Fall outside party music

October 5, 2005 10:55 AM

Good outside fall party music?

We're having an outside get-together at the end of the month. Guests will range from ages 30 to mid 60's. We're in Minnesota so it will most likely be brisk and we'll be eating warm, fall-ish foods like homemade apple pie. I'd like to put together a good mix of music that suits the occasion (and the company) but I feel like I have mostly "summer music." Got any suggestions?

posted by undertone to Media & Arts (14 answers total)

Soul/Jazz. Not quite as spunky/funky as summer jams, but not as snuggled up and sleepy as winter tunes. This album has some nice selections.
posted by Pollomacho at 11:08 AM on October 5, 2005

Yann Tiersen, the Amelie soundtrack: Accordian and Harpsicord music.

Mosquitos: A lot of their music feels very summery, but there are more than a few that have an autmn feel.

Medeski Martin & Wood: jazzy instrumentals.

posted by splatta at 11:14 AM on October 5, 2005

James Taylor comes to mind when I think of fall, sweaters, pies, etc. Jazz is good too.
posted by danb at 11:17 AM on October 5, 2005

Also, Iron and Wine - For this occastion, The Creek Drank the Cradle or Our Endless Numbered Days might be best.
posted by nyterrant at 11:22 AM on October 5, 2005

I think Van Morrison is autumnal.

Not to go with actual themed songs, but "Autumn Almanac" by the Kinks is fun.
You also might want to throw in a little bluegrass ("Guns of November" - Northern Lights).
posted by nekton at 11:25 AM on October 5, 2005

Why don't you just play whatever you like? Obviously some people are going to dislike the music but that's their problem. It's your party so you get to inflict your tastes on your guests. That's the rule.
posted by dydecker at 11:29 AM on October 5, 2005

Post-punk always says "Autumn" to me, but I don't know how your age range would deal with Josef K or Gang of Four. That said, why not go for a mix of some of the old folkies? Leonard Cohen, Davy Graham, Pentangle, and so on? Maybe even some new ones (Iron and Wine is a good suggestion) like Marissa Nadler? If you don't expect much rockin' out, then folk is partly where I'd go.
posted by hototogisu at 11:33 AM on October 5, 2005

Vince Guaraldi music from the "Charlie Brown" shows. Keeps kids and old coots happy, and it's damn good music too boot.
Vince Gauraldi at Amazon
posted by cosmicbandito at 11:34 AM on October 5, 2005

Simon and Garfunkel.
posted by ludwig_van at 11:55 AM on October 5, 2005

Brahms.
posted by Wolfdog at 12:20 PM on October 5, 2005

Nick Drake, or if you really want to wow them, Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer's Music for Two. Half jazz, half Baroque, all upright bass and banjo duets. In a similar vein, Darol Anger has an album out called The Republic of Strings featuring some astounding string ensemble work.

Also, James Taylor's October Road.
posted by The White Hat at 12:28 PM on October 5, 2005

why not try the pouges
posted by baker dave at 12:48 PM on October 5, 2005

I second James Taylor (Walking Man, 'frost is on the pumpkin, hay is in the barn'). Some Neil Young makes me think of autumn, too. Red House Painters (Songs for a Blue Guitar) and solo Mark Kozelek would work, I think.
posted by jdl at 12:50 PM on October 5, 2005

the shins, matt pond pa, mae, the avalances, air
posted by chuckforthought.com at 7:15 PM on October 5, 2005