Some music to help you through finals week. I know you'll need it.

Studying can be a bitch.

No surprise there. And though study aids like booze, Facebook and reading my blog may seem to help pass the time, they won't help you land an A.

That said, I've assembled a study aid that does work — it's the playlist that I listen to whenever attempting to write a paper, study for a test or read something I don't care about. It's a tough life being a college student, I know.

Because the actual playlist is over 7 hours long, I've pulled a few samples for you to use as suggestions. Obtain music by these bands any way you can — I promise you'll make Dean's List.

Here we go:


Welcome to the wonderful world of Air. All smoothed-out, slowly unfolding grooves that'll soothe your brain into learning. I know that sounds stupid, just trust me. If I could only listen to one band during my four years of college studying, this would be it.


Ahh, American Analog Set. Beautiful, muted and subtle. Slow and simple enough not to distract you, but more than gorgeous enough to keep your spirits up. And the fact that almost all the vocals are sung in a hushed whisper is perfect to remind you that there's no talking in the library.


Explosions in the Sky are the perfect band for writing papers. You've got no words to distract you from pumping out your own. Write your thesis to this band, you won't regret it.


And finally, we come to the motherload. Above is one of Godspeed! You Black Emperor's shorter songs. Most edge in on 20 minutes, which is perfect to keep you focused. None of that checking to see which song is playing next — it'll be the same one until you finish reading this chapter!

Of course, the list goes on. Any study session that has any chance of being successful probably shouldn't be without Sigur Ros, Boards of Canada, Portishead's newest record, Chairlift and, of course, a healthy dose of non-swing and definitely non-smooth jazz. As in, real jazz. Davis and Coltrane will make you smarter. And probably sexier.

So there you have it. Good luck taking tests about subjects you despise, writing papers on topics that bore you and generally living in a library or at a coffee shop. As for me, come tomorrow afternoon, I'm officially done doing any school work. Yes.