Bring Folk to the New Year: New Years Eve Party Playlist

Song number one: "Talk of Indolence" by The Avett Brothers

The real life brothers Scott and Seth Avett bring a high octane performance to the classic genre dominated by the Bob Dylan's of the industry. "Talk of Indolence" begins with a screaming, barely incoherent verse that is meant to tickle everyone's humor buttons. The lyrics even elude to a popular activity on New Years Eve. "Remember last night/New York/I got/Ragging drunk/Remember one time/I got/ Ragging drunk with you." For those who want to dance, it's got a little bit of that, for those who just want some good music to drink to, there's a whole lot of that too.

Song number two: "Fake Palindromes" by Andrew Bird

Singer songwriter Andrew Bird has explored the gamet of music genre, but his most influential music lies in the folk rock section. The song "Fake Palindromes" is just the perfect filler song for a night that is bound to be filled with wild times. The beginning starts in a swirling guitar riff that is barely recognizable to the instrument. The listener leans in closer only to wait in anxiety as to what's coming next, much like the night ahead of them. The song slows in the verses not to distract people from the overall magnitude of the night, but is loud and exhilarating just when it needs to be.

Song number three: "Fireworks" by Animal Collective

Despite the obvious connection between fireworks and New Years Eve, this song has a lot to offer to such a themed party. The opening vocals carry the remembrance of this song and the resounding echoing throughout in entirely infectious. Slightly whimsical and surreal, "Fireworks" is a great background sound that doesn't require patient listening, but instead sound acceptance. After one listen, people will be begging to know the name of the band.

Song number four: "D Bag Rag" by The Avett Brothers

While I wasn't so sure about repeating bands on this playlist, I found this one needed to be included. While there are no lyrics to attribute to the themed party, this wonderful bluegrass, folk song allows people to chill and sit back. A kazoo solo near the end adds a unique structure and finishes with everyone in high spirits.

Song number five: "Four Winds" by Bright Eyes

Conor Oberst has produced lyrical masterpieces under the name Bright Eyes for the better part of a decabe and he certainly didn't miss with his single off Bright Eye's most recent album Cassadaga. The song "Four Winds" calls on a folk sound that dances in the realm of country, if only for a few seconds. The lyrics allude to a search for the soul, and search for emotional well being. While the song is relatively active, the message overall gives people a perspective as to what adventure they could begin in the next year.

Song number six: "A Murder of One" by Counting Crows

As the night creeps closer to midnight, the anticipation begins to build and build and an uplifting and relaxing song is always in order. With the snares in the back of the song, the drum beat carries the majority of "A Murder of One". The soaring guitar riffs and changing elements between the verse and chorus build and calm and build and calm, much like the entire character of the night. The resounding lyric from the song is song out through the end, "You don't wanna waste your life." A great reminder for the New Year.

Song number seven: "People, Turn Around" by Delta Spirit

One of my personal favorite songs of all time, "People, Turn Around" is an anthem of sorts, screaming for people to make something significant out of their lives. While the message is quite clear, it's the overall tone of the song that is most important for a New Year Party. The song opens with a soaring harmonica followed by clear and simple vocals. This could be one of the last songs played before midnight, or right after midnight. Either way, I see Delta Spirits anthem as one of the pinnacle and most important songs of the night.

Song number eight: "Here We Go" by Dispatch

Now that the defining minute has passed, it's time to party into the early morning and Dispatch guitar heavy blast of pure adrenaline fits the moment perfectly. After the confetti has been blown and the whistles have begun to die, it's time to grab a few drinks and celebrate. "Here We Go" is clearly a song about getting everything started, that seems to make a lot of sense, doesn't it? Always a great song to start the New Year.

Song number nine: "Wake Up' by Arcade Fire

Things have begun to calm down but not enough to start cleaning and finding a comfortable place to rest for the night (don't drink and drive!). However, before everyone files out, listen to a beautiful song by Arcade Fire, which has a soaring sensation to the vocals throughout that song that is entirely uplifting and hopeful. While it's not a song to dance to, it's a song to sway and relax too. Enjoy your night, or at least what's left of it.

Song number TEN!: "Falling Slowly" by The Frames or Glen Hansard

This beautiful song should certainly round out any party, if not any day of your life. While some have left and other have drifted asleep, these anthem about love and giving life one more chance, gives great, hopeful closure to a night full of fun and friendship. Lyrically, we are told not to give up on what problems or complications we've had but instead to take chances and that "we've still got time". Hansard's soaring vocals can uplift the dreariest of souls and hopefully have a lasting affect on any music listening from January until the next New Year's Eve.

So there is it. A new look at New Year's Eve music from someone who appreciates the simple music in life.