This Friday marks the first day of spring! The changing of the seasons throughout human history has held poetic weight, and themes of renewal, growth, and decline are often reflected in them. Whether it’s as literal as George Harrison’s “Here Comes the Sun” or as vibes-based as Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds,” the emotional and artistic significance of springtime is hard to deny. Today, the interns at Lightning 100 present their picks of songs that feel most like spring!
Alex’s Pick: “Something New” – Babe Rainbow
This track is one that has lived rent-free in my imagination for the past 4 years. I associate it with riding in my high school best friend’s beat-up PT Cruiser convertible through my hometown on sunny days in Texas. The song opens with a tape-recorded synth that evokes sirens in the distance, only to be followed by the most-chill-possible bass groove. When the vocals come in, they are lush and relaxed, and they release all the tension built up in the opening of the song. The song is a masterclass in nostalgic subtleties.
“Something New” is by an Australian group named Babe Rainbow. Babe Rainbow are from Byron Bay, Australia, have a throwback 60s sound, and are laden with surf-rock imagery… It doesn’t get much sunnier than that! I love this band, and if you haven’t heard them before, this song is a fantastic foray.
Listen at the link below!
Chloe’s Pick: “Seventeen” – Peach Pit
Whenever I think of Spring I think of Spring break! Whether I have travel plans or not, I always make a Spring break playlist. The one band that never escapes these playlists are the indie-rock icons Peach Pit. This band’s perfect blend of surf-rock, indie-pop, and psych-rock elements makes them the perfect indicator that Spring approaches! I have chosen their song “Seventeen” from their 2018 EP Sweet FA. This song chronicles being young and reckless. To me, this really encapsulates the carefree vibes that warm weather brings. Every time I listen to this song it brings me back to biking around Florida with my sister when we were in high school! If you ever get the itch for teenage carelessness, this song will bring you there!
Give “Seventeen” a listen using the link below!
Abby’s Pick: “Saigon” – Luke Hemmings
Released in 2021, “Saigon” was the second single for Luke Hemmings’ debut album, When Facing The Things We Turn Away From. This was a big moment for him and a big moment for the band, too, as Luke is also the lead singer for Australian band 5 Seconds of Summer. Known for its pop punk music, Luke used the momentum of 5SOS to make something of his own, which turned out to be an indie/alternative album. “Saigon” has a beachy feel to it, with rhythmic guitar and light drums echoing throughout. There is an echo in Luke’s vocals as well, which brings the listener in as the beat continues in a dance vibe. The line “When facing the things we turn away from/We’re chasing the way we were in Saigon” pulled me in when I first listened to it, and I’m still unsure if it’s from the writing or Luke’s magnificent and light vocals. This song reminds me of the warm breeze on a spring day, when it’s just warm enough to have your windows down in your car and turn up the radio.
If you’re excited for warmer weather, give “Saigon” by Luke Hemmings a listen using the link below!
Sally’s Pick: “I Want Wind To Blow” – The Microphones
Although traditional spring imagery often features blooming flowers, bird’s nests, and new beginnings, the season also brings stormclouds, volatile weather, and tornado warnings like the one Nashville experienced this past Sunday. So, for my intern pick this week, I chose a song that I think captures the spring season as a whole. “I Want Wind to Blow” by the microphones is a lo-fi masterpiece, written, recorded and performed by Phil Elverum. This song, and the rest of the The Microphones discography uses traditional instruments in unique ways to create songs that come across more like audio collages. This song uses the imagery of changing weather to illustrate Elverum’s emotional state. Additionally “I Want Wind to Blow” begins with the line, “The Thunderclouds broke up”, whichI think is the perfect sentiment to carry us into warmer, happier weather this spring.
So, if you’re looking for a song to listen to on the sunny days as well as the stormy days, give “I Want Wind to Blow” by The Microphones a listen.
Go get some sun this weekend,
The Interns
