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. 

Happy March everyone! Though Punxsutawney Phil predicted a longer winter last month, spring is upon us. Rain has fallen, leaving the pavement of State Street wet, and the air is starting to smell of fresh flowers. I hope as you listen to this month’s playlist you feel the breeze; and as always, I hope you enjoy listening! Here is Flora: Carolina’s March Edition Playlist.

Listen here: Spotify & Apple Music 

A song I really love is “Diggin’ on You” by TLC. The American girl group formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1990, and originally consisted of three members: Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas. Best known for their contributions to the hip-hop and R&B genres in the 1990s, TLC has continued to redefine the girl group genre. The release of their 1994 album CrazySexyCool was met with success, with songs like “Waterfalls” and “Creep” becoming some of the most iconic songs of the 90s. 

They have since achieved critical and commercial success, earning several Grammy Awards and other such recognitions throughout their career. Tragically, in 2002, Left Eye passed away in a car accident while in Honduras, leaving the group to continue as a duo. Despite the loss, T-Boz and Chilli carried on TLC’s legacy, releasing new music, touring, and most recently performing on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Times Square. Their impact on pop culture continues as their powerful messages, innovative sounds, and bold style are never forgotten.

The opening twenty seconds is one of the reasons I love this song. It is unique instrumentally, blending the syncopated drum beat, bassline, and dreamy synth with the soft voices of TLC. The mellow beat evokes a relaxed listening environment while the lighthearted lyrics describe the excitement of new beginnings. During March, nature begins to bloom again and the sun starts to shine a little brighter. I believe “Diggin’ On You” mirrors the fresh feeling of a calm breezy afternoon in spring where nothing but the next page of that novel you’re reading or the next scene of the Sofia Coppola movie you’ve been dying to watch matters.

Speaking of interesting intros, “Soul Kitchen” by The Doors likewise boasts a very unique one. The Doors, an American rock band, was formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, California. The group consisted of Jim Morrison (vocals), Robby Krieger (guitar), Ray Manzarek (keyboards), and John Densmore (drums). In 1965, Morrison met Manzarek by chance at Venice Beach, after they had both graduated from film school at UCLA. It was there that Morrison shared the songs he had started to write; and after hearing an acapella demo of “Moonlight Drive,” Manzarek declared, “‘I love it. That’s it, man. We’re getting a rock and roll band together. We’re going all the way with this one.’” Densmore and Krieger joined the band shortly after, and The Doors was formed.  The quartet approached rock music with influences from beat poetry and jazz, perfecting their sound on stage on the Sunset Strip. Their debut self-titled album, released in 1967, included new sounds and themes like the organ featured on “Break On Through (To the Other Side)” and allusions to substances. Over the course of five years, the band released six albums, each with several hits, some earning their place as classic rock staples. Morrison died in 1971 at the age of 27, and the band tried to continue after his death—but they could never quite match the same vision Morrison had contributed.

“Soul Kitchen,” a song from their debut album, tells the story of Morrison’s late nights at the soul food restaurant Olivia’s in Santa Monica. As reflected in the lines, “Well, the clock says it’s time to close now,” and “Let me sleep all night in your soul kitchen, warm my mind near your gentle stove,” he often stayed past closing time; and the staff had to kick him out to the “neon groves,” or the overwhelming nightlife of the city. As I mentioned above, this song also has a distinctive introduction. The repeating electric piano riff played by Manzarek always gets my attention with its funky jazz vibe. When Morrison’s voice then enters, you get the sense that he really is tired by the slightly detached and airy way he sings. The mystery of the song continues as both the guitar and drums begin sounding laid-back and build up to a more energetic tempo. Combined, the jazzy piano, effortless guitar, and Morrisons hypnotic voice create this soulful, captivating sound.

As always, thank you for reading! I hope you find comfort in the sunshine while you sit back and listen to Flora: Carolina’s March Edition playlist. 

Listen here: Spotify & Apple Music