Parsons Playlists: The Perfect Fall (Gilmore Girls Vibe) Playlist

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Rocio (class of 2027) and features some fall vibes, Gilmore Girls style!

The Perfect Fall (Gilmore Girls Vibe) Playlist

The La’s – “There She Goes”
○ Genre: Jangle Pop, Britpop
○ Why: This is the ultimate Stars Hollow anthem. It’s upbeat, nostalgic, and perfectly captures that feeling of magical, small-town charm.

Fleetwood Mac – “Landslide”
○ Genre: Folk Rock, Soft Rock
○ Why: A classic for a reason. It’s pure, heartfelt emotion—perfect for a Rory-and-Lorelai moment or a reflective walk through falling leaves. Or it might even be a vibe you might catch on as you walk to class during our fall Richmond weather.

Carole King – “Where You Lead (I Will Follow)”
○ Genre: Singer-Songwriter, Pop
○ Why: Well, it’s the theme song! No Gilmore playlist is complete without it.

Simon & Garfunkel – “The Only Living Boy In New York”
○ Genre: Folk Rock
○ Why: That melancholic, autumnal harmony is pure East Coast fall. It sounds like a rainy day in Hartford or a thoughtful moment on the Richmond campus.

The Bangles – “Eternal Flame”
○ Genre: Pop Rock, Power Ballad
○ Why: For the Lane Kim vibe. This is a perfect 80s power ballad that would have her and her bandmates air-drumming in Mrs. Kim’s garage.

Patti Smith – “Because the Night”
○ Genre: Punk Rock, Rock
○ Why: A little edge for Lorelai’s rebellious side. It’s passionate, powerful, and perfect for a late-night drive in her Jeep with the top down.

Sam Phillips – “Reflecting Light”
○ Genre: Baroque pop, Folk
○ Why: This is the song that played during Liz and TJ’s wedding and the iconic Luke-and-Lorelai dance. It’s soft, magical, and utterly Stars Hollow.

The Pogues (ft. Kirsty MacColl) – “Fairytale of New York”
○ Genre: Celtic Punk, Folk Punk
○ Why: While a Christmas song, its folk-punk energy and bittersweet feel are so Gilmore. It makes you think of a festive fall festival in the town square.

Joni Mitchell – “River”
○ Genre: Folk, Singer-Songwriter
○ Why: Melancholy and beautiful, this song is for those introspective fall day It’s the soundtrack to Rory studying at her window with a cup of coffee.

The Beatles – “Here Comes The Sun”
○ Genre: Folk Rock, Pop
○ Why: A hopeful, cozy tune for a sunny autumn morning. It’s the musical equivalent of the first cup of coffee at Luke’s.

Norah Jones – “Come Away With Me”
○ Genre: Jazz Pop, Soft Jazz
○ Why: Smooth, cozy, and intimate. This song feels like a warm blanket and perfectly fits the show’s softer, more romantic moments.

The Shins – “New Slang”
○ Genre: Indie Pop, Indie Folk
○ Why: An early-2000s indie gem that would definitely be on Rory’s college playlist. It’s a little quirky, poetic, and perfect for a new season.

Billy Joel – “Vienna”
○ Genre: Piano Rock, Soft Rock
○ Why: A wise, piano-driven ballad that feels like advice from a wiser character (maybe even Richard Gilmore). It’s about slowing down, which is a perfect fall message.

Alexi Murdoch – “Orange Sky”
○ Genre: Indie Folk, Acoustic
○ Why: This song is the sound of peaceful contentment. It’s acoustic, warm and feels like the credits rolling on a perfect autumn day in Stars Hollow.

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube:

Parsons Playlists: Take Me To The River

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library associate Melanie and features some music having to do with rivers.

Take Me To The River

This is a playlist with lots of songs about rivers – both literal and metaphorical – around the world. Enjoy!

Al Green – “Take Me To The River”

Madness – “Night Boat To Cairo”

Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Green River”

Mavis Staples – “In The Mississippi River”

Alison Krauss (from O Brother, Where Art Thou?-2000) – “Down to the River to Pray”

Lefty Frizzell – “James River”

Original Broadway cast of Big River – “River in the Rain”

Joni Mitchell – “River”

Memphis Minnie & Kansas Joe McCoy – “When the Levee Breaks”

Old Crow Medicine Show – “James River Blues”

Hemant Kumar (from Kabuliwala – 1961) – “Ganga Aaye Kahan Se”

Gerry and the Pacemakers – “Ferry Cross the Mersey”

Billy Joel – “River of Dreams”

Pete Seeger – “Waist Deep in the Big Muddy”

Paul Williams (from Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas – 1977) – “When the River Meets the Sea”

Neil Young – “Down By The River”

R.E.M. – “Cuyahoga”

Enya – “Orinoco Flow”

The Melodians – “Rivers of Babylon”

Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint – “The River in Reverse”

Pixies – “River Euphrates”

Ike and Tina Turner – “Proud Mary”

Randy Newman – “Burn On”

Jimmy Cliff – “Many Rivers To Cross”

Bruce Springsteen – “The River”

Zitany Neil/Soukous Stars – “Marcory Gasoil”

Talking Heads – “Take Me To The River”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZeyX1sWqgssBjMJjTw11gEgh&si=pluZcqQHX3VZYmVi

And here is a version of it on Spotify: