The Barometer Online

Iron Butterfly

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

"When I need music to study to, I usually go for a full album. Sometimes I just have a good, solid five pages to read and I don't want the distraction of breaks between songs while I'm reading. That's when I turn to 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida'; not only can I study, but I can probably finish in time to join in on one of the many solos in the song."

-- Robin Canfield

Diversions writer

Mogwai

Kids Will Be Skeletons

"This song is boring. It's pretty, it has a good title, but it doesn't do much. Theoretically, this would allow you to concentrate. If you had, say, a midterm for Dr. Iltis, you might want to study with this as your background. I myself got a 70 percent on that test, but you get the idea."

-- Sarah Cutsforth

Diversions Writer

Isis

False Light

"I don't know what's wrong with my neighbors, but they won't stop listening to techno. The pounding bass of some silly trance song constantly permeates my room. In order to do any studying and drown out any sound, I have to put my headphones on full blast and listen to bone-crunching, ear-bleeding metal. I have found that Isis's track, 'False Light,' is perfectly suited for studying resource conservation."

-- Eric Feigner

Diversion Writer

Stone Temple Pilots

Atlanta

"When I need to really focus, I need a song that is mellow and soothing -- none fits the bill better than STP's 'Atlanta.' As minimalist as the Pilots get, Scott Weiland's barely there vocals and downright beautiful guitars make this one of the songs that can really keep me in the proper state of mind. Devoid of crunchy distortion and with lyrics that are impossible to follow, there is nothing to distract you from the 186 pages of ethnic studies you need to read the day before your midterm."

-- Darrin Crescenzi

Diversions editor

Acoustic Syndicate

Rainbow Roller Coaster

"Acoustic Syndicate is a bluegrass band from the Carolinas that I just love. Not just because of their smooth grooves and percussion-less flavor, but because you can all but zone out and relax your way into each and every ditty. 'Rainbow Roller Coaster' is an especially lovely example, whether you are studying, or doing pretty much anything else. Like watching Derek Fisher make the most of .4 seconds. Ahem, go Lakers."

-- Brian Gjurgevich

Campus editor

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