I have some songs and pieces to recommend – for jogging, bicycling, walking around campus or generally any activity that has you moving outdoors (or writing a paper, if you must).I am not here to bash anyone’s taste in music or to brag about my own. I am writing this article because it is a celebration of the end of winter, and I love recommending music as much as I love hearing others’ suggestions.

“Atlas” by Battles is a fitting name for the modern indie-rock band’s most eclectic song, with its playfully robotic lyrics (“People won’t be people when they hear this sound”) and instruments that seam into each other effortlessly.

“Cornbread and Butterbeans” by the Carolina Chocolate Drops is a pure addition to the best that string bands have to offer. True to their North Carolina roots, the band is also extraordinarily innovative.

“Folding Chair” by Regina Spektor is from her most recent album (Far) and asks to “Come and open up your folding chair next to me,” followed by, “My feet are buried in the sand, and there’s a breeze.” Without sacrificing her unique sound or strong piano, Spektor has crafted a wonderful escape from gray, frigid days.

“Lubbock or Leave It” by the Dixie Chicks is a cleverly written, banjo-driven hit that is best suited for a road trip with the windows down and the volume at a respectably high volume (even if you aren’t ashamed Bush is from Texas).

Nobuo Uematsu’s “Balamb Garden” is a theme from an RPG called “Final Fantasy VIII” that plays when the protagonist is exploring his campus, and its melody is mellow without being repetitious.

“Tamacun” by Rodrigo y Gabriela is one of over a dozen reasons I think the pair has the best technique and energy of any guitar duo in history – their collaborations are sublime and can turn any snow day into a sauna.

Best Coast’s “Sun Was High (So Was I)” is about the exhilarating ups and downs of summer love with nostalgic vocals and a great bass.

Beirut’s “Nantes” begins with the line, “Well, it’s been a long time, long time now since I’ve seen you smile.” I’m not the only one who thinks it’s time for spring, and “Nantes” plays like a love letter to warm weather with its orchestral symphony and Zach Condon’s undulating vocals.

Paco de Lucia’s “Entre dos Aguas” is a sexy, Flamenco-inspired instrumental that never ceases to hypnotize.

A Flock of Seagulls’ “I Ran” is a primary argument I make in defense of ’80’s music. I am not ashamed.

Bear McCreary’s “Passacaglia” is one of many pieces from the superb television show, “Battlestar Galactica.” On days the sun is shining, I recommend taking a longer route to your next class while listening.

Edith Piaf’s “La Foule,” with its dominant piano chords, is a French version of an Argentinean song about the rush of meeting and losing a lover in a crowd. Piaf has a way with transcending emotion above the language barrier.

Bibio’s “Lover’s Cravings” is one of those heady indie songs that plays a couple of minutes before the lyrics start, conceiving a stimulating love song with the best use of the cowbell since Blue ªyster Cult.

Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” is Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” and needs no further explanation.

Dario Marianelli’s “A Postcard to Henry Purcell” is from the 2005 adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice.” The violin is haunting and will make you feel like you’re experiencing any of the seasons in their prime.

Fiona Apple’s “Waltz” has a contagious rhythm with lyrics about self-reliance and patience. Apple’s vintage sound is unparalleled and needed.

Joanna Newsom’s “Soft as Chalk” is the perfect display of a musician who is her own genre. Wait until you hear how the word “lawlessness” rolls off her tongue in a song with piano solos and her objective lyrical style.

Jon Brion’s “Theme” is the perfect score for a timeless film, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” Subtle and evocative, the piano blends well with any melancholic or cognitive mood. (The film is also a must-see.)

Nellie McKay’s “The Dog Song” is a playful tribute to dog lovers who enjoy walking their companions with a catchy beat and youthful lyrics.

Philip Glass’ “Closing” is from a biopic called Mishima. “Closing” is a decadent quartet piece, layered with a methodical execution that achieves a deeply absorbing sound.

Queen Latifah’s “When You’re Good to Mama” from the film adaptation of the “Chicago” musical has a soul that you believe from its jazzy essence to Queen Latifah’s sexy confidence in a “tit-for-tat” duality.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Date With a Night” is one of the band’s best tracks on a raw, garage rock-based album (“Fever to Tell”). Listen to it too loudly and you might fondle a stranger.

Vashti Bunyan’s “Diamond Day” is a classic folk song not to be missed by a powerful songwriter.

Fanfarlo’s “Luna” is one of the best tracks on a cohesive album that uses a variety of finely arranged instruments such as the drums, violin, mandolin, trumpet, saxophone, and glockenspiel. When was the last time you heard a glockenspiel?

Also, The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life” is one of the greatest songs ever written. Greatest. Ever. Written.

Sorry there isn’t any Nickelback.

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