The Early November are currently out on a holiday tour with Man Overboard, Hostage Calm, and Young Statues, so we thought it’d be a great idea to do a Playlist with two of the bands. Both Carmen from Young Statues and Joe from The Early November took some time to make a detailed Playlist, so check it out and listen to the songs while reading their thoughts!

(Click on image to listen in Spotify)
Phoenix- One Time Too Many
I like to make playlists when I know we have a long drive coming up, and this song is almost always on there. Probably my favorite Phoenix song.
The Vaccines- Norgaard
This record would have been on my top 10 for 2011, if I didn’t think it came out late in 2010. So fun and so good. 
Ryan Adams- Ashes & Fire
I love this new Ryan Adams record. I think myself as well as a lot of other people were happy to see him get back to the style of some of his earlier stuff. Although I really enjoyed III/IV too! 
The Strokes- Under Control
One of many great songs by The Strokes, vital to any playlist. 
Nirvana- Drain You
His voice is iconic, you can recognize it in an instant. This is such a catchy song. 
Rainer Maria- Feeling Neglected?
Saw them open for The Format years ago, and bought all their records. Sadly, they never made another one. Miss them. 
Tigers Jaw- Coil/Recoil
Jeez I really love them. They convey so much energy in both their recorded songs as well as their live set. 
Ben Kweller- Penny On The Train Track
Ben Kweller writes great pop songs. A fun song to listen to in any situation. 
REM- Nightswimming 
Probably the most influential band for me, both musically and professionally. They consistently wrote great songs, and really earned their position as one of the biggest bands in the world. This is one of the most perfectly beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. 
Saves The Day- Tomorrow Too Late
In Reverie was such a great record in my opinion. Chris Conley has written some of my favorite songs of all time, and this is definitely one of them. Playing with them in UK was such a thrill, they are the best dudes ever. 

(Click on image to listen in Spotify)
Belle & Sebastian - The Model
My favorite band forever. This is a song from a record that’s now 12 years old. I remember buying it on recommendation alone. I didn’t quite understand it at first but after a few listens I started to become more and more intrigued by the instrumentation and the stories being told in the lyrics.  Since then, I’ve collected all of their albums and hold no band or artist higher. This song features lush orchestration and a witty story about a girl who’s known for taking off her top.
The Radio Dept. - Heavens On Fire
Such a cool band. This track is a little funkier and dancier than most of their catalog but still fuzzed out and dreamy. His subdued vocals along with the shoegazey tune make it perfect ‘afternoon getting work done’ music.
Whitest Boy Alive - 1517
Erland Oye is a king and has an unreal track record whether it be folk, dance music, or this funky, jazzy indie pop track. I love how this entire record sounds like it was recorded in one 40 min jam out. So bare and stripped down. So many other bands would clutter these tracks with synths and loops and what nots, but these guys don’t need any of that. 
The Smiths - Cemetary Gates
The Smiths are one of the most important bands in my life and have been since discovering them as a teenager. If you’ve never listened to them or have been putting it off, please change that. A perfect band with the worlds most unique guitar playing and the best lyricist of all time.
Whiskeytown - Jacksonville Skyline
Ryan Adams’ band before he went solo. This song could easily fit on (nearly) any of his solo records. As beautiful as it is sad. The fact that he was like 20 when he recorded this album is a testament to what a brilliant songwriter he is. This lyric says sums up everything about growing up in a blue collar town that has seen better days: “I was born in an abundance of inherited sadness and .50 cent picture frames bought at a five and dime”
Brown Recluse - Monday Moon
A great Philadelphia band who I wish would play more shows. Perfect pop in the vein of The Zombies, The Shins and The Beach Boys. One of the best releases of 2011. 
Jens Lekman - An Argument With Myself
Only Jens could write a song about having an argument with himself and have it come off as nothing but sincere, quaint and witty. His name should be and one day, will be  added to the lists of masters of pure pop along with Bacharach, Wilson, Newman, Nilsson, etc. Highlight moment, the lyric: “fuck you! no, you fuck you!” 
Joni Mitchell - All I Want
“Blue” is one of the greatest records ever recorded and the first track starts it off beautifully. Mitchell is a brilliant lyricist and captures every bit of the excitement, hesitation, nausea and giddiness of love.
The Promise Ring - Why Did Ever We Meet
I don’t think The Early November let a week go by in the 6 years we we’re touring without listening to this record. They are (along with a handful of other bands) why I wanted to play music for real. Now that we’re doing shows again (just a few) it feels so right to have this record on. 
Limbeck - In Ohio On Some Steps 
You can’t go on tour without Limbeck. I feel as if they’re almost the ambassadors of touring and bands should place little pins that say “Limbeck” in their vans like old ladies do with saints. This song captures every thing thats great about about traveling with your friends, even when it’s annoying and you’re trying to get some sleep. Ohio in the song doesn’t have to literally mean Ohio. It’s just funny to be somewhere where you don’t live but other people do and to just be a part of that for a day or so. It’s as awesome as it is weird. - Joseph Marro