My winter albums

The winter has really arrived in Denmark now. It's minus degrees outside, there's beautiful white snow on the ground (which is a bit of a miracle at this time of year, actually) and only few days left before everyone gets to tear up presents from family members and friends. I'm the kind of person who always gets depressed, tired and annoyed during the winter - but there are a few things that are able to keep the winter depression at a considerable distance. One of these this is snow - often it's the constant darkness of the winter that saddens me. But when there's a lovely layer of white on everything, it somehow makes the little amount of light much lighter, so while the temperature may drop, my mood usually rises.
Another important factor when it comes to keeping the winter depression away is the music I listen to. Over these last few years I've found out what music suits the short days and the long nights the best.

Arcade Fire - 'Funeral'

My slight Arcade Fire obsession actually started at about the same time as the one where I began writing this blog. But since doing a write-up on them in January, things have happened and throughout the winter in the beginning of 2009, 'Funeral' was my soundtrack most of the time. There's such a warmth in Arcade Fire's music, especially on this album, and it aptly features lyrics surrounding winter themes. I mean, there probably isn't any time more appropriate for listening to 'Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)''s lyrics about digging a tunnel through the snow get through a loved one's window than on a cold morning with snow covering your own neighborhood. I've already re-discovered this album today and it just never gets old. It could possibly be my winter album this year as well, just because it is so damn fantastic.


Regina Spektor - 'Begin To Hope'

I discovered Regina's music back in December 2006. I remember it quite clearly because back then it was like some kind of musical revelation for me - and because I remember buying this album, which quite amazingly had found its way to my local record shop, in exchange of an unwanted Christmas gift. It's been quite a while since I listened to this album because with the musical standards I've set for what I want to listen to, this somehow isn't as great now as I though it was back then. And, well, because I've realised that all Regina's previous albums were much better. but when I went for a walk in the snow today I gave it a new chance because of the way it seemed fitting with the weather. And as the sounds of 'Après Moi', my favourite track from the album back in the day, found its way into my hidden-underneath-a-woolen-hat ears, it took me back to those previous winter days three years ago. They were good, and you know, Regina's good people.

Fleet Foxes - 'Fleet Foxes'

I have yet to decide what my winter album of 2009/2010 is but I have a feeling this might be at least one of them. I didn't really get into Fleet Foxes last year like everyone else - I got into The Dodos instead - and boy, was that a mistake. Because this folksy group's debut album is certainly very, very lovely. It features winter themes in some places as well, but while 'Funeral' is fitting for the snowy days, 'Fleet Foxes' has been my soundtrack during the cold, rainy days we experience oh-so-often here in Denmark.

The Hidden Cameras - 'Origion:Orphan'

Another contender, though I haven't listened to it enough yet. This album doesn't sound particularly winter-like or anything but I got my hands on it last week and it has stayed with me as one of those 'interesting, need to listen more to that' experiences. The reason why I mention this one is that I've been trying to get into The Hidden Cameras for a while and this might be the record that does the trick. It feels like one of those weird albums where you feel you just need to listen to it a bit more and then it might eventually become a new favourite. I'm intrigued and I'll probably discover it through the winter, so we'll see.