With the most anticipated weekend of the fall upong, and freshman and upperclassmen alike growing more anxious about how they can make the most of Homecoming, it is important to remember two simple truths: The music you hear will undoubtedly make the difference between a good night and a great night. And no, not everyone has moves like Jagger.
With only 72 precious hours to rage, rinse and repeat, there is a soundtrack for every occasion. "Tonight Tonight" by Hot Chelle Rae, LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem" and Kanye West's "All of the Lights" are fun tracks to let off some steam before moving to hardcore rage music. If you're still not feeling ready to dance until the world ends with that girl with the glitter haphazardly strewn across her hair and face, J.Lo's "On the Floor" can help move you in the right direction. And who knows? Maybe the two of you will totally hit it off. But beware: Just because she says "Hello" first doesn't really mean that she's into you, and taken the wrong way, you might find that DJ Mars has turned your stereo hearts into heart vacancies.
If you haven't gotten into Homecoming spirit by now, there are a few tried and true blasting backup beats that will get your pumped-up kicks moving, even if they are encased in dried AD sludge. Cascada's "Everytime We Touch" has proven its worth in the unforgiving no man's land at the middle school dance, but when all else fails, bring in the cavalry with Otis and the Knight's "Shout." If it worked in "Animal House," it will work on even the dullest of Dartmouth nights.
For those who want to enjoy Homecoming weekend without all the blood, sweat and alcohol, Kid Cudi's "Pursuit of Happiness" can always provide a remedy for the trials of tomorrow. "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd creates a perfect ambience for those mellow nights while MGMT's "Electric Feel" offers a stimulating change of pace without all the high voltage of other rock tunes.
Although much of the hype surrounding Homecoming is rooted in after-dark activities, it is crucial to analyze the literal meaning of "Homecoming" a time when alumni return to their beloved school. Even if you're just a '15, running around in your cozy-ranging-on-too-warm-long-sleeved "15" shirt with friends you have known for only a few weeks, nothing can stop you from belting out the Dartmouth Alma Mater next to an alumnus from the class of 1953. At the very least, the Alma Mater reminds everybody that no matter how bad you feel after a hard night of partying, the hill winds in your veins will last a lot longer than the pounding in your head. And although it seems like a while since seniors arrived at Robinson Hall for five days of Trips madness, every student should and can reserve the right to dance "The Salty Dog Rag" or "Blame it on the Boogie" on Robo lawn or in the frat basement of your choosing.
For that time in the night when your energy level is about to bottom out but you aren't ready to give up yet, there is no choice but to turn to electronic, house and dubstep. Deadmau5's "Ghosts n' stuff," "Strobe," and "Some Chords," coupled with a few Skrillex beats "Cinema," and "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" can help you rally. Still suffering an energy drain? Take a sip of sweet Bassnectar with a remix of Ellie Goulding's "Lights."
In the aftermath of Homecoming, you will either know that you had fun by remembering it, or you'll feel an odd kinship with Katy Perry's head-gear heavy alter-ego in "Last Friday Night." For most, the top 40 tunes are going to be a bit too loud, and artists such as Bob Dylan, The Eagles and good old Beethoven will have something for you up their sleeves. For the unlucky few, however, the only option for a morning soundtrack will be the drone of a drill instructor in a language entirely unfamiliar, and entirely irritating.
