With Spring break only a week away, it feels like the days
are getting longer and the lectures are moving slower. So what’s perfect remedy
for spring fever? A few songs to imagine the days of relaxation and taking in
some rays that are only a short time away. 

“Parade of Punk Rock T-Shirts”- Maritime

The simple strumming of electric guitar accompanied by
cymbals makes it impossible to not want to drift off and daydream about the
beach and warm weather. The soft tones of the drum in the song are similar to
that of “Island in the Sun” by Weezer. 
Lead singerDavey von Bohlen‘s
voice has a hushed and breathy tone, adding to the relaxed nature of the song.

“Crystal Baller”- Third Eye Blind

This iconic 90s band is associated with all the good,
pre-midterm days of childhood, and “Crystal Baller” is no exception. The use of plucking the strings of an
acoustic guitar adds a much fuller, distinct sound above the syncopated chorus
to the song. Fun Fact: Third Eye Blind’s name was inspired by a book that lead
singerStephan
Jenkins was reading at the time about the idea of the mind’s eye.

“Love and Memories” – O.A.R.

The intro to the song, with a perfect mix of electric guitar over
the wild beating of cymbals and snare drums, immediately contributes to the
upbeat nature of this track. The slight twang in lead singer’s Marc Roberge
also helps to add a more unique twist to a conventional song of Rock music.

“Peace, Love, Happiness”- G- Love and Special Sauce

Maracas, bongos, and the easy-going clapping add to its carefree,
earthy tone. G- Love in general is reminiscent of summertime, especially
because of its roots- inspired music that keep many of their songs upbeat and
cohesive.

“Ottoman”- Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend never goes wrong in terms of producing music that’s
both creative and intriguing. “Ottoman” has great use of the violin and cello,
accompanying the marching-type beat of drums.

“California”- Phantom Planet

Ah, the famous theme song from the O.C. The piano introduction is simple, but catchy, as this is the
theme is carried throughout the rest of the song. The use of gradually building up the amount of instruments complements
the vocals.

” Lake Michigan”- Rogue Wave

The fast paced lyrics accompanied by the strumming of acoustic
guitar and syncopated clapping is stylistic of the Indie- Alternative genre.
The most beguiling part of the song, however, is the way the word “style” is
sung in the chorus. There is something about it (possible the way the syllable
is stressed) that makes the song extra captivating.

“Two Points for Honesty”- Guster

The tremolo picking throughout, the use of tambourine, and bongo
progressions would give a more happy- upbeat feel to a song, but Guster puts a
creative spin on this. This combination, along with the angsty- lyrics make the
perfect bittersweet combo.

“Jimi Thing”- Dave Matthews Band

Dave Matthews uses his voice to add an original element to his song.
There is no true way to describe the way the common playing of acoustic guitar
and drums, but violinistBoyd Calvin
Tinsley and saxophonist LeRoi Moore steal the song with their passionate
performances.

“Cobrastyle” – The Teddy Bears

The unbelievably deep voice of this
Swedish band is in itself one of the most striking aspects of the song, but the
Jamaican, happy-go-lucky feel can turn any mundane study session into a air-
guitar -riffing, tambourine slamming, hand-clapping good time. Okay, maybe not
to this extreme, but it definitely can help to get anyone out of the drone of
the winter weather.