Now that the weather is (hopefully, depending on where you live) turning warmer and more amicable, chances are you'll be spending more time outside. Here are a few CDs you can take with you as you venture out of your house into the joys of springtime. In no particular order, these great records speak to the carefree whimsical nature of the spring months.
Cat Stevens - Teaser & the Firecat (A&M, 1971)
This quintessential Cat Stevens record is quite possibly the best of his career. If you're not into greatest hits collections, but you still want Stevens' best work, this is the CD for you. Featuring timeless tunes like "Peace Train," "Moonshadow," and the springtime hymn "Morning Has Broken," this record is probably as vernal equinox as folk music gets.
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Woody Guthrie - Songs to Grow On For Mother & Child (Smithsonian Folkways, 1951)
Woody Guthrie was, of course, one of the most prolific and poignant topical (meaning political) songwriters in American history. However, he also made a slue of great songs for children. Besides, these great children's songs embody the carefree newness that springtime demands.
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The Beatles - Abbey Road (Capitol/EMI, 1969)
Abbey Road is one of the Beatles' more folk-rocky records, featuring arguably some of the best work of their career. Some particularly springtime tracks on this CD are "Sun King," "Octopus's Garden," and of course, what has become George Harrison's personal theme song, "Here Comes the Sun."
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Paul Simon - Graceland (Warner Bros., 1986)
What is it about Graceland that just beckons being blasted on the stereo while you're outside working in the garden? Maybe it's just me, but this one always says "gardening time!" If you haven't tried it, give it a whirl. I promise you won't be disappointed.
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Neko Case - Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (Anti, 2006)
Okay, so there's nothing that screams "springtime" on this record, except for the whimsical keyboards and the placid beauty of Neko Case's voice; but it's full of those nice, dreamy qualities, and plenty of vivid poetics to accompany your thoughts as you gaze at the cherry blossoms and suck in the aroma of freshly cut grass.
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