Oh my, winter is here — and it sucks. I mean, it really, really, sucks. I almost froze to death buying dumplings three days ago.
That is not a cute epitaph. My tombstone better read, “Died Feeding Whoppers to Great White Sharks.” But whatever, I’m not here to talk about the weather. What I am here to discuss is what you should be listening to this winter, while trying not to die like Luke Skywalker would have if it weren’t for Han Solo. There are certain albums which are absolute staples for wearing out every winter, and I have a few of them on here. However, we need some new music, too. So I’ve put together a list consisting of classics, half new and half older. Regardless, all of these should all have a minimum of 75 plays on your iTunes — if you live to see April. If you live somewhere warm, take pity and listen anyway.
Mutant Freax EP, Ho99o9
This band is good. Who doesn’t like a little mix of rap with punk? Ho99o9 (pronounced Horror) is just that. Originally from New Jersey, these dudes lit it up at the AfroPunk festival this past summer, and they are now filling the void left by Death Grips. Check them out and wear out Mutant Freax this winter. Also, look out for our interview with them in Alt Citizen’s next issue!
It’s All Happening EP, The Yum Dee Days
I love these dudes. I basically saw them by accident during the CMJ Marathon and have been obsessed with their EP It’s All Happening ever since. Their lo-fi, drug haze pop is as addictive, so be sure to give It’s All Happening, the spins it deserves.
Memorize Now EP, J Fernandez
Bedroom pop at its finest! I got hooked on J Fernandez after hearing “No Luck.” Now, he’s back with a new EP that will melt your brain. This is the perfect album to make you forget that it’s 9 degrees outside because it’s forever June in your head space.
Rip This, Bass Drum of Death
If Bass Drum of Death can’t shake the chill out your bones, you might already be too far gone. These dudes are fast, loud, and rad. Their new album Rip This will inspire you not only to live through this awful winter, but even leave the house a few times. Get Rip This and overcome the clutches of that Netflix malaise.
White Reaper EP, White Reaper
White Reaper are just three rad dudes making rad music. Their self-titled EP is fast, catchy, and cool, not to mention these guys put on one of the most entertaining shows I’ve ever seen at 2 a.m. in a near empty bar. They’re going to blow up — they’re too good not to. So check out White Reaper and find yourself smiling in the snow.
Young, Loud, and Snotty, The Dead Boys
It is your God given right to be young, loud, and snotty all year round. But there is no better time for all of that than in the winter. One of the best punk albums ever made, Young, Loud, and Snotty is the Dead Boys at their arrogant best. Recommended for post-drinking train rides.
Dreamin’ Wild, Donnie & Joe Emerson
Recorded by a couple of farm boys who barely had a radio, this is an album that should never have ever been made — which makes it brilliant. When it starts you think, “Is this real?” and feel sort of half embarrassed for them. But then you realize it may be the greatest thing ever recorded. It’s a beautiful accident. Seriously, listen to Dreamin’ Wild.
Wavvves, Wavves
Yeah, I know, Wavves are lo-fi surf rock. Why would I listen to them during the winter? Save it for summer, you say. Well I say no. Sometimes it’s important to simply pretend that the weather is different. What better way to convince yourself it’s 90 degrees outside while it’s snowing than by listening to this classic Wavves album?
Disintegration, The Cure
It’s all right to cry. Especially when none of us are getting any Vitamin D because the Sun done up and left. There is no album better to cure a little seasonal ennui like The Cure’s Disintegration. You probably already have it, so put it on your phone, brush your bangs out of your eyes, and walk around.
Liquid Swords, The Gza
Well, this is it. This is the greatest album ever made for listening in the Winter. Everything about it screams, “I know it’s cold out. Fuck you, weather.” It’s a journey through the winter wonderland of 90’s New York, narrated by one of rap’s finest, The Gza.
Article by Timothy White. Find him on Twitter @TipToTheHip
