For those of us in locales where the shift from summer to fall is more of a whisper than a shout, immersing ourselves in the season often requires a bit of creative effort. Just because the leaves aren’t dramatically changing color outside your window doesn’t mean you can’t capture the essence of autumn. One of the most effective ways to transport yourself to a crisp, fall-like atmosphere is through music. Creating playlists tailored to the season can be surprisingly effective in evoking those autumnal feelings, no matter the actual weather.
This brings us to a curated selection from the past – an “Autumn 2009” playlist designed to capture the spirit of fall through sound. These songs, from 2009 and around that era, are perfect for anyone looking to soundtrack their own mental autumn, regardless of their geographical location. Explore these tracks and perhaps discover your new favorite fall anthems.
Discovering Autumnal Sounds: The 2009 Playlist
Kettering – The Antlers: If you’re seeking a deeply emotional and resonant listening experience, “Kettering” by The Antlers is an essential addition to your fall playlist. Hailing from their acclaimed album Hospice, this track encapsulates a poignant and moving sonic landscape. The entire Hospice album is highly recommended for those drawn to music with depth and emotional complexity, making it a perfect backdrop for introspective autumn days.
Inside It All Feels the Same – Explosions in the Sky: Explosions in the Sky has become synonymous with autumnal vibes for many, possibly due to their association with the evocative soundtrack of Friday Night Lights. “Inside It All Feels the Same” perfectly embodies their signature instrumental style, creating expansive and atmospheric soundscapes that resonate with the contemplative mood of fall. Their music, in general, is ideal for adding a touch of poignant reflection to the season.
Someone Else’s Life – Joshua Radin: With its tender melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Someone Else’s Life” by Joshua Radin evokes a sense of romantic longing, making it a quintessential autumn in New York song. Its appearance in the movie Adam further cements this association, painting a picture of fall romance. This song is a perfect soundtrack for crisp evening walks or cozy indoor moments as the days get shorter.
Guilty Cubicles – Broken Social Scene: Featured in the film Half Nelson, “Guilty Cubicles” by Broken Social Scene stands out with its curiously fitting title and its indie rock energy. The track captures a sense of urban introspection and subtle angst, reflecting the changing dynamics and sometimes melancholic undertones that can accompany the fall season. It’s a dynamic addition to any autumn playlist, blending thoughtful lyrics with compelling instrumentation.
Pulling Our Weight – The Radio Dept.: No autumn mix would be truly complete without the dreamy, melancholic sounds of neo-shoegaze, and The Radio Dept. delivers perfectly with “Pulling Our Weight.” This track is ideal for those seeking a touch of wistful reflection in their fall soundtrack. Its ethereal quality and introspective lyrics make it a quintessential song for autumn contemplation.
Don’t Bother They’re Here – Stars of the Lid: For moments of quiet contemplation, “Don’t Bother They’re Here” by Stars of the Lid offers minimalist instrumental beauty. Imagine listening to this through headphones while traveling through scenic landscapes on a rainy day. This track is particularly suited for introspective journeys and quiet moments amidst the hustle of daily life, providing a calming and immersive soundscape.
Ohio – Damien Jurado: Simplicity and heartfelt storytelling define “Ohio” by Damien Jurado. Harmonica, acoustic guitar, and Jurado’s evocative vocals create a warm and nostalgic atmosphere, perfectly capturing the feeling of returning home during the fall. This song’s rustic charm and emotional honesty make it a comforting addition to an autumn playlist.
4 Minute Warning – Radiohead: From In Rainbows Disc 2, “4 Minute Warning” by Radiohead is a standout track that embodies cryptic and worn-out beauty. Its sullen yet captivating sound offers a deeper, more complex mood for the fall season. For Radiohead enthusiasts and those seeking a more nuanced autumnal sound, this track is a must-listen.
Constants Are Changing – Boards of Canada: The title itself, “Constants Are Changing,” perfectly encapsulates the essence of autumn. Boards of Canada’s electronic textures and ambient soundscapes create a fitting backdrop for the season of transition. This instrumental piece is ideal for reflecting on change and the cyclical nature of seasons, adding a layer of thoughtful ambience to your fall days.
Diamond Heart – Marissa Nadler: “Diamond Heart” by Marissa Nadler is a quintessential seasonal song that speaks to the bittersweet emotions of fall and winter. The lyrics poignantly capture the feeling of missing a loved one through the colder months, culminating in the imagery of scattering ashes in the snow. Its melancholic beauty makes it a deeply resonant track for autumn.
Mexican Blue – Jolie Holland: “Mexican Blue” by Jolie Holland is an enduring love song that grows richer with each listen. Its simple yet epic quality makes it a standout track for any season, but its warmth and heartfelt emotion resonate particularly well with the reflective mood of autumn. Discover or rediscover this gem for a timeless addition to your playlist.
We’re Gonna Pull Through – Over the Rhine: Offering a beacon of hope amidst shorter days and colder nights, “We’re Gonna Pull Through” by Over the Rhine provides a comforting and optimistic tone to an autumn playlist. This song is a reminder of resilience and finding light even as the seasons turn towards darkness, making it a warmly reassuring addition.
Monoplain – Susan Enan: “Monoplain” by Susan Enan is a hidden gem from an under-appreciated Irish singer-songwriter. This beautiful, quiet, and heartbreaking song is perfect for moments of solitude during the fall. Its delicate melody and poignant lyrics make it a deeply moving discovery for those seeking quieter, more introspective autumn sounds.
Guaranteed – Eddie Vedder: From the Into the Wild soundtrack, “Guaranteed” by Eddie Vedder is just one of the many standout tracks from this spectacular album. Vedder’s raw vocals and the song’s introspective nature make it a fitting soundtrack for autumn introspection and outdoor adventures, even if they are just metaphorical.
The Golden Day is Dying – Hem: With its near-acapella harmonies, “The Golden Day is Dying” by Hem perfectly captures the feeling its title implies. This song is full of gorgeous vocal arrangements and melancholic beauty, embodying the fading light and reflective mood of late autumn. It’s a beautifully evocative piece for the season.
Curse Your Branches – David Bazan: While not explicitly about fall foliage, “Curse Your Branches” by David Bazan evokes autumnal imagery and themes. It carries a certain weight and emotional depth that aligns with the season’s introspective nature. Its complex lyrics and emotive delivery make it a thought-provoking addition to a fall playlist.
Happiness – Riceboy Sleeps: From Jonsi, the frontman of Sigur Ros, Riceboy Sleeps offers “Happiness,” an example of excellent post-rock minimalism. Its understated yet expressive nature, with a cold, urban edge, provides a unique take on autumnal sounds. This track adds a touch of modern, minimalist reflection to the playlist.
Gentle Moon – Sun Kil Moon: Featured on the classic Sun Kil Moon album Ghosts of the Great Highway, “Gentle Moon” is a beautiful and quintessential cold-weather song. This album, in general, is ideal for autumn and winter listening. “Gentle Moon” itself encapsulates a serene yet slightly melancholic mood, perfect for cool evenings.
Dear God (Sincerely M.O.F.) – Monsters of Folk: As the opening track from the Monsters of Folk collaboration album (featuring Conor Oberst, Matt Ward, Jim James, and Mike Mogis), “Dear God (Sincerely M.O.F.)” sets a high bar. It remains a standout track from this supergroup, offering a blend of folk and rock that’s perfect for autumn listening.
Search for Delicious – Panda Bear: “Search for Delicious” represents a more understated yet expressive side of Panda Bear’s music. With a cold, urban feel, it provides a unique and modern sound for the autumn season. This track is perfect for those seeking something a bit different within their fall music collection, blending electronic elements with introspective vibes.
Conclusion: Your 2009 Autumn Soundtrack
This playlist revisits the sounds of 2009 and the surrounding years, curating a collection of tracks that perfectly capture the essence of autumn. From indie rock and folk to electronic and minimalist soundscapes, these songs offer a diverse yet cohesive soundtrack for the season. Whether you’re experiencing a true fall climate or creating your own autumnal atmosphere, these “2009 Songs Top” selections are sure to enhance your experience. Enjoy rediscovering these tracks and letting them become the backdrop to your fall moments.
