Hello, my name is Carolina, and I am a senior! If you don’t know already, in this column, I’ll create monthly eclectic playlists full of genres from classical to ’70s rock and R&B to pop. I want to create mixes that revolve around the time of year—for example, a fall mix or a playlist full of study favorites to get you through exam season. Maybe you’ll listen on your way to school, while you study, or just for fun! Mixed with house music and Doo Wop, my eclectic playlist may strike a chord with you, get your toes tapping, and teach you a little about what you are listening to.
Since the cold weather is upon us and I wanted this playlist to have some of my fall favorites! Thanksgiving break is almost here, so I chose some songs that remind me of the crisp air, freshly lit fire, and the reward of a feast at the end of the month. I hope you enjoy Harvest: Carolina’s November Edition Playlist.
Listen here: Spotify & Apple Music
A song I have long associated with this crisp time of year is “Lovers Rock” by TV Girl. I remember the craze over their “indie pop” sound on TikTok in 2020. TV Girl was founded in San Diego, California, by friends Trung Ngo and Brad Pet
ering. The bandreleased their self-titled debut EP which sampled Todd Rundgren‘s 1973 solo version of “Hello It’s Me.” Then, the group released a mixtape and an EP when Ngo left the group in 2013. Brad Petering, who previously focused on music production, embraced his new role as the vocalist and sole member of the band, Soon after, Jason Wyman and Wyatt Harmon joined the group. French Exit, TV Girl’s debut album that features “Lovers Rock,” was released in 2014, and in my opinion, this song is the best showcase of their dreamy, lo-fi sound that blends elements of 80s synth-pop, R&B, and electronic music. This album gained major traction and built a loyal fanbase through their blend of vintage-inspired sounds and modern indie melodies.
The opening beats of “Lovers Rock” have a dreamy vibe that immediately sets me into a calm mood. The song begins with a mellow instrumental mix—soft, warm synths and a relaxed bassline that gently pulsates slowly and smoothly in a hypnotic rhythm. There are many layers to the music as the song continues. Vocals and drums contribute to the airy sound, automatically making me feel relaxed. I am enveloped in a hazy yet comfortable atmosphere. Though the melodies are simple, they are catchy, and as the beat drops during the chorus, you can’t help but listen to the smooth flow of the melody and the lyrics.
Another thing I love about this song is the slightly vintage aesthetic. Towards the end there is a short monologue taken from an Old Time Radio show from the 1940s titled “Dangerously Yours – The Pirate of Orleans (12:13).” TV Girl samples these lines as poetry, and the sound quality of this radio excerpt adds to that vintage feeling. These lines create an almost cinematic feel, further emphasizing the themes of love, longing, and emotional complexity already in the lyrics of “Lovers Rock.” I added “Lovers Rock” to this playlist for the feelings of warmth and nostalgia that it provokes in me. It emanates a dreamy quality that I can’t help but get lost in.
Another song I wanted to include is “Sinner” by Neil Finn, because it reminds me of the autumn leaves falling. Very specific, I know, but the intro and chorus sparked something in me. Neil Finn is a singer, songwriter, and musician from New Zealander best known as the lead member of the bands Crowded House and Split Enz. He gained international recognition with Crowded House, whose self-titled 1986 debut album featured hits like “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” a song most of us are familiar with thanks it’s virality this year after it played in the tv show Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. Fun Fact: he was also a member of Fleetwood Mac from 2018 to 2022 after Lindsay Buckingham was ousted from the group due to a combination of creative differences and internal tensions. His voice and melodic songwriting made him a respected figure in the genres of alternative and pop rock. Though his career spans multiple decades, his solo work began in the late 90s after Crowded House split. “Sinner” is featured on his 1998 debut solo album Try Whistling This. Though he has collaborated with artists such as Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, he has stayed loyal to his knack for storytelling through song and his versatility as a musician.
Just like “Lovers Rock,” “Sinner” is a blend of atmospheric sounds, and incorporates Finn’s signature lyrical style, but also adds a moody twist. The lyrics are a great example of his ability to capture reflection in his storytelling on top of layered musical arrangements. The melody is more laid back, but the repetitive mellotron chords add a sense of looseness to the beat. Everything about this song is relatively simple—a traditional chorus pattern, the melody of the piano—but the song begins to build with the addition of light percussion and guitar, which add more layers to this already effortless piece of music. To me, “Sinner,” and a couple other songs on this album, create a melancholic yet tranquil listening environment, with the perfect balance of lyrical content and intricate melodies.
I hope you enjoyed reading just as much as you will enjoy listening! Happy November!
