Songs to help you romanticize the remaining weeks of winter.

From dream pop to folk: listen to these songs while you wait for the snow to melt.

No matter how pretty the snow is, once the temperature drops below a certain point, the freezing walks across campus and 5:00 p.m. sunsets lose their novelty. Here are some picks to help you fend off the chills for the remainder of winter.

Scroll down to the bottom of this article for a Spotify playlist containing each song.

“Winter Now” by Broadcast

Formed in the mid-90s, Broadcast became known for their spacey blend of pop and electronic music. “Winter Now” is a dreamy love song with a snowy backdrop, perfect to listen to while you watch the snowflakes drift down. Trish Keenan’s magical vocals are almost (almost!) beautiful enough to make you forget about the numbness in your fingers.

“The Mistress Witch From McClure (or The Mind That Knows Itself)” by Sufjan Stevens

The Avalanche, Sufjan Steven’s 2006 album of Illinois outtakes, is buried deep in his discography. It’s such a shame; the album has so many hidden gems, from an upbeat ode to Adlai Stevenson to three alternate versions of the fan-favorite, “Chicago.” However, the song on The Avalanche that truly outshines the rest is “The Mistress Witch From McClure (or The Mind That Knows Itself),” a soft, reflective tune full of gentle banjo chords and trumpet solos. The opening lyrics (“and the winter moves about Illinois”) make it perfect to listen to while wandering in the Chicago cold.

“Winter A-Go-Go” by Yo La Tengo

Yo La Tengo may be better known for their fall classic, “Autumn Sweater,” but that doesn’t mean they can’t make a wonderful winter song too. “Winter A-Go-Go,” laid-back and underscored by a catchy drum beat, is perfect to relax and hum along to, with a retro sound that almost feels like Stereolab’s Dots and Loops. Ironically, the album is titled Summer Sun.

“01: Have You Seen it in the Snow” by The Magnetic Fields

Although Stephin Merritt is singing about a different city, his description of an urban snowscape rings true against the backdrop of a Chicago winter. “They say this city is dirty and gray,” he sings, before musing about the otherworldly beauty of the snow, when “the world glows white in the morning light” and “every light has a halo.” Consider this song a reminder to stop and appreciate the city, even in the cold.

“Snow Song” by Adrianne Lenker

Released in 2014, Hours Were The Birds was the first solo album by Lenker, known for being the vocalist of the indie rock group, Big Thief. Although Big Thief’s bigger, more complex sound is popular for a reason, there’s something to be said for the intimacy and softness of Lenker’s more stripped down solo work. Featuring her characteristic deceptively complicated fingerpicking and thoughtful lyrics, “Snow Song’s” gentle sound brings welcome comfort on dark winter nights.

“Snow Is Falling In Manhattan” by Purple Mountains

David Berman puts it best: “Snow, oh, woah, oh woah, oh woah.” Purple Mountains formed in 2019, Berman’s first new music after a ten year hiatus. As with his previous work, Purple Mountains showcased his deep, mournful, deadpan voice and usual indie rock sound. Put on this song, enjoy its lyrics about crackling fires and taking in old friends, and look out a window for the peak winter experience.

“Winterlude” by Bob Dylan

Although I don’t really know what “Winterlude” means, this sweet love song always makes the cold feel slightly less bitter. And anyway, it’s Bob Dylan.

“Winter is Blue” by Vashti Bunyan

Vashti Bunyan’s career didn’t gain much attention back in the 60s. But later re-releases and appreciation from newer artists like Devendra Banhart and Joanna Newsom have brought the English singer-songwriter’s music to wider audiences. “Winter is Blue” may be less than two minutes long, but the short melancholy tune, made complete with its otherworldly vocals, stays with you long after the last note.

edited by Maia Driggers.

artwork by Judii Hernandez.