’ is a weekly playlist column where Sun contributors spotlight a slice of musical taste with the campus community. It runs every Monday.
