Alison Roach, Editor-In-Chief
Iggy Azalea — The New Classic
As an English major, the majority of my end-of-semester fervour is spent furiously writing papers rather than cramming for exams. In this well-refined process, I need jams that are going to fill me with fire instead of lulling me into a patient, memory-beneficial zone.
This semester, I’m channeling Iggy. Following the well-treaded ground of rapping celebratory songs about ‘making it,’ The New Classic is a lady-bible on how you CAN do it, girl! If your writing situation doesn’t call for any ramp-up, skip over the first three tracks, you don’t need them. Go directly to the stuff that’s going to make you type 5,000 fucking words per minute.
Listen, and believe, as Iggy and T .I. tell you how they’re going to change your life. Obligatorily jam to “Fancy” because even though you’ve heard it a hundred times, it still rings true. You are fancy, and they should already know. Transition into “Work,” a ‘getting shit done’ anthem if I’ve ever heard one. You are working on your shit. You are capable of writing 100 pages in the next hour. By the time you’ve hit “Goddess,” you will have literally transformed into an academic paper-writing deity. “Bow down, put your knee to your face,” you’ll triumphantly cry at your computer. Congratulations. You just won school. As Iggy put it, “Impossible is nothing.”
Leah Bjornson, News Editor
Pride and Prejudice Soundtrack
Being the kind of person who has 10 tabs open while studying, I need to listen to something that focuses my thinking while working instead of something that adds one further distraction to my life. As such, I tend to turn on instrumental music — movie scores, jazz, the soundtrack from the Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Orchestra — but my go-to study music has to be the soundtrack from the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice,composed by Dario Marianelli.
The soft piano which commands most of the tracks carries you along a soothing journey, yet at times swells with emotion, keeping the listener transfixed. Although the soundtrack is at times repetitive (which might actually be a boon when you’re studying), the fifth track “The Militia Marches In” jolts you into an upbeat rhythm and may even provide you with a much needed dance break. If you’re looking for something instrumental to keep you in the zone, this soundtrack may be the perfect study companion.
Jacey Gibb, Humour Editor
Much Less Normal — LNRDCROY
Everyone’s soundtrack to productivity sounds different. You want something with a consistent beat, sans overwhelming lyrics, something ambient enough to keep you from getting distracted, but not so ambient that you might fall asleep.
Might I suggest LNRDCROY’s 2014 release, Much Less Normal? The release from Vancouver label 1080p boasts 10 tracks to help carry you through any mundane task and keep your foot tapping along the way. Plus the runtime clocks in at just under an hour, so by the time you hit “play all” again, you’ll have gotten at least some work done . . . right?
Adam Van der Zwan, Opinions Editor
Sonny Rollins — Colossus
There isn’t a better way to study than with Sonny Rollins playing. I have multiple favourite jazz albums, but Colossus tops my list while being one of the defining saxophone jazz albums of the 1950s. Rollins plays that tenor with an amazingly clean sound mingled with seductive staccatos and quick vibratos. The man has incredible control over his instrument, and the number of sounds he produces in this album seem infinite. His infamous standard, “St. Thomas,” gets me every time.
I’ve long had a strong appreciation for the unique, diverse, and intelligent nature of post-war jazz music — feelings amplified by the fact that I’m a saxophonist myself. Jazz puts me at ease and envelops me in nostalgia; I have a personal connection to what I hear, an understanding and appreciation for how difficult Rollins’ sound is to produce. Rollins is a musical genius, and Colossus helps to actually make my study time enjoyable.
Austin Cozicar, Sports Editor
Queen — Flash Gordon
When I need to do stuff, like homework or writing or whatever activities I normally engage in, there’s nothing better to have in the background than music that repeats, “He’ll save every one of us” and “He’s the saviour of the universe” — it makes whatever I’m doing feel really important. And that’s just the Flash theme.
There’s bad guy music, synthesiser music, love themes, epic celebration music, and even the wedding theme. I should note that the soundtrack is peppered with dialogue from one of the greatest films ever (ex. “Flash, I love you, but we only have 14 hours to save the earth!”). Now do yourself a favour, watch Flash Gordon, then listen to the brilliance that is this soundtrack, and put it on whenever you have something to get done — even if you have only 14 hours.
Tessa Perkins, Arts Editor
Once Soundtrack
A good album to study to should be calming, motivational, inspiring, and not too distracting. It should be the perfect sonic backdrop to let you get in the zone and focus on transferring knowledge from books to brain, or brain to page. My favourite album to put on while studying is the soundtrack from Once.
The harmonies of Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard will lull you into the perfect mood to soak up information or pump out a term paper, and every so often your thoughts will be punctuated by a motivational guitar riff or stunning note that gives you a mental break and the strength to forge ahead.
If you get stuck mid-paragraph in frustration, cursing your professor, or trying to figure out what the hell Rimbaud actually meant in his poem, the soothing, uplifting sounds of songs like “Gold” will pull you right out of your angered state. If you have yet to discover this album, make sure you check it out this exam season.
Mark Tallman, Social Media Coordinator
Missy Elliott — Supa Dupa Fly
Some enjoy soaring orchestral scores to pen their prose. Others prefer the subtle sounds of swing to study for esoteric examinations. But those people are wrong. In early 2013, scientists discovered a rhythm they say stimulates academic performance and reduces stress among university-aged students. This particular rhythm is so far only found in 15th century Icelandic elf-inspired folk music, and select songs from Missy Elliot’s breakout album Supa Dupa Fly. Scientists are reportedly working tirelessly to isolate, patent and profit from this discovery alongside the pharmaceutical industry.
So, while the last remaining recordings of the 1453 classic “ríða kapítalisma” remain sealed in the frozen wastelands of Siberia, students across the world toil away unaided. Well, except for those whose aural cavities are graced with such gems as “Pass da Blunt” or “The Rain.” Seriously, it works, so check it out. Plus, there are some insightful interrogations into postmodern womanhood or whatever.
Natasha Wahid, Copy Editor
Childish Gambino — Kauai
I fucking love Childish Gambino. Our resident hip-hop expert and features editor, Max Hill, will probably vehemently disagree with me on this one, but Donald Glover’s newest EP Kauai is perfection, and it’s my current go-to study soundtrack. As the name would suggest, it’ll whisk you away to a productivity island surrounded by waves of sultry sounds.
This seven-track treat for the ears kicks off with “Sober” — a melange of Gambino’s soothing, high-pitched vocals, soft synth beats and addictive refrains, it’ll leave you bouncing lightly in your desk chair, but won’t distract you from whatever it is you’re workin’ on. My favourite track is “Retro [ROUGH],” which showcases Gambino’s always-impressive flow. Starkly different from his more aggressive, well-known songs (“Bonfire,” “Sunrise,” and “Heartbeat” to name a few), the raps featured in this tune are playful, low-toned, and enticing.
When I’m super focused, I need background noise that’ll stimulate that easily-distracted portion of my brain, and this EP does the trick. The beats are unobtrusive and *bonus* certain tracks feature the quiet, calming voice of Jaden Smith! P.S. If you dig this album, google “Bed Peace” by Jhene Aiko feat. Childish Gambino — it’s sexy and totally awesome.
