The last time I spoke to Rob Resnick (Rez) and Cal Shapiro of Timeflies, they had just released their first album The Scotch Tape.  It was evident that they were unsure of what to expect; having developed a loyal Twitter following and "Timeflies Tuesday" fan base, they were hoping for a positive response to the album, with maybe some chatter here and there about their new music.  What they got was much, much more.

"We didn't expect [the reaction that we got]," Cal explains.  "The night before we released it, we had our whole team of kids we went to college with on Google hangout sitting around saying 'hopefully everyone will be talking up a storm about it, and maybe we'll see it on Twitter or Facebook.'"

Well, the fans heard it, and definitely talked about it- and now Cal and Rob were playing one of their many sold out shows on their tour at Webster Hall in New York City.

With their success, Timeflies continues to alter and experiment with their sound and create a genre all their own.  Rez explains, "Collaboratively, we haven't been compared to an artist, but people will say 'oh Cal sounds like…' or 'the production sounds like…' which is good because that means that nobody has fused those sounds together yet.  I get a lot of Xaphoon Jones references and Cal gets a lot of Drake which is pretty cool for us."

Having just released a music video for their song "Switchblade," their fan base continues to expand as they generate an impressive résumé.  Cal explains the story behind "Switchblade" stating, "It started as a last man on earth kind of thing and it started to evolve.  When we were writing the chorus, we had everything down for a different song, and realized we needed to make this its own track and go a completely different way with it.  At the time we were writing the chorus, I remember it was the most epic thunder storm, so that was where the inspiration for 'the world ends tonight' into the beat's drop came from."  Additionally, as avid sports fans, to have "Switchblade" featured on FOX Sports as well as an Under Armour commercial was one of their greatest achievements- and the song proved to provide an intense and edgy soundtrack to each.

After being on tour for a few months, Cal and Rob love to recall some of their favorite performances.  One of the highlights of the tour was their performance in Dayton, Ohio.  Cal remembers, "We were jumping to "Cars, Money and Fame" as we tend to do, and the laptop toppled off the back of the stand and it was just dead- thankfully though, the mics were still working.  So I [decided] I was going to freestyle and Rez will drop a beat.  Rez starts beat boxing while he's plugging everything in […] and right on the last line, he gets the steel drum intro to "Under the Sea" going.  Everyone thought we planned it.

"So now we were playing a show at Northeastern, performing “Cars, Money and Fame" and the entire system blows out.  I end up free styling yet again, and then we got a guitar and did an acoustic set; so that was an interesting night, too."

Despite the common theme of experiencing technical issues while performing "Cars, Money and Fame," Cal and Rob still enjoy performing it- when asked their favorite, however, Cal undoubtedly responds with "Until the Sunrise" and Rob loves "For You," both of which are tracks off of The Scotch Tape.

With their growing fame, it is common for the guys to be recognized by fans in some less than ideal places.  "We were seen one morning in an airport in Cincinnati at quite possibly one of the most hungover moments of our lives.  He was a nice a guy and asked for a picture with us, but I’m not sure how it turned out,” Rob says laughing.

It is with their humor and determination that Cal and Rob continue to put together new material as they focus on their upcoming mix tape and the never- ending stream of Tuesdays headed their way.  With The Scotch Tape, they were happy making their original work accessible to their fans, but they are looking forward to doing some covers as well, ranging all the way back to the R&B soul- style of Sam Cooke to as recent as Rihanna’s upbeat pop hit “We Found Love.”  As for the future, Cal says “we just want to get better on stage- crazier shows, more stuff going on, improve production value […] We get better every show we do, but we need to get better faster than that […] I love our current show and I think the fans do too, but the sky really is the limit.”  And it is with that attitude that Cal and Rob head into 2012- a year in which they will continue to prove that the sky is the only limit on their creativity, originality, and innovation.

“This is my outfit for tonight,” Billy Joel, donned in a Cornell hoodie and cap, explained to the full house at Bailey Hall on Friday night. “I left my clothes at home.”

 

Right away Joel made it clear that he didn’t intend for the night to go as a normal concert does. Rather, he asked for audience questions, and here and there treated us to a bit of music on either piano or electric keyboard, or in Joel’s words, his piano and his “abbreviated piano. It has pianist envy,” he joked, pointing to the small keyboard.

 

While he did play through a handful of his songs, many of his musical interludes were fun parodies or improvisations. His first performance was a parody of Led Zeppelin’s “Dazed And Confused,” to explain why, on this night, he couldn’t do all of his songs justice. As he let out a screech in the style of Robert Plant himself, the clunky piano accompaniment sounded ridiculous, though the audience didn’t seem to mind.

 

Throughout the night, Joel used his piano skills to explain a question or build upon a joke. When asked if he has specific goals while writing, Joel said he never sits down and tries to write a hit. “I was usually trying to get a girl into bed,” he said, and moved to the piano to play through Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven. “It’s been an inspiration for composers for centuries,” he argued, and broke into Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.” Pausing between the melody, he shouted out to the audience, “Beethoven got smoldery! He’s so deep! So troubled!” amidst laughter.

 

While still on the topic of hits, he played his first full song of the night. “Let’s get this out of the way early,” he said, and delivered a lively but rushed “Piano Man.” The ecstatic audience sang along to a chorus. When finished, Joel noted the song’s quirks, such as its six eight time signature and its length. “It’s half an hour long! What the hell kind of a single is that?”

 

He touched on his influences to tell how he was inspired to write “Uptown Girl,” saying it was meant to be an homage and a joke, as a way to do the opposite of Frankie Valli’s “Rag Doll.” He also addressed a question about Paul Simon and delivered a fun rendition of “Only the Good Die Young” pausing before the lyric, “You got a nice white dress and a party on your confirmation,” to pinpoint Simon’s influence.

 

Joel continued to field interesting, serious, and heartfelt questions throughout the show, and talked about his ongoing tour with Elton John, his work with Ray Charles, and his admiration for current artists Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and The Killers. He also addressed personal, albeit sometimes awkward or bizarre, questions from the audience. A Renee from Vienna asked about the song “Downeaster Alexa,” but first had an odd exchange with Joel about his history in Vienna and claimed to know his brother, conductor Alexander Joel, which left Joel looking more than surprised. Another girl enthusiastically asked whether Joel knew her uncle-- “He goes by Snake!”-- and if they had played in a band together back in the day. Joel’s answer was no, as was his answer to another girl’s request to accompany her to her sorority’s formal party.

 

Another unexpected moment occurred when Joel called President Skorton to the stage to accompany his “She’s Always a Woman” in exceptional Ron Burgundy fashion. A thrilled and bewildered audience cheered as Skorton marched up to the stage, retrieved a flute, and started riffing. At first, Cornell’s President seemed nervous, but soon got into it, and by the end was powering through countermelodies.

 

Toward the end of the show, Joel talked about possibilities for new music and a future tour, as he’s been off the road since March 2010. He then treated us to a new tune, a contemporary classical instrumental he called “the hymn,” and referenced classical composer Edgar Elgar as an influence. Apparently, the next music Joel releases may be a very different direction from hits were used to, as he said he has been writing thematic, abstract, instrumental music.

 

Wrapping up the concert, he played fan favorite “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant” and addressed his time as a high schooler who looked up to the popular kids. He also flew through his take on The Beatles’ “You Never Give Me Your Money,” to kid that even the greats don’t know what words they’re singing. And though he closed with a powerful, vocally strong performance of his revered “New York State of Mind,” his best performance of the night, undeniably, was his “Vienna.” Right before the song’s start, Joel explained his history with the city. The song, he said, is for his father, who died last year. The audience, completely silent, watched Joel’s passionate delivery. His scatting, which he’d added to other songs during the night to make up for lack of instrumental break-downs, was anything but corny. Most in the audience were likely easily moved by his powerful delivery.

He left with thoughtful parting sentiments that any college student can relate to. Speaking on education, Joel explained his loss of interest during high school, as the goal was only to pass the test, not to actually know or learn things of substance. He stressed to the audience to have fun in life and follow one’s interests. Additionally, he advised not to limit oneself. Poking fun at those who claim to only listen to one type of music, he acknowledged that “There’s a banquet out there.” When he left the stage, he had talked and played for nearly two and a half hours, but in all honesty, the time had flown by. Joel achieved great transitions from questions to songs, and the audience was not only thoroughly entertained, but also touched by Joel’s words of wisdom.          

images taken from Cornell Concert Commission website and from rollingstone.com

Time is flying for internet- sensation, cross- genre group Timeflies.  Having just released a new album, The Scotch Tape, and keeping it original every “Timeflies Tuesday” with their innovative freestyles, DJ Rob Resnick (aka Rez) and vocalist Cal are experiencing quite the whirlwind of events and they have no intention of slowing down.  From free- styling with “topics from a hat,” to covers and remixes of “Just Can’t Get Enough” and The Little Mermaid’s “Under the Sea,” Rez and Cal never cease to impress and entertain their fans.  Both were kind enough to make time while touring for an interview with Slope, a conversation that revealed their creativity, drive, genuine love for music, and truly down to earth personalities.  Check out The Scotch Tape on iTunes, as well as timefliesmusic.com to reinforce the reason that these guys are going to be a success story like no other.  Scotched up!

VS: I understand that you both graduated from Tufts- Cal majoring in music and entrepreneurship and Rob in music and philosophy.  Clearly, the music major makes sense but how have entrepreneurship and philosophy majors influenced the business side of your music?

TF (Cal): I hate to treat it this way but starting a music career is kind of like a start up.  We’re trying to build everything from the ground up, whether we’re trying to get people involved or strictly from a production aspect.   It has worked out really well, and has shown that the majors really do go hand in hand.

VS: I could definitely see how that could be helpful.  I’m assuming you both met each other at Tufts, but when was the first time you actually played together?

TF (Cal): There was one night when we were at a party and Rez was beat- boxing and I started free- styling.  He told me after that I should come sing with his band, so I did, and I ended up singing with them full time.  We played together for awhile and after that we started the Timeflies project around our sophomore year.

VS: So you have been working on music for the about the past 3 years.  When you aren’t working on new material, what do you guys like to do in your free time?

TF (Rez): We definitely do a lot of the same stuff that other people our age do, like partying with our friends, go out, watch sports.  In terms of other TV shows, I’m into Mad Men, Game of Thrones, and Entourage.

(Cal): I am a big sports fan so I watch a lot of games when they are on.

VS: In terms of social media, I know you are both big fans of Twitter and Facebook.  What do you think has been the most effective medium for getting your music out?

TF (Rez): I think that by using Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, our overall image is something that everyone can relate to.  We have fun making music and all of our productions are pretty raw; sometimes it’s just Cal free- styling over beats that I have put together in a day so I think people can appreciate that if we are able to joke around and come out with some quality material that they too can make music for other people even when it comes from their dorm room or their bedroom.

VS: In reaction to Steve Jobs death, you released a “Timeflies Tuesday” video (iTribute) in honor of his legacy.  How did you feel when you saw it playing in the Apple store?

TF (Cal): That was just the coolest experience; we’re big Apple fans, and we use the Mac products when we record so to see our own video in the Apple store was unbelievable.  It’s kind of similar to when a friend will text us and say “I’m at a party and your song is playing” so it is really cool to know that our music is being heard.

VS: Timeflies Tuesday is a great way to publicize your music.  How did you guys come up with the idea of releasing a new freestyle every week?  Is there any pressure to out-do the previous week?

TF (Rez): We definitely like to think that we’re outdoing ourselves and we try to make each video more innovative and creative than the previous.  We think “what should we sample?” and then we try it out.  But I also think that Timeflies Tuesday was originally just a way for us to connect with our fans and let them know what we’re up to, and the response to the freestyles was so strong that we have just begun to shape all of the videos around that concept.

VS: Now when you’re not freestyling, but writing instead, what usually comes first, the music or the lyrics?

TF (Rez): It’s kind of an any given day situation; we’ll sit down and talk about it but sometimes Cal will just write the lyrics first and I’ll make the beat around it.  Even then though, we sometimes could just completely scrap the lyrics or the beat and start all over.  I think until we find out the best formula we’ll just keep trying new things.

VS: I know you aren’t afraid to try mixing any genre of music together but do you think it has been challenging to define yourselves when the public tends to confine artists to only one style?

TF (Rez): Some people, especially those we are connected to, tell us how awesome it is that we have this creative, diverse sound.  I’d like to think that we do have our own sound, and maybe it’s not definable as electro or hip hop, but I feel like you can listen to one of our songs and even if you don’t recognize Cal’s voice for some reason, you can still say “Oh, that’s a Timeflies song.”

(Cal): And to continue with what Rez was saying, defining ourselves is kind of an old fashion concept to us.  The fact that we can mess around and come up with something new every Tuesday makes it difficult for us to be “boxed in.”

VS: Onto your new album…who came up with the title “The Scotch Tape”?

TF (Cal): I don’t know if you know this, but I have a great love for scotch, so going with that, we were talking one day and we decided to put out a mix tape as a new project to start.  The words just came together; it made sense.  It was just a play on the words, and we decided to run with it.

VS: Do you guys have any personal favorites from the album?

TF (Rez): Obviously we have a connection with each song, depending on the day we recorded it and the lyrics, but I think if I had to choose a favorite it would probably be “Fade”.

(Cal): I’m going to have to go with “Ex Games” or “Switchblade”

VS: If you had to describe your style in three words, what would it be?

TF: Electro, hip, and hop.

VS: Where do you guys hope to be in five years?

TF: I think we’ll still be messing around with our sound, hopefully with billions of people listening to us.  We’re having a great time doing exactly what we’re doing now, and we don’t have any plans to do anything otherwise.

Passion Pit

If you were one of the people who arrived at Saturday night’s dance party early, you were treated to We Barbarians' lively and energetic set. The band started a little before 8:30 and certainly gave the sizeable crowd something to dance to. A handful of students clearly knew the band before they went on and were singing every single lyric with gusto. When We Barbarians launched into a David Burns and Brian Eno cover of “Strange Overtones”, even the people in the bleachers were excited to hear a tune they could all sing to.

The energy We Barbarians gave the crowd was palpable during the 40 minute wait for Passion Pit. Every once in awhile someone would start chanting for Passion Pit or scream excitedly any time he or she thought Passion Pit was coming out. When Michael Angelakos started in on the first few notes of “Moth’s Wings,” literally everyone started in on the lyrics with him.

It was over everyone singing the “oohs” during “Moth’s Wings” that I decided that no matter what they did, Passion Pit was going to be considered an amazing show. I think everyone left there remembering how easy it was to all have the same experience, because during those “oohs,” everyone in Barton Hall was united.

Passion Pit then went through other standouts of their career with “Make Light,” “The Reeling,” and “Better Things”  before treating the crowd to a new song called “American Blood." But it wasn’t this new song that really stood out from the rest of the set. After a couple more songs, Angelakos presented the crowd with an idea. We would dance with them and then they would know we liked this newly birthed though unnamed track. Needless to say, if Passion Pit got 5000 kids dancing with the beat of the song, the success of their next album seems assured.

The physical exertion that Angelakos kept alluring to, with his sweat issues, is something that everyone felt. We all left there tired from all the dancing, simply because we couldn't help ourselves but DANCE. And during the last song “Little Secrets,” the energy that the entire crowd had been living on was suddenly renewed and we danced even more than before.

fun., an american indie pop band, recently visited Cornell, where they gave a stellar performance prior to Janelle Monae’s set. Slope Magazine writer Victoria Sobel had the opportunity to catch up with the band, comprised of Nate Russ, previously from the band The Format, Andrew Dost, formerly from the band Anthallo and Jack Antonoff, also a member of the band Steel Train, and ask them what life on the road was like. Things we learned: Yelp and locals are guides to live by, you must have a basketball on hand, and you can never have enough mouthwash.

Victoria Sobel: I can imagine how hard it is to find consistent good food on tour… was wondering if there are a few places you guys like to go to... and if you have some favorite places in certain cities?

fun.: It's hard sometimes, but we have pretty good luck with Yelp and asking locals. There are a few places we always look forward to hitting; my biggest one is Pacific Dining Car in LA. Another one I always look forward to is Resto du Village in Montreal.

VS: Do you guys play any sports on your down time?

fun.: Yes. Nate and I play basketball every day. If we can't gather enough people for a game we either play 21 or work on shooting drills. We also play football if there's a big enough field nearby.  Basketball-wise Nate compares himself to Brandon Roy, I'd say I play more like Tayshaun Prince.

VS: I know how hard it is for me to pack to go away for a weekend, how do you pack for months at a time?  Any secrets or packing tips?

fun.: I tend to really over-pack, I'm definitely not the guy to ask. I even bring two kinds of mouthwash - a whitening rinse and ACT Fluoride rinse, that both have to be carried outside the rest of my stuff. It's very inconvenient but I'm sort of a hoarder and I'm obsessed with dental hygiene.

VS: What has been your favorite tour so far?

Maybe it's just because it was the most recent, but the one that sticks out the most is the Panic! at the Disco tour we did earlier this year.  Panic, and the Foxy Shazam guys are all awesome, it was musically a great fit and everybody just seemed to get along great.

VS: If you can collaborate with any artist on a song who would it be?

 I would really love to work with Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend some day. He's a brilliant producer and just has such a clean, well-thought-out sound.

VS: With all the down time you have on tour are there any television series you guys are into?

Jack just finished The Wire, which I'm about to start.  I also love Breaking Bad (JUST SAW THE SEASON FINALE LAST NIGHT!) and Game of Thrones.  We just finished the new season of Curb all together, which we all love.  I haven't watched much of the new season, but I love The Office too.  And we're all constantly going back to Arrested Development.  We all love TV and this is kind of a golden age for it.

More info on the band:

 fun. just released a new single, a powerful alternative pop anthem, “We Are Young” (take a listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KmCguRVnvc) featuring touring mate, Janelle Monae which achieved the #3 chart position on Hype Machine. fun.’s forthcoming Fueled by Ramen debut (http://www.youtube.com/user/FueledByRamen#p/c/409BB5286DDF9170/0/nq2ekIMMYXA ) was produced by Jeff Bhasker, known for his work on “Watch The Throne” in addition to hit tracks with Kanye West, Kid Cudi and Alicia Keys.  Watch the band behind the scenes in their in-studio video: http://ournameisfun.com/

This Saturday night Risley Residential College will be host to one of the wildest dance parties of the year, the 16th annual Masquerave. For one night only, each of the rooms on this north campus dorm’s main floor will be transformed into other worldly creations, including a fractals room, astrology room, and a magical forest. A total of 5 DJs will be providing house/electro, dubstep, techno and breakbeat sets as the musical backing for the night, spread throughout Risley’s Central Living Room, Tammany (Risley’s coffeehouse) and the main stage in the Great Hall (normally known as the Risley Dining Hall!). Tickets will be sold for just $5.00 to this 10pm to 2am dance party/visually enhancing experience, and costumes are a must. Last year the event had a record number of nearly 1,000 attendees, so make sure to nab your spot in line before the doors open at 9:30pm. Think you can handle the ultimate rave experience? Come ready to rage on the dance floor this Saturday and we’ll find out. RSVP on the event page here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=291217544237542

Alex Winston

Sounds Like: Lykke Li, Tegan & Sara, Tennis

Alex Winston has been making the rounds of most music blogs these days and for good reason. The singer was originally trained in opera singing and is just now bringing her talents to another musical realm, a move that is greatly appreciated by most. This outsider feel to her story shines through on every song, she’s not simply trying to blend in, she’s quirky and a little out there but the balance she’s found between the two is seemingly perfect.

She’s already released a couple mini EP’s in the past couple of years called The Sister Wife EP and The Basement Covers EP and Winston is set to release a full debut album January 12, and I promise this is a date to mark.

For anyone who’s a fan of pop friendly indie music, Winston’s breezy tunes mixed with her sometimes dark lyrics might be perfect. One of my favorites of hers is a remix of one of her better-known tunes “Velvet Elvis” done by RAC, though there’s another amazing remix by another one of my favorites, Darwin Deez. Try and listen to any of her songs without becoming enchanted by her voice.

A Review-- Feist, "Metals"

Last week on September 28, Feist released a free stream of her new album Metals on her website, and on Tuesday, October 4, she officially released her album for sale online and in stores.

Metals makes a fine companion to Feist’s three prior works, including independently released Monarch, sophomore album Let It Die, and breakout album The Reminder, which introduced hits such as “1-2-3-4,” “I Feel It All,” and “My Moon My Man.” On her last album, though her catchy popular tunes garnered attention, the rest of the album felt too stagnant. Metals, however, exhibits growth and musical maturity, and the album displays a more comfortable flow from song to song. There are still quite a few slow- burning moments, but on this album, Feist delivers suspense and excitement, a contrast from The Reminder on which tracks dragged out for too long, relieved only briefly by a short, poppy tune.

Check out Feist’s new album for her soft, gentle voice paired with overpowering melodies and bursts of energy. Though none of her songs are as catchy as the hits she’s produced on albums before, this work, due to its better designed concept, is the easiest of listens.

‘Me, to the Rescue, Me to the Rescue, Me to the Rescue, Me to the Rescue…’

The first words out of singer Satomi Matsuzaki’s mouth at September 28th’s Deerhoof show at the Haunt, defines the show pretty well.  It was a dreary, rainy night.  It was in the middle of the week.  It started late.  It followed some ill-received openers.  Attendees needed some rescuing, and, for the most part, Deerhoof delivered.

The show opened with songs off their latest album, ‘Deerhoof Versus Evil,.’ and then progressed to songs older favorites such as ‘Offend Maggie,’ and ‘Milk Man,’ off of albums of the same name.  While Deerhoof’’s sound is inherently inconsistent, jumping from dreamy to thrashing to long art-rock intercessions, the one thing that didn’t change was their quirky energy.  At times, it seemed like everyone was in their own world—Greg Saunier’s contorted face unwaveringly glaring at a (surprisingly small) drum kit, guitarists Ed Rodriguez and John Dieterich turning their backs to the audience and each other, bassist and vocalist Satomi Matsuzaki staring straight ahead, acknowledging no one. Still, despite complex timing and seemingly random breaks, the music came out incredibly tight.  This is a band with great chemistry, and it showed. 

When Deerhoof finished their set, the crowd demanded an encore.  When they finished the encore, the crowd chanted one more song, one more song.  Clearly, as far as music goes, the concert did not disappoint.  However, for how much the crowd apparently enjoyed the music, many attendees were eerily still.  No one would argue that Deerhoof’’s music is particularly danceable, but how so many people can put their hands in their pockets and stare blankly at high energy songs, like “The Perfect Me,” is unexplainable.  A few booty-shakers (in particular a grey-bearded man) let Deerhoof rescue them by allowing the music take them over.  For everyone else?  I blame the rain.  Or Xanax. 

Written By: Kevin Burra

Here at Cornell, we talk about prelim season. What we don’t talk about is how prelim season is literally all semester. You take prelims when it’s still scorching hot outside through when you’re plodding through knee high snow. And then, of course, finals come. It’s understandable, then, we spend a lot (and I mean a lot) of time in the library. It’s also why trying to get a desk in the Kinkledy Room is a death race during study week.

Hence the need for quality study music. Sometimes, the only things that keep me going during those long, cold all-nighters in Uris are my headphones. So I lurked in the library and found out what people were listening to and shared some of my personal favorite study jams.

Your Ipod

TLC-“Diggin’ on You”

John Peters was sitting in Olin Café on Sunday evening listening to this song. “I like R&B and Hip Hop from the 90s,” he explained. TLC are my girls! I have been known to break out into “Waterfalls” in that signature rasp of theirs (we’ll always miss you, Lisa Left-Eye Lopez!).

Beirut-“Elephant Gun”

From behind her pink earbuds, Emilie Stewart ’14 said of this song, “When I study I like to listen to mellow music, that can serve as a relaxing background. That’s the central reason that ‘Elephant Gun’ is always on the top of my libe jams playlist.” The lead singer of Beirut’s voice is very smooth and melodic, excellent to calm you down just before a big prelim.

Foster the People-“Pumped up Kicks”

“It doesn’t have a lot of words… like rap I find really difficult to listen to when I’m studying because of all the words. It’s upbeat, and I get sad when I do work so I need happy music,” AJ Velarde ’14 said of this recent hit. I’m a big fan of this song, it’s kind of addicting and upbeat with just the right amount of mellow to not be super distracting when you’re working.

Nick Cave and Warren Ellis- “Song for Jessie”

This week, I learned that at 5pm on Friday, Olin café is not quite a hip-hopping spot. But there are some hard-core studiers, like Nadi Tofighian, a visiting PhD candidate from Stockholm University. He said, “It’s from a great soundtrack and it’s solemn, it’s instrumental so it complements the reading activity quite well.” First of all, Nadi is Swedish and that’s awesome. I don’t have a second-of-all, actually, I think the Swedish factor should be enough to get you to check this out.

My Ipod

Sufjan Stevens-“Decatur, or, a Round of Applause for your Stepmother!”

I think Sufjan Stevens is the most productive music to work to ever, especially this album, his strange but wonderful ode to Illinois, aptly titled Illinois. It’s filled with interesting cadences and, of course, Sufjan’s mysterious and beautiful voice. I can listen to this whole album and get some stuff done.

Panda Bear -“You Can Count on Me”

Panda Bear (you might know him as Noah Lennox of Animal Collective) makes some crazy music. This track, the opener of his newest album Tomboy, has a layered, ethereal sound and is filled with his signature experimental style. Panda Bear is great for making some very dry material more bearable.

The Dirty Projectors- “Cannibal Resource”

When it is three in the morning, and all I want to do is go to bed and resign myself to an F on this term paper, I put on the Dirty Projectors. They have a super interesting, fun sound and the riff at the beginning of this song never fails to keep me going once Olin Café shuts down and my caffeine supply is gone.

Arcade Fire- “Keep the Car Running”

I adore Arcade Fire (even before they won a Grammy), and they make some really amazing music. Neon Bible may not have the same hype as Funeral or The Suburbs, but it has some gems, and this song is one of them. It has the coveted mix of upbeat but just-chill-enough that makes it really great to work to.