October is here again and the weather here in Portland is starting to shift. Yep—it's fall, a time of transition. For some, it means headin' back to class, and for others it marks the end of their favorite season. For me, it means crankin' out a cozy mix of songs about autumn to help me get through the days of spiked cider and pumpkin pie. Luckily we're just two weeks into this season and still have lots of time left to enjoy the changing leaves, windy currents, and the reinstatement of sweaters. So listen up as we say goodbye to summer and hello again to fall.
1. "Summer's Almost Gone"– The Doors
Oh no! This sultry track gives us the timely warning that the end of summer is very very near. In our case, it has actually gone—but let's pretend it isn't again, for just a few minutes.
2. "Summer is Over"– Dusty Springfield
Holy crap—this song is pure gold! Remember when I was sad about summer being over? I'm totally okay with it if it means listening to this booming track on repeat. Just check out that trumpet.
3. "Harvest Moon"– Neil Young
Did you know that a harvest moon is the closest full moon to the autumnal equinox? Ours happened on September 29.
4. "The Last Leaf"– The Cascades
The Cascades are countin' leaves here, hoping that their love comes back before the last one drops.
5. "Autumn Almanac"– The Kinks
Catchy and classic, this 1967 hit cheerfully revels in autumn.
6. "Autumn Sweater"– Yo La Tengo
An anthem you can blare as you get dressed in the morning.
7. "September"– Earth, Wind, and Fire
It's been a little mellow up until now, so let's get literal and dancey all at once. This song is sure to get you pumped up for the month of September, and for all the comes after.
8. "October Country"– October Country
We're still dancing in October, it's just a little different. Here's October Country's namesake.
9. "November"– Tom Waits
Creepy and slow, Tom belts out about November. This is the perfect song to follow up holidays about ghosts with.
So there we have it—nine songs to help us all transition to the fall. What's your favorite song about the season?
Previously:Young at Heart (and Age), Shout Back!