The Plymouth Playlist

Another semester here at PSU has come down to its final weeks, so once again we bring you the December edition of the Plymouth Playlist. We wanted to take a moment to thank our readers on the positive feedback and response for the introduction of this monthly column that we shall be continuing when the Spring semester brings us back. 

Let’s get right into our picks! (And yes, we limited the number of holiday songs we put on our list.)

“White Christmas” - Frank Sinatra (1946)

While I’m personally more a fan of Nat “King” Cole’s Christmas tunes, I have to stick by my boy Frank’s side on this one. Christmas is coming up and the semester is winding down, so what could be better than the soothing tones of Sinatra in his prime to get into the mood?

“Alaska” - Maggie Rogers

I’m not the type of person to make New Year's resolutions. Why? Because I’m not going to lie to myself and say I’m actually going to follow through on them. But there are those of you who probably do make New Year’s resolutions, and to you, I wish you the best of luck. This song is soft and upbeat and signals moving on. So here’s to you and making good on whatever it is you’re promising to do in 2019… Okay, I lied. My resolution is to finish rewatching “Game of Thrones” (for the 10th time) before the 8^th season comes out in April.

“The Final Countdown” - Europe

I didn’t think this song was by Queen until looking it up. That was you, not me. Anyway, now that I’ve so graciously informed you as to who the real artist of this song is… it’s almost finals week. We’re down to the end of the semester. This one flew by, and let’s hope next go ‘round is as quick and successful as this one.

“Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer”- DMX

Pound for pound this might be my favorite Christmas song cover of all time. Hold on, hold on! Don’t laugh me out of this print quite yet. Taking a classic holiday jingle and throwing in a solid rap beat to DMX’s already commanding voice makes this a Christmas party banger. He sticks to the classic lyrics and tells the tale of the tiny reindeer who could, while tearing up the mic with the same enthusiasm that he declared “X gon give it to ya.” Alright, no more holiday songs (though it is tempting to include more).

“Thank U, Next”- Ariana Grande

This one may have dropped back in November, but we can all be sure to hear this for the remainder of 2018. Coming back with a powerful and well-received song covering all of her very public relations, Ariana Grande paid tribute to her exes and her ability to always move forward. Consider also the “Mean Girls” (and other films) inspired music video with cameos from Kris Jenner and several members of the “Victorious” cast, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.

“December, 1963 (Oh What a Night!)”- Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

An older pick for sure but it still has got a bit of disco flare to be fun for a listen. After all, the holidays are supposed to be a romantic time, right? With trumpets and Valli’s register reaching voice triumphantly ringing in love for December, it should keep us all in good spirits.

“Superhero”- Tim McMorris

This is a deep one for me, but I wanted to pick this as a bit of a tribute to the passing of legendary writer Stan Lee. This song echoes the thoughts many of us had growing up reading about his iconic heroes and the way they inspired us to be better and reach higher. Being both inspiring and somber at the same time, I felt that it was a good choice for those looking to use music to help cope with the loss of a great man.