This week is the first full calendar week of fall, and it’s obvious to anyone who’s stepped outside. The cool northern breeze has finally graced campus, Starbucks is once again offering its iconic pumpkin products and the trees on the Green have started their yearly transition from green to yellow to orange. To honor this long-awaited departure from another brutal Alabama summer, we at Kaleidoscope thought it best to recommend some of the best fall-themed music, movies, TV shows and more centered around the penultimate season of the year.
Music
RaeAnne Alexander: “Red (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s “Red (Taylor’s Version)” is the quintessential fall album for the romantics and downhearted alike. With nine more songs than its 2012 counterpart, Swift redefines her masterpiece with more evocative stories and a crisp new sound. Give “Red (Taylor’s Version)” a listen if you need some melodramatic tracks to hold you over until our favorite superstar releases her tenth studio album, “Midnights,” on October 21.
Lewis Bruce: “Atlanta Millionaires Club” by Faye Webster
Faye Webster’s 2019 album “Atlanta Millionaires Club” is everything I look for in music to enjoy in the fall. Her sound, defined heavily by its indie-rock and country/folk influences, absolutely melts everything else away throughout its beautiful half-hour duration.
Garrett Jones: “Outside” by MorMor
“Outside” by MorMor is a great listen for kicking back on the Green with your friends. If fall 2022 had an official soundtrack, this would be on it for sure.
Celia Shepard: “Fly in My Room” by Kerrin Connolly
As it gets colder out, I’ve been getting more bugs seeking warmth in my home. “Fly in My Room” by Kerrin Connolly uses that as a metaphor for unwelcome thoughts — at least if you ask me.
Movies & TV
RaeAnne Alexander: “Phantom Thread” (2017)
An unconventionally sweet journey, Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Phantom Thread” is a film about the afflicting nature of ambition and love. With its intimate score and pretty cinematography, “Phantom Thread” is a great way to spend a chilly fall afternoon.
Lewis Bruce: “Succession” (2018 – present)
I can’t explain why HBO’s “Succession” holds such a strong association with fall in my mind, but I will make the bold claim that it’s the best show currently running on television. Maybe it’s the big business coats and warm color grading against the cold backdrop of corporate-elite New York City that evoke those autumnal connections. Or maybe I just love the show at all times of the year.
Alex Campbell: “Knives Out” (2019)
“Knives Out” is sure to put you into a fall spirit. With quirky characters, an unusual whodunnit mystery, a hauntingly beautiful mansion and everyone’s favorite dysfunctional and money-grubbing family going at it, you’re sure to have lots of fall fun with this one.
Garrett Jones: “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” (2018 – 2020)
There is no better time than the beginning of fall to start watching “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.” Grab a pumpkin spice latte with your roomie, light some candles and embark on Sabrina’s truly chilling adventures as she navigates her double life as a half-witch, half-mortal. Plus, if you’re looking for queer representation, look no further. This show has it all!
Books
Garrett Jones: Salem’s Lot
“Salem’s Lot” by Stephen King is the quintessential read for the fall season and a great introduction to King for new readers. Find your favorite tree on campus and dive into the mysterious town of Salem’s Lot and its unique residents.
