Sundays at Swarthmore may be the most dreaded day of the week. We convince ourselves to do readings that our professors forgot they even assigned. There is infinite homework due the next day. Your clothes still reek of Olde Club cigarettes and sweaty remorse. You can hardly stay alert against the pulsing hangover. And pasta bar is the only reward we can look forward to come dinner time. It’s frankly unbearable.
This Sunday playlist has all the ingredients of a successful day after: sobering up, leaving behind regret, and taking the pressure of the upcoming week of classes. It contains a healthy mix of jazzy vibes, 80’s staples and unexpected delights to keep you grounded in this time of need.
“Good Morning Heartache” by Rick Braun & Jill Scott (2007)
Good morning heartache, headache, and body ache. Braun’s smooth sensual jazz resonates with Scott’s lamentation of the “Sunday Blues.” They should do more collaborations.
“Sunday Kind of Love” by Etta James (1961)
Here, Etta croons about how she “wants a love to last past Saturday night.” This sentiment might sound familiar to those kicked out early this morning so that their host could do laundry.
“Sober Up” by Mack Wilds (2013)
The former “Wire” actor gets his R&B regret on from his debut project “NY: A Love Story.” If my professor adds one more assignment for this week, “I think I might need another drink.”
“Pieces of Dreams” by Stanley Turrentine (1975)
Turrentine and his fellow “jazz masters” bring a serene fusion of orchestrated jazz funk to lift your spirits up and brighten the day.
“Montara” by Bobby Hutcherson (1975)
The melodic harmony of the vibe-heavy rhythms is just what you need to clear out all that rum and coke from Paces.
“Hello” by Lionel Richie (1983)
Nicole Richie’s dad provides the unofficial anthem for that awkward moment when you see last night’s hook-up in Sharples.
“Careless Whisper” by George Michael (1984)
Let George Michael’s words be a lesson for those who thought pelvic thrusting in the corner was cool.
“If I Could do it Again” by Corey Smith (2005)
This anecdotal journey through fun times draws echoes a “Tracy Chapman” like subtlety to living without regrets.
“I Love College” by Asher Roth (2009)
As a standout college anthem back in ’09, this track packs all the flavor of a party scene (a slow bass line, talk-rap vocals, dazed vibe) without facing the negative aftereffects.
“Under Pressure” by David Bowie & Queen (1982)
Not much needs to be said about this ballad from Bowie. Play this when you feel the most crunched. That way, you know the pressure is real.
“Outta Time”- by DJ Spinna & the Free Radikalz (2006)
DJ Spinna’s extra-terrestrial space funk with Free Radikal’s raspy back vocals reinforces the inevitable loss against time. “You should really know this by now.”
“Insomnia”- by Pete Philly & Perquisite (2005)
Pete Philly’s scrambled thoughts on life mirrors the introverted Swattie’s quest for sleep – if only for half an hour.
“Medieval Overture” by Return to Forever (1976)
Above all other songs on this list, this one does the best of job of carrying you throughout the roller coaster of emotions that come with late-night/all-night studying.
“Keep the Faith” by Mel & Tim (1973)
Next Saturday may seem far away. However, if you believe in surviving “that academic life” here at Swat, then open your minds and ears to the Sunday service of Mel and Tim.
