A Suggested Spring Soundtrack

Oh man, was it beautiful today. Spring is definitely the best time at PSU; everyone is friendly and in a good mood. Despite the impending final projects and papers and exams, and the inevitable parting of ways for the summer months, everyone seems more cheery and eager to make small talk and send a smile your way in April and May. My favorite thing, however, about walking around campus in the spring is the music. There is music everywhere; coming from dorm windows, people's houses and blaring from the cars driving by. There is usually some dude on the green with an acoustic guitar who totally doesn't want to draw attention to himself. Sick "Wonderwall" cover, bro. Gets me every time.

            If there is just too much music going on and you can't decide to listen to, fear not. I'm here for you. Luckily, I spend all day thinking about things like The Perfect Spring Day Playlist so you don't have to. I have waded through 23 years of pop punk, b-grade hip hop, ska and cheesy 70's love songs just so you can sync up your iPod to the warm weather, and this is what I've come up with. Put these songs, in this order, on a CD for yourself and your friends and have a great, safe spring!

1. The Matches - "Wake the Sun" - We all know how tough it is to get up and go to school when it's beautiful out, but start your day with this sunny jam and a cup of coffee and I think you'll have the nicest walk to class you've ever had.
2. MxPx - "Responsibility" - Sometimes, it's actually after you have your first class that it's the hardest to keep your academic steam going. Mike Herrerra feels you, dude, so take a deep breath and jam some MxPx. Feel better yet?
3. Lit - "My Own Worst Enemy" - You made it! You're out of class. Time to grab your buddies and/or girlfriends and head down to the store to stock up on grilling materials and beverages.
4. Third Eye Blind - "Semi-Charmed Life" - If you can find a better song for afternoon frisbee, grilling out and other such front lawn hangouts, you let me know.
5. Dashboard Confessional - "Don't Wait" - You went to class and now you've been hanging outside, eating good food and hanging out. You're a little tired, and that's OK. Just throw on some Dashboard and relax while you get ready to go out. Chris Carrabba is always the perfect setup for a memorable evening.
6. Rancid - "Red Hot Moon" - Party time. The guests are starting to gather on the front porch, and this is the perfect springtime jam to get things going.
7. Harvey Danger - "Flagpole Sitta" - OK, now, everybody's here, and you need a song that will make everyone go "Hey, I remember that!" This is that song. "One Week" by the Barenaked Ladies works pretty well also, as my friend Beck and I recently found.
8. Wavves - "Post Acid" - The sun is down, you've been at it for a while, and you need a second wind. This song will remind you to suck it up and keep going, because no one ever wishes they had slept more during college.
9. Enrique Iglesias - "Tonight I'm Loving You" - Oh man, it's time to get down. Play this song and watch people absolutely lose their minds, even though he doesn't have that mole anymore. Make sure you get the single version with Ludacris, none of this remix nonsense.

10.)Madcon - "Glow" - This is the best song of all time. Undisputed. Ask my friend Marc and he'll tell you all about it

11.) Tom Petty - "Free Fallin'" - Time for everyone to go their respective ways. Don't be a jerk and play that Semisonic song when you're trying to get people to leave your house, send them away smiling with Mr. Petty. They'll be singing it all the way home.