red leaves, orange light, brown cider

Fall has finally come to Akron, OH. The weather may not reflect it since it's been in the mid/high 70's all week, but the colors are changing and there's a definite fall flavor to the air. The smell of the summer barbecue morphing into the fall campfire. Fall is one of the best times of the year, especially in the Midwest. We still lay claim to having actual seasonal changes, and living right next to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park provides ample opportunities for fall drives and hikes.

Of course, fall also marks the time when University starts shifting from the carefree easy first weeks to midterms and projects and buckling down for the rest of the year. I don't mind too much, school changes seem to work well with seasonal changes. And since this is my last year of undergrad, it seems like I should try to enjoy it as much as possible (the partying and the learning).

I thought I'd share an album with you guys that is a wonderful fall album. It's Okkervil River's first album 'Don't fall in love with the first person you meet'. Will Sheff, Okkervil River's band leader and songwriter, is a brilliant lyricist and not such a bad instrumentalist either. These songs have that perfect mix the last bit of summer warmth mixed with the coming winter heaviness. The lighter songs on this album are fun and enjoyable but Okkervil River really shine when Will Sheff is baring his soul (for example album opener 'Red' as well as the perennial favorite 'Listening to Otis Redding At Home During Christmas'). 'Happy Hearts' which features guest vocalist Daniel Johnston manages to be both melancholic and upbeat at the same time. That's my favorite thing about fall.

Enjoy.




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