Sound Check

The spring break playlist is a critical one.  Every year, it’s essential that your iPod have the new material to underscore new memories, no matter your destination. These songs, released in the past 12 months, really should be on your spring break playlist.

Photogenic ocean resort: “Swim” — Surfer Blood
I’ll start with my favorite pick of the list. “Swim” is a thrilling, guitar-driven shout-along with an instantly catchy chorus riff reminiscent of The Velvet Underground. Side note: catch this West Palm Beach, FL group at The Bishop tonight!

Mountainous region: “On the Vista” — The Black Keys and Mos Def
One of the best songs from one of the best rap-rock collaborations since “Walk This Way” from your spring break playlist of ’86. Dan Auerbach and Mos Def will make you want to climb a mountain with this clean and totally compelling harmony of blues guitar and hip-hop.

Any large city: “Empire State of Mind” — Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys
So this pick probably works best for New York — you know the words — but “Empire State of Mind” is as uplifting as pop songs come and a suitable soundtrack for visiting any city the size of Cleveland or bigger. Turning star power on full blast, Jigga and Alicia turn bright lights into music and nobody could make it look easier.

Some heavily wooded place: “Walk in the Park” — Beach House
For best results, listen to Beach House’s latest album of entrancing dream pop in nature. “Walk in the Park” plus a hike in the woods is any daydreamer’s daydream.

Library: “And the Glitter is Gone” — Yo La Tengo
Yo La Tengo — helping college kids study since ’84. This epic, sprawling 16-minute guitar opus by Ira Kaplan can get the gears turning like nothing else.

Abroad: “Pants on the Ground” — General Larry Platt
Don’t leave America without your “American Idol,” or at least the “General” we all know should have won it. Also, if you happen to meet any friendly people curious about American music, be absolutely sure to play them “Pants on the Ground” first. It speaks volumes to the two things we love most in this country: an underdog and wearing low pants.

Bumblefuck, USA: “Suburban Beverage” — Real Estate
OK, I mainly picked this song because of its ridiculous title. But Real Estate’s comforting and laid-back rock is plenty capable of easing the pain from whatever boring town you’re going to but wish you weren’t.

Snowy region: “What Would I Want? Sky” — Animal Collective
Spin this one on the chair lift and you may forever associate it with every fresh snowfall.

Disney World: “Before The Storm” — The Jonas Brothers featuring Miley Cyrus
Who else misses Justin and Britney? Alas, it’s a new generation for Disney and we all need to get used to it. At the very least, this song will train your ears to tolerate “It’s a Small World After All.”

B-Town: “Embryonic” — The Flaming Lips
Your break might lack excitement, but it’s not too early to get excited for the best live show on Earth that will be this year’s Little 500 concert, The Flaming Lips on April 22. If you haven’t sat down with this album yet, now isn’t a bad time.