Something about Sunday afternoons always feels different than the rest of the weekend. On Friday we feel pressure to do something epic–this is why we are so worried to have no plans–and so we stay up late into the night in pursuit of the catharsis from the troubles of the week. Saturday morning brings, for many, an unhappy state of hangover, and usually a bout of frantic homework to make up for the previous week’s neglect. Saturday afternoon is always filled with something recreational, and Saturday night may take on a similar hue to Friday night. A long bout of apparent awesomeness meant to justify our freedom from obligation. Sunday morning we recover and perhaps attend a church service. Then the afternoon arrives and the melancholy of Monday hits us squarely in the chest. It is not here yet, though, and the tranquility of a Sunday afternoon takes on its characteristic muted atmosphere because of its chronological position relative to Monday. A perfect balance must be found between the frantic entertainment of Friday and Saturday and the impending depression of Monday. These are the tracks for that transition This is the Sunday Afternoon.
This is the Blisswave.
1. XXYYXX – About You (Dream Koala remix)
Borderline weird, About You hits with cosmic punch. If the initial beat isn’t to your liking, just give it a second. It’s not a long song, but there’s this fusion of sound that begins at 59 seconds that’s to die for. Those vocal samples though. I don’t even know what she’s saying, and I don’t even care.
2. Bon Iver – Holocene (Kyson remix)
You’ve probably all heard the original. I’m not a huge Bon Iver man. His voice is either ya love it or ya hate it. This Kyson remix of his most popular song brings an iteration that I can get behind. His vocals aren’t quite as screechy in this as they are in his normal songs. He croons instead of wails. I can usually get behind crooning, not so much the wailing. See if you feel the same.
3. Bahwee – LotusFlowerBomb
LotusFlowerBomb is the perfect name for this track. Popping high hats with a quiet vocal sample and some basic synths combine for an extremely soothing experience. I don’t know what Bahwee means or where he/she is from, but this song makes me want to find out.
4. Mathbonus – There is Light In Us
This song may be a little sad, but it’s also incredibly relaxing. It’s similar to the other tracks on this week’s list in that it has a very simple structure and low bpm. That’s the point, after all. Nobody that I know of wants to rave on a Sunday afternoon. I would imagine drinking hot chocolate or tea while it’s snowing will do nice things to your stress levels if you let it play in the background.
5. Houses – Soak It Up
Another fairly simple beat structure with a slow pace. This one has a nice addition in relation to the others. The vocals are perhaps mildly repetitive, but when it’s this chill it’s hard to argue. All it does is tell you to “soak it up.” What could be better?
I struggled narrowing my list of songs for this week. As an added bonus for those readers (who knows if I have any, but hey, I have fun doing this so who cares) who get to the end, I’ve included an additional six tracks that I feel also fit the theme of this week’s episodes. Just let the playlist play. Hopefully we can help ya out.
That’s all for this week of the Blisswave. If you want to email suggestions for future themes, or have requests for music you’d like to see featured, email me at ethantrunnell@gmail.com. The only promise I can make is to consider your suggestion. We’ll catch you next week. Until then, feel free to bask in the Blisswaves.
Ethan Trunnell
Blog Writer – Aggie Radio
