Alt+: Forest-Esk 1.0

This is the playlist you've been searching for. The first installment of an amazing series of playlist installments for you to jam to on your next hike. Or road trip. Or fanny-pack adventure. You pick the experience, I provide the tunes. Enjoy.

A CHILL MIX FOR CONTEMPLATION WHILE AMONGST LEAVES part one:

1... "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" — Neutral Milk Hotel

The real question is, why does she have a coconut for a head?? This tune provides a mellow sound with more meaning than it lets on. Neutral Milk Hotel always seems to catch me when I don’t expect it.

2... "From" — Dr. Dog

An underrated song by an underrated band. Dr. Dog has a distinct sound, one that just seems to fit perfectly with my vibe. Definitely not for everyone, this song is an applesauce song to initiate new listeners.

3... "Intro" — The XX

Of course, this song had to be in here. Their most well-known song, "Intro" by The XX provides a different sound than they usually produce, even different than how the demo was written. The pulsing sounds make this song the perfect accompaniment for a sunrise drive.

4... "Last Year" — alt-J

In their most recent album, alt-J explores a new sound. Relaxer introduces a new sound for alt-J, something a little more…. relaxing…. if you will 😉. "Last Year" is calming and sweet-sounding, with a lovely twist in sound towards the end.

5... "Follow Me" — Petit Biscuit

Thought nutrition electro right here. There’s not much more to say than that. Another moving electro piece that will fit perfectly into your sunrise playlist (we all have one, don’t lie).

6... "Ends of the Earth" — Lord Huron

A bit of wanderlust wrapped up and provided in an uplifting tune. More fitting for sitting on the hood of your car under the stars.

7... "22 (OVER S∞∞N)" — Bon Iver

Whelp, he's done it again. Bon Iver’s newest album holds a more electric feel than his previous albums. The opening title, "22," is soft and doesn’t rush into the album. Another amazing piece of work (and full album) by Bon Iver.

8... "No Rain" — Blind Melon

Well known, for a reason. Blind Melon’s most famous song is arguably their best song. The bee girl music video only adds to the meaning and popularity of the tune as Shannon Hoon sings of his lifestyle and habits that would eventually lead to his overdose suicide in 1995, just three years later.

These songs, while maybe not commonly put together in a playlist, work together to mend my mind, and hopefully yours as well. The purpose of this published playlist is for you to rediscover songs you’ve maybe forgotten about and to find new songs that you maybe haven’t heard about. Using this list, build your own playlist mixing these songs with your own list. Create your vibe. Hug some trees. Get thinking.

The small things you do every day are important to make your life meaningful, eventful, and just plain full. Don’t sit on your phone for hours every day. Limit your total screen time. In order to assist with this, I have listed everyday adventures for you:

• Watch a movie you haven't seen before (Pulp Fiction is a good place to start).
• Climb that tree you’ve been eyeing in your backyard.
• Read a paper book. You heard me right. Not on a screen. Go to your local library if you must.
• Take 20 minutes for yourself. Turn off all electronics and think. Really think. What is all of this for?

That's all, the first installment. If we think similarly, stick around for a while.

Peace /AE\