Old Man Winter is protesting, and it’s safe to say this is one of the warmest winters to hit Chicago. Unlike the record-breaking snow-mageddon of last year’s Groundhog Day, this year, city dwellers are basking in 40- to near 60-degree weather. If this isn’t worth celebrating, what is? So let’s do it before it’s too late! Blast these songs in your car with the sunroof open, or while you hoof it along Michigan Avenue, strolling to the beats of a playlist.
“My Body” – Young the Giant
With the youthful energy and optimistic determination embedded in each song on Young the Giant, “My Body” is a great way to kick off a springlike day in February. Lyrics, “My body tells me no, but I won’t quit ’cause I want more,” captures the essence of the thrill, adventure and excitement that spring brings to the seasonal table. Young the Giant is singing about what we all want a little more of: gorgeous weather, of course. Get pumped for the possibility of what spring has in store.
“Shake It Out” – Florence + the Machine
Open the windows, and clear out the stale air. It’s time to shake off this winter for good. “Shake It Out” is about ridding oneself of regrets and any other haunting feelings. Then again, who isn’t haunted by the possibility that this warm, sunny weather is just a tease and Chicago might get hit with another torrential snowfall? The progressive build-up of energy in this song gives listeners a rush of endorphins worthy of combating seasonal affective disorders to revel in the day’s fabulous forecast.
“Midnight City” – M83
It’s a sure bet that the catchy rhythm of the synthesizers in “Midnight City” will become the underlying soundtrack for any listener’s sun-filled day. With wide-range beats and a killer saxophone solo at the end, this song will pull listeners out of a winter like a snake charmer plays a snake out of a basket.
“Young Blood” – The Naked and the Famous
“Young Blood” brings a carefree youthfulness out of everyone during this springlike weather. Who doesn’t want to go outside to run, skate and dance around after hearing the optimistic synth-pop beats of this song? The uplifting “yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah” is all the incentive one needs.
“Junk of the Heart (Happy)” – The Kooks
Listen to this while walking along Michigan Avenue, smiling ear to ear and snapping your fingers along to the joyful beats of The Kooks. The sweet melody of this song represents a light-hearted, bubbly kid hidden somewhere inside all of us. The cheerful rhythm makes for a fitting song to play during the unusually warm and sun-filled days of this global warming-affected winter.
