Autumn Harvest 2022 Playlist 

There’s something about that day when the humidity of a Connecticut Summer breaks, when a chillier evening breeze is so welcome, yet it also brings that sense that Autumn isn’t too far away…

And then before we know it, we are here in the thick of it. Autumn is bustling, but it’s also a more composed season. Summer’s bright, roar of fun and sun has faded, been brought indoors, and a blanket thrown round. It’s time for cozy as we turn towards tending of the homefires, a warming libation, harvest markets, country road-trips to apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and the silent spectacle of turning, falling leaves all around.

As you leaf through the pages of this season’s issue, we invite you to curl up with a favorite drink, perhaps a toasty blanket, and press play on this year’s Autumn Harvest playlist, to enhance the mellower, comfy vibe of the season. Or take it with you to play on a road-trip through the Connecticut foliage.

Click here to listen via Spotify.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this season’s curation! Feel free to email me at sharonjohnsonnyc@yahoo.com and you can follow me on Instagram @sharnyc1.

I’m Sailin’ 
Mazzy Star

If Summer had a voice, she might sound like this… An echoey, nostalgic croon with a whisper of surf shack, as she packs her bags before being blown out on a cold wind heading South, as Fall rolls into New England.

Autumn Leaves 
Eric Clapton

Slow jazz is the quintessential Fall soundtrack, and Clapton offers this wistful ode to his darling - be it a lost love, or the Summer itself - once the Autumn leaves start to fall.

Pale September 
Fiona Apple

“The autumn days swung so around me, like cotton on my skin…” With her poetry, subtle piano, and unmistakable voice, the utter magic that is Fiona Apple soothes like that warm layer we draw so around us when that first chill hits the air.

This Must Be the Place 
Iron & Wine with Ben Bridwell

A rustic take on The Talking Heads original from Iron & Wine, with the Band of Horses’ lead singer, hits a folksier seasonal tone.

Harvest Love 
Tash Sultana

As Autumn’s crops are harvested and brought to market, what might we symbolically harvest this season? The Australian born, incredible one-woman band that is Tash Sultana suggests something universal, as she implores her listener to harvest your love.

October Road 
James Taylor

Since 1970’s breakthrough with Fire and Rain, Taylor’s songs have been the soundtrack for millions of Americans’ lives. This title song from his 15th studio album released in 2002 brings his same familiar joyful guitar and soothing melodic voice that just feels like home.

Indian Summer 
The Doors

Indian Summer refers to a spell of unseasonably warm, hazy weather that may occur in October or November, often uniquely to New England. Many artists draw inspiration from this lucky but brief respite from the growing cold. Jim Morrison provides a mellow and moody tribute. Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs covers it sweetly. Other notable mentions, worth a listen: The Dream Academy’s entirely different take with almost perfect lyrics, and Chet Baker’s own jazz version.

The Girl from the North Country 
Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash

Simple guitar and the iconic voices of Dylan and Cash combine to give us this nostalgic offering to an old flame as the weather grows colder, reminding us that while the fire of love may not last, the embers still can be stirred.

Hey Moon 
Speck Mountain

With Fall comes some spectacular full moons (Harvest, Hunter’s, Beaver, Cold), each illuminating the evening’s darkness that comes earlier by the day. Speck Mountain’s tranquil harmonic tones can mesmerize the way the Earth’s only natural satellite does, when it rises large and bright over the horizon.

Spooky 
Maribou State

As Halloween looms, this Dusty Springfield classic gets refreshed by this English electronic music duo, with a spooky and fun lounge vibe.

Take Me Home
Phantogram

And as November comes and the holiday season begins, the road for many leads homeward. Phantogram’s 2016 twist on this 80’s Phil Collins original lends a more ethereal, futuristic 80’s feeling.

Crowded Table 
Highwomen

Post-Halloween, as we head towards the holidays in earnest, The Highwomen welcome us there with an open door, a house with a crowded table, and a place by the fire for everyone.

Thanks for listening! We look forward to catching up with you again in the Winter Holiday issue!