Though Arizona experiences a somewhat different holiday season compared to that of America’s treasured “White Christmas” or the beauty found in fallen multi-hued leaves, I hope you’ll grant me the satisfaction in agreeing that fall in Phoenix does have its own wonderful sense in and of itself.

We Phoenicians no longer dread the race from the revered air conditioned building to our sweltering car as we combat the summer heat; instead, we relish in our hallowed “sweater weather.” Arguably, we all know that our so-called “sweater weather” is considered a perfect beach climate should you travel to anywhere else in the country. With the combination of delightful weather and the occasional orange leaf scattered about, Phoenix enters into its arguably most benevolent period. The change to this season also marks a change in music taste  from the pop-beats of the summer to the warm tones of autumn.

Music is unique to humans, for there are no other creatures who purposefully and artfully create such diverse melodies for pure enjoyment. In regards to the melodies we encounter when approaching fall, soothing and warm tones come to mind. The lower temperatures entreat us to relax in our baggy sweatshirts and the unspoken-though-clearly-claimed part of the couch. The final addition to this perfect picture is the right music. Music heightens the tones or feelings of the setting already present.

In accordance with the serenity of fall, the pop-beats of summer transition into the folksy, guitar sounds characteristic of acoustic singer/songwriters. For those looking to fulfill the aforementioned picturesque scenario, combine the cup of tea with one of Fleet Foxes’ most popular tunes, “Mykonos.” I should note that I am partial to “No Justice” by the Astronauts, etc., and as such will approach my rightful spot on the couch post-Xpress writing. For the classical listener, Claude Debussy’s “Clair De Lune” adds warmth to the mildly cold autumn nights. If you are a person that mourns for the end of summer, First Aid Kit’s “Emmylou” is the best mix of melancholy and resigned acceptance of the coming winter.

Hopefully, the notorious frustrated and impatient disposition of the common Phoenician during summer has subsided now thanks to the impending fall season, but should you find yourself in such a state despite the fact, perhaps try to relieve your suffering with an appropriate fall song.