Riding the storm out

Congratulations – the semester is half over. If you've come this far and, after looking over your midterm grades, you're sure that you've got what it takes to make it to summer, than pat yourself on the back.

Success in school can be a unique recipe for each student. For many, it will be clocking long hours in Carlson Library or in front of a laptop screen. Others use the wee hours of the morning before a test or term paper to cram as much information into their brains as possible. For the rest, pure luck and recitation may be all it takes.

Yet, every student should give credit where it is deserved to the other – seemingly incidental accoutrements that give the student the extra boost to succeed. Good friends, friendly professors, coffee sold by the pound and of course the necessary aesthetic aides, specifically the right music that can carry you through an all-night study session, paper deadline or the morning walk to class.

For the numerous students that utilize the playlist options on their mp3 players, the following are three suggestions for additions to your libraries. These songs have been suggested to entertain, inspire, and pump up students - at least until the end of the semester. I submit to you three options for a "Second Half of the Semester Playlist."

DC Guastella

Arts and Life Editor

1.    Shutterbug – Big Boi featuring Cutty – For those of you that haven't yet picked up a copy (or more accurately, downloaded) of the more tactical, wordier half of Outkast's latest album, you are missing out on an innovative and high energy hip hop work. This song is great right before a test if you haven't slept a sufficient amount and need an extra boost to get into the necessary mental state.

2.    Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – The Zeros recently had a song in a Ford Fiesta commercial. This song has been floating around the iPods of the indie-inclined since 2009, but stands the test of time for upbeat acoustic numbers. Fans of whistles, claps and horn sections will not be disappointed.

3.    Dynamite (Going Postal) - Rhymefest – Protégé of Kanye West and famed British DJ Mark Ronson, the Chicago-based MC put together one of the most energetic bona fide hip-hop tracks of the last decade. This song goes equally well for the subtle but needed head clearing moments before turning on your computer to begin writing a paper, as it does for the drive to a night club.

4.    Where Is My Mind - The Pixies – Aficionados of the cult-classic turned college mainstay film "Fight Club" may remember this song, which plays during the ending credits. Those unfamiliar with the Pixies' catalogue would do well to start with this track. I suggest this song be played after the second pot of coffee while perusing Facebook to kill time at 3 am. If you're partial to electronic music, I recommend the Bassnectar remix.

5.    The Way We Get By – Spoon – Simple enough to be played while studying, fun enough to rock out to on the walk back to your dorm room. The song has the perfect mix of deep piano, tambourine and a catchy, effortless chorus.

Jason Mack

Editor in Chief

1.    Wait Until Tomorrow – The Jimi Hendrix Experience – While the title sounds like the procrastinator's anthem, the lyrics discuss a woman named Dolly Mae putting off running away with Hendrix. Her father shoots Hendrix at the end of the song, so the lyrics could be interpreted as a sign not to procrastinate. The John Mayer Trio does a great live cover of the song on the concert DVD "Where The Light Is."

2.    Don't Stop Me Now – Queen – This song should speak to students who are reluctant to end the party of spring break and get back to school. It features lyrics such as, "Don't stop me now. I'm having such a good time. I'm having a ball. Don't stop me now. If you wanna have a good time, just give me a call." Fans of "Shaun of the Dead" will recognize it instantly.

3.    I Me Mine – The Beatles – When crunch time calls, you often have to be selfish and prioritize your school work above all else. This song will put you in the selfish mindset. It is one of the more underrated Beatles songs. It's also one of the best written by George Harrison along with "Here Comes the Sun" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

4.    Riding the Storm Out – REO Speedwagon – The title is a perfect metaphor for keeping your nose to the grindstone and powering through the storm that is the second half of the semester. For an even better experience, check out the unplugged version of the song.

5.    Lover, You Should've Come Over – Jeff Buckley – There is really no connection between this and school. It is just a great song that always helps me relax and focus when it's time to work.

David Harris

IC Staff Writer

1.    Get Back Up - T.I. -- This is a perfect song for those of you who feel drained after getting back your midterms or just need a little boost to push you through the rest of the semester (including through finals week). Featuring an appearance by Chris Brown, the song has a great motivational message throughout.

2.    More - Usher -- This upbeat song by R&B superstar Usher came out about a year ago, but the song has been used in commercials and advertisements worldwide. For those of you who want that extra grade, this song will push you as you do those late-night study (or, should I say cramming) sessions at Carlson.