{"id":6636,"date":"2026-09-30T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/?p=6636"},"modified":"2026-09-29T14:26:27","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T18:26:27","slug":"spice-up-your-listening-an-ig-staff-playlist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/index.php\/2026\/09\/30\/spice-up-your-listening-an-ig-staff-playlist\/","title":{"rendered":"Spice Up Your Listening: An IG Staff Playlist"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"seriesmeta\">This entry is part 12 of 12 in the series <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/index.php\/series\/playlists\/\" class=\"series-44\" title=\"Playlists\">Playlists<\/a><\/div>\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By <em>Imaginary Gardens <\/em>Staff; Introduction by Eli Kolesar, Editor<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"987\" height=\"987\" src=\"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SEP23SpicePlaylist1_optimized_2000.png\" alt=\"&quot;Spice up your Listening&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-6610\" style=\"width:626px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SEP23SpicePlaylist1_optimized_2000.png 987w, https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SEP23SpicePlaylist1_optimized_2000-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SEP23SpicePlaylist1_optimized_2000-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SEP23SpicePlaylist1_optimized_2000-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 987px) 100vw, 987px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Spice up your listening | Anya Edwardson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fall is here, even if it really feels like Summer II: Electric Boogaloo. Thankfully, people and companies are breaking out the pumpkin spice and Halloween candy, so we can get our fall-flavored caffeine and sugar fix. And since it\u2019s supposed to be Fall, <em>Imaginary Gardens<\/em> has brewed up a Fall-themed playlist to listen to while you drink lattes and munch on treats. We\u2019ve got some cozy crooning, some spooky serenades, and a few songs that just feel like the crunch of the first fallen leaves underfoot. We hope you enjoy!<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Spotify Embed: Spice Up Your Listening: An IG Staff Playlist\" style=\"border-radius: 12px\" width=\"100%\" height=\"352\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/playlist\/5Z8SjR2AXFrwNYo59ws2qI?si=4bd2cc13cd6a49b6&amp;pt=1cbfb5612b8edaff8cc2ad1ccb656d93&amp;utm_source=oembed\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Fin Jump<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cThe Chapel\u201d by Elio Mei<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This song brings me the same joy as stepping on a crisp autumn leaf. Mei manages to rap his story of melancholy anemoia in a comforting melody that \u201citches my brain.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cPrelude (Over the Garden Wall)\u201d by The Blasting Company<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It goes without saying that it simply isn\u2019t Autumn without Over the Garden Wall. If you haven&#8217;t partaken in the annual fall tradition of cozying up for this annual cartoon binge with some seasonal snacks, this is your sign.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Rebecka Jones, Staff Writer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cThe Meaning of Life\u201d by Josiah Queen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although this song isn\u2019t about the fall season, the calming acoustic guitar brings a beautiful melody that reminds me of a cozy autumn day. The lyrics are powerful and relatable, expressing how people search the world for meaning in life but don\u2019t realize what is right in front of them. Sometimes we chase meaningless things and grow numb from the pain it causes us, so Josiah Queen encourages us to follow our faith to find joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>John Medina, Staff Writer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cSensitivity\u201d by Ralph Tresvant&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With Grand Theft Auto VI coming out later this year in November, I have been revisiting some of the previous games to prepare for one of my most anticipated releases of the year. I\u2019ve recently rediscovered my love for GTA San Andreas. I originally played the game when I was way too young, but revisiting it as an adult is such a treat! The game is so fun and has such a great story, especially for the era it was released in. It is also a lot more arcade-y than future releases, which I appreciate. One of GTA\u2019s features that I cherish most is its extensive radio stations. This feature has introduced me to some of my favorite songs that I still listen to, even outside of the game. The track \u201cSensitivity\u201d by Ralph Tresvant is no different; the song falls on the radio station CSR 103.9 (Contemporary Soul Radio). When I initially heard the track, I thought it was some obscure Michael Jackson song I had never heard. This song is such a bop and really lovey-dovey; I would recommend giving it a listen.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Jacqueline Ayala, Social Media Editor<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cDeny Deny Deny\u201d by Noah Kahan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The Great Divide<\/em> album is an absolute chill autumn evening wrapped in a box. Something about Noah Kahan makes me realize I am not alone in my experiences. Fall, as beautiful as it is, can be a bit lonesome as the colors change. Even as much as I love this season, it\u2019s not the easiest thing to try and remain positive. \u201cDeny Deny Deny\u201d has the relaxing beat of the drum and the exact release of frustration you need to relax this fall. Let out all your emotions and sink back into your comfort!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Addison Chrivia, Managing Editor<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cAutumn in New York\u201d by Billie Holiday<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A cozy and slow song by the queen of jazz, listening to it makes you want to put on a record and read a book with a cup of warm chai while the leaves change shade. It celebrates the simple things in life and the beauty that can be found in New York City. Whenever I think of autumn, I always think of jazz music and rainy days, solving sudoku with my grandma in her sunroom, and droplets of water hitting the skylight.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Emma G. Harrison, Editor-in-Chief<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cJust Wonderin\u201d by Caamp<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fall is such a perfect time for music in general, from country to jazz, all the way to folk. But there is truthfully nothing I love more than listening to Caamp in the fall. They have this wonderful way of combining the fall genres I love with notes of folk, bluegrass, and indie.\u00a0\u201cJust Wonderin\u201d is a song that tells a story of reflection. Lyrics like \u201cJust wonderin&#8217;, is this the way to spend your life?\u201d emphasize this as Caamp challenges the traditional ways of love. Picking just one song to recommend is hard, so my real recommendation is to search \u201cCaamp\u201d wherever you listen to music, then press shuffle!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Blake Wilson, Staff Writer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cDrown\u201d by Strange Boutique&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I love fall as a season: wearing sweaters, drinking tea and coffee, playing cozy games. But I feel like one of the coziest aspects of fall for me is embodying the gloominess of it. Though I do not have the appearance of someone one may assume is \u201cgothic\u201d, I LOVE music from the gothic scene. <em>Drown<\/em> is what I put on the moment the first day of fall starts, when the sun goes down and everything reminds me of cauldrons brewing potions and black cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Anya Edwardson, Graphic Designer&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cBottle Opener\u201d by Gus Dapperton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gus Dapperton has a way of blending the easing sound of his voice with mesmerizing synths and acoustic tracks; meanwhile, he paces out the entire song with catchy choruses backed by upbeat drums, making sure it gets stuck in your head. \u201cBottle Opener\u201d <em><\/em>was an intro to the wider spectrum of music for me, and will always hold a place in my heart for being the musical companion to my floortime naps or occasional walks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Emma K. Reagan, Staff Writer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cRhiannon\u201d by Fleetwood Mac<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While this may be a less cozy song, \u201cRhiannon\u201d is perfect for the spooky season. You can tell by the way Stevie Nicks eases into singing that this song is about a witch. I absolutely love the way the guitar creeps in the background behind Stevie\u2019s raspy voice. The power of the lyricism in this song allows our imaginations to take us to a foggy night. While there are many songs that feel spooky in a tacky way, this song is spooky like an old legend you tell around a fire on a cold night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Anna Matsen Cantrell, Faculty Advisor<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cHanuman,\u201d by Rodrigo y Gabriela<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some music resonates with me due to its flavorful musicality, while other tunes flare up undeniably intense memories associated with my first listen \u2014 the musical equivalent of eating too much wasabi, yet tearing up with defiant appreciation in the face of any who expect a sigh of regret. \u201cHanuman\u201d (the whole album <em>11:11<\/em>, actually) has taken root in my mind and heart for <em>both<\/em> reasons. I first heard the acoustic shredding of Rodrigo y Gabriela just before exiting modern civilization for a week of \u201cperiod\u201d camping and foam weapon fighting at Ragnarok in Pennsylvania. The pounding flair of this unplugged flamenco-metal fusion ironically calls up fond memories of dressing in pre-gunpowder era garb, dancing and drinking among the elves of Mirkwood, fighting alongside a legion of noble Romans, and generally having a grand ole time amid diverse fantastical and historical ruffians. Though the end of our last trip resulted in my travel partner and me parting ways, this music transcends that drama \u2014 as it should. I cannot give up such a comfortably loop-worthy piece of \u201cfocus music\u201d \u2014 able to displace my inner dialogue with just the intricately pounding riffs to complement household chores, assignment grading, and more. May the spice of your personal adventures always enhance, never taint, your taste for profound musical innovation and inner-mind soothing sonic artistry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Heather Lee Schroeder, Faculty Advisor<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cDragonrider\u201d and \u201cHoly Rage,\u201d by Kiki Rockwell<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The incomparable Kiki Rockwell, with her lispy, pure singing voice, brings alive medieval mischief in the songs on her album, <em>Eldest Daughter of an Eldest Daughter<\/em>. From catching and taming a dragon to ride to religious mania, Rockwell\u2019s music evokes the smoky luster of the dark season. No one does witchy feminine rage better than Rockwell. Perhaps it was being raised by a therapist mother or her deep immersion in the classics (with a special interest in Circe and Persephone) that allows her to create lush musical journeys, or perhaps, like her fictional characters in her songs, she, too, is beset by visions and portents. Whatever drives her, I\u2019m ready to be transported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Eli Kolesar, Editor<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cThe Burning of a Salem Witch\u201d by TH\u00d8RNS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While not actually about the Salem Witch Trials, the quick, thumping beat and low tones of the lyrics give the impression of being stared at and judged by unknown eyes, which is mildly disturbing for some and downright horrific to others, a feeling that goes well with the Halloween decorations being put up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Katherine Long, Cartoonist&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cThat Unwanted Animal\u201d by The Amazing Devil<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I don\u2019t know how I found this song, but it feels very fall-like to me, specifically reminding me of Halloween. I love the strings and drums combining to make a crisp, clear sound that feels like a cool breeze blowing through, and the whole song feels rather eerie. I love the chanting and pounding drums in the back, and the way the lead singer sings throughout the whole thing, giving the song a wild, eerie quality. Overall, a great song that feels very fall-like and mysterious, like something wild is living in the woods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cSleeping Giants\u201d by the Crane Wives<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I love this song; with its pounding drums and pulsing rhythm, it feels very energetic, like a crisp, clear fall day. It is very upbeat, and the final chorus is absolutely incredible. It feels like something that would be amazing to sing while dancing and spinning around a campfire with friends on a cold evening, with the moon gleaming overhead. I think a lot of The Crane Wives\u2019 songs that I have listened to feel very fall-like, and I recommend checking them out, but this one is by far my favorite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Oh Hellos and Yaelokre<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I love every song I\u2019ve heard by both these artists; they remind me of fall and nature. I especially associate the four winds albums by the Oh Hellos with autumn and Halloween, because I listened to them while I worked on my Halloween costume two years ago. The songs in these albums feel to me like a community coming together for a festival, and I think they are beautiful. Yaelokre\u2019s music feels very wild, like a part of the woods, and I highly recommend listening to it all. I can\u2019t pick a favorite song, but I added a couple ones I really like from both artists. I highly recommend listening to the full albums; they are all so good and are a great listening experience outside when you can feel the cool breeze blowing around you (finally!), with the smell of fall in the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Katie Extine<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201c(Don\u2019t Fear) The Reaper\u201d by Blue \u00d6yster Cult<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I found this song because of a SNL sketch from 2000. In the episode hosted by Christopher Walken, featuring Will Ferrell as a member of a band; other members include Chris Parnell, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Kattan, and Horatio Sanz, he starts playing a cowbell in the most ridiculous manner ever. The actual song doesn\u2019t feature a loud cowbell, unlike the sketch, and is a very chill song. It reminds me of a slightly cloudy November afternoon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"seriesmeta\">This entry is part 12 of 12 in the series <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/index.php\/series\/playlists\/\" class=\"series-44\" title=\"Playlists\">Playlists<\/a><\/div><p>By Imaginary Gardens Staff; Introduction by Eli Kolesar, Editor Fall is here, even if it really feels like Summer II: Electric Boogaloo. Thankfully, people and companies are breaking out the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":6610,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"series":[44],"class_list":["post-6636","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-creative","series-playlists"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6636","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6636"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6636\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6658,"href":"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6636\/revisions\/6658"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6610"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6636"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6636"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6636"},{"taxonomy":"series","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.imaginarygardens.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/series?post=6636"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}