The Weekend Playlist: Monica Christoffels's Day 'n Night Playlist

Weekends are more than just a chance to relax: traditionally, Saturday and Sunday are the only days of the week when we get to choose what we want to do. Sure, there are a million errands to run, but there are also friends to visit, drinks to order… whatever you can fit into your schedule. No matter what you have planned, this playlist fits every occasion. Chill out – or rock out – to some of these songs this weekend:

Arcade Fire – Ready to Start

I like this song for its unsuspectingly calm demeanor, despite its classic rock composition. Win Butler’s is quiet yet heavyhearted over the Canadian group’s grinding guitar, bass and drums; the soft piano and electronica samples add to the soothing tone. Play this right before you take an afternoon nap, and I guarantee it’ll lull you to sleep and leave you refreshed when you wake up.

She & Him – I Put a Spell On You

Just in time for Halloween, this song sets a haunting tone with Zooey Deschanel’s echoing falsetto and M. Ward’s bluesy guitar line. I’ve always admired She & Him’s old-timey, sentimental sound, which fits perfectly with this Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’s 1956 classic. This song is best for quiet evenings indoors, with low illumination for ambience.

Sleigh Bells – Tell ‘Em (Kingdom Remix)

The Brooklyn duo’s noise-punk sound is toned down in this remix, which substitutes amped metal riffs with tribal-dub drum beats. Despite its many electronic bells and whistles, I actually like this song for background music, which is great if you’re entertaining guests at home. It’s also great for long drives, whether taking a weekend road trip or just getting out of the house for a while.

Gogol Bordello – My Companjera

Compared to some of their other songs, this Gogol Bordello track is a mild introduction to the gypsy-punk party of New Yorkers, who are in the Northwest this weekend. I love the dance-inspiring melodies of the accordion and violin; the latter also creates a lamentful tone to complement the lyrics (‘Where are you now, my companjera? / I’m beating bricks town to town’). The fast-paced track is perfect for pre-funking at your house before hitting the bars, or use it to replace a cup of coffee when you need a little pick-me-up.

LCD Soundsystem – Drunk Girls

Admittedly, this song might not be for everyone: I’d say it’s best for those times when you just need to let loose, preferably with an alcoholic beverage of sorts. James Murphy’s punk guitar riffs and drum beats provide plenty of attitude, and his suggestive lyrics practically crack your beer open for you. If you don’t feel like subjecting yourself to Far East Movement all night, you can also recommend this song to your slizzared neighbors down the way.

Ra Ra Riot – The Orchard

If, like me, you enjoy getting an early start to your day, the title track off Ra Ra Riot’s new album is perfect mood music on a calm, quiet morning. Wes Miles’s voice drifts peacefully, yet vigorously, over minimal violin and bass guitar melodies. Listen to this when you’re ready to begin your day, but can’t seem to find the energy to get out of bed.

M.I.A. – Internet Connection

M.I.A. is one of those eccentric artists whom you adore or you cannot stand; with that in mind, I think she’s a genius. This British innovator mixes hand claps and gorilla-esque grunts over witty lines like “I crashed again last night / I was on there surfin’ out of my mind…” in a track off her new album, Maya. Play this for some mellow music to enjoy while tidying up the house or running errands.

Caribou – Odessa

The heavy bass beats in this song make it groove-worthy enough for any occasion, but especially those that call for dancing. Here, Canadian DJ Dan Snaith mixes funky synthesizers with uptempo rhythms and trancelike vocals. Play this whenever you want to let loose, but not get too crazy – maybe on Sunday night, when you’re not quite ready to start the work week again…