Igniting the Savvy Co-ed’s Musical Mind

I’m sitting in my room listening to the monsoon occurring outside my window. Air conditioner turned off; I’m throwing caution to the wind. Let the summer heat engulf me, I’m embracing these abnormal temperatures. Lights dimmed low, shuffling through my iTunes, it’s the perfect way to honor this storm. I have carefully chosen five songs of differing artists and genres that will either present an escape from the storm raging in your mind, or take you to the heart of it, inflaming your temperament. If you need more, I have 9.6 days worth of music that I would be more than willing to spew to the world.

The Dreaming Tree – Dave Matthews Band

Of course Dave (I figured after years of worshipping this God of a musician, I earned the right of a first name basis) not only makes the list, but rests firmly at the top. This tale of song cuts deep to the soul, with its heavy underlying darkness capturing your mind. Illustrating a loss of innocence, it forces us to reflect back on our personal memories, relating to the song’s characters. After all, we are in college; our innocence is long gone.

Heart Shaped Box – Nirvana

Mmm…Nirvana. There’s something about this song that I find so…sexy. Kurt Cobain captivates my full attention with his opening single notes followed by a raw chorus filled with raunchy chords. The founding father of grunge, Nirvana makes me envious of those 90s co-eds.

A Movie Script Ending (acoustic) – Death Cab for Cutie

Acoustic version is the only way to dig it as the sheets of rain force you to relax and reflect. Ben Gibbard’s honest voice compliments the melodic repetition throughout the chorus, creating a flawless atmosphere of tranquility.

Comptine D’un Autre été – L’ap – Yann Tiersen

Sometimes words are too much; your pulsating mind doesn’t need the crowding of someone else’s thoughts. In these unavoidable heavy times, cloud your mind with the compelling work of Yann Tiersen. This double-edged sword will either let you escape yourself for two-and-a-half minutes, or fuel the fire burning in your mind and soul, causing you to take a deeper look at your plaguing thoughts.

Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

And as the clouds disperse (since summer storms bring only a quick relief to our busy lives) and you begin to see that hazy sun, turn up your speakers for this prodigiously gorgeous song. It’s simply beautiful. The voices of Alex Ebert and Jade Castrinos are so endearing and pure, they put you in a trance of wonderment. Such innocent lyrics about perfect love, this song has played in my mind throughout my past few months of travel.

“Home is wherever I’m with you…”

Kate Dopazo is an intern with College Lifestyles and a senior at the University of Maryland. With this post, she hopes to spark new musical interests within her readers.

CL’s Guide to Making the Most of Your Summer Concert Experience

It’s Thursday evening, and I can’t help but squeal with excitement to myself because tomorrow at this time I will be at a Dave Matthews Band concert!  Stuck with a lot a bit of writer’s block and a bit a lot of anticipation for the concert, I found myself unfocused and not knowing what to write about, but alas, I’m using my weakness as a strength!  So here it is: how to make the most of your summer concert experience!

First thing’s first: Getting there!

My mom always tells me, “anticipation is half the fun” and I couldn’t agree more.  If the concert you are attending is out of town, like in my case, plan about a week ahead of time 1. Who is driving, and 2. What you are driving in.  My mother is letting me borrow her van so that all five of us can comfortably enjoy the ride!  Also, make sure to bring the music of the band you’re going to see!  I’m making an awesome mix of old and new favorites, so that we can all get pumped for the concert while cruising down the highway!

Pre-Concert festivities!

If you are planning on getting to the venue any earlier than an hour before the gates open, bring some activities to keep you and your friends occupied!  This can include snacks, drinks (lots of water if it’s going to be hot), a Frisbee, football, a deck of cards, or anything else you might like to bring!

Also, don’t forget to pack practical things as well.  You never know when the weather will change on you, so be prepared; bring an umbrella, a change of clothes and even a towel in case you have to dry off before getting back in your car.

Along with that, remember to dress appropriately!  If the weather is going to be warm when you leave, but might cool down later, wear light layers so you can add or subtract as needed.  *don’t forget sunscreen to protect you from the rays!*

Main stage action!

You’ve been waiting for days, weeks, maybe months, counting down to this exact moment!  There are only two things to remember at this time.  1. Be considerate of your fellow concert-goer, and 2. HAVE FUN!!!  You won’t get this moment back, so just enjoy it!  Sing along, dance, cheer and chant!  Just remember that others are also there to enjoy the concert, too.  So if your behavior is inhibiting them from doing so, you may want to tone it down a bit.

Post-Concert highlights!

Once the spotlights go down, the house lights go back up, and you find your way back to your car, let your adrenaline carry you home!  Talk about your favorite parts with your friends on the ride back!  Chances are your ears might be a little muffled, so turn down the music and just relish in the experience with your friends!

Are you going to any concerts this summer?  What has your favorite concert been?  Who do you want to see in concert?  Let us know!  Email us at intern@collegelifestyles.org or tweet at us: @collegelifestyl!

Becky Alberico is an intern at College Lifestyles ™. She is a Communication Studies major at Edinboro University of PA, and a member of Alpha Sigma Tau! Becky can’t wait to tack her Dave Matthew’s ticket stub along side her Hanson, Warped Tour, Jonas Brothers, Journey and New Kids on the Block ones!

Can’t find any good concerts around your area?  Round up some friends and see a movie instead!  Check out Briana’s post for a great summer flick!