Finals are going to get you down, that is a promise.

Whether or not you have completely given up on some classes, or are just hanging on by a thread, the Flavor section of the Northern Star is here to help! I have talked to your teachers, and they won’t give me the answers to your exams. However, what we can do is create a sort of studying reference guide of albums that will hopefully get you in the right state of mind to cram as much knowledge into your brain as possible, that is, before you drink it all away.

Godspeed You Black Emperor! – Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven

The thing that makes Godspeed such a good studying band is that they are devoid of all the major distractions of most other instrumental bands. It puts you in a state of relaxation and, before you know it, the crescendo hits at about 15 minutes into the song and you suddenly have four pages of your essay completed.

A Hawk and a Hacksaw – Self titled

So, instrumental folk might not be your cup of tea, but there is something about this amazing album that puts you in a sort of trance. Imagine if Sufjan Stevens played experimental folk without vocals. I can’t tell you how many times I have curled up with a textbook or two, threw this album on and aced a test that should have been my demise.

Andrew Bird – Armchair Apocrypha

I personally defy anyone to turn on “Scythian Empire” and not gain momentum over their studying materials. When you pass your classes and go celebrate, maybe he will be playing a show somewhere and you can really be won over. The music sounds like Elliott Smith with string ensembles and comes highly recommended.

Anything by Frederic Chopin

Yes, most classical music is boring and pretentious. But, it is also true that there have been many great composers throughout history who have made some great pieces of music. Chopin has to be one of the all-time best, and his monumental works always seem to shine on the piano. If you want to take yourself away from everything and focus on just one thing, Chopin is great. Also, his music was featured on an episode of the amazing show “Dexter.” Odds are he will be able to help you get the B you need on your economics final in order to get a C in the course.