Afterburn: The 2012 Fall Playlist, Vol. 1

You know autumn is upon us when Staples sells out of Crayola crayons, "pumpkin" is the flavor du jour at every cafe, and there's a new Resident Evil movie hitting theaters.

The weather may be cooling off, but things are just getting warmed up. Cut to: me spending my Labor Day weekend laboring away to perfect a playlist that just might help you get through those unavoidable Halloween costume brainstorming sessions...

1. "Your Body" by Christina Aguilera -- We kick off this compilation with The Voice judge's anticipated first single from her fifth studio album (seven, if you count those holiday and Spanish releases). It takes a couple of listens to settle into the suggestive lyrics and seductive bassline. Next thing you know, you'll be clamoring for the nearest warm body on the dance floor and grinding till the world ends.

2. "She Wolf (Falling to Pieces)" by David Guetta feat. Sia
3. "Say Nothing" by Example
4. "Sleep Alone" by Two Door Cinema Club

5. "We Come Running" by Youngblood Hawke -- My theme song from August also doubles as a perfect playground anthem for elementary schools everywhere (and anyone who appreciates celebratory alt-pop). Recess will never sound more awesome. Teachers, you're welcome:

6. "Sunlight" Bag Raiders

7. "It's Time" by Imagine Dragons -- Yep, it's the song that was used in the trailer for The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and everything about this barroom sing-along soars:


8. "I Got Soul, I'm So Wasted" by Wallpaper
9. "Wildest Dreams" by Brandy
10. "Love Sea" by Alphabeat

11. "Little Talks" by Of Monsters and Men -- Sure, this single from the Icelandic folk-pop band may have been around since February, but it's finally gaining some traction, and rightfully so:

12. "Feel Again" by OneRepublic
13. "Get Up (A Cowboys Anthem)" by Kelly Clarkson
14. "The Night Out (Madeon Remix)" by Martin Solveig
15. "Take Off" by Conor Maynard
16. "Don't You Worry Child" by Swedish House Mafia feat. John Martin:


17. "Hall of Fame" by The Script feat. will.i.am
18. "Madness" by Muse
19. "Years" by Alesso
20. "Dancing in My Head" by Avicii feat. Eric Turner

21. "Too Close" by Alex Clare -- Consider this one emo-dubstep.

22. "Finally Found You" by Enrique Iglesias feat. Sammy Adams

23. "Gangnam Style" by PSY -- If you haven't heard what is basically the Korean "Macarena," you will.

And yes, Volume 2 is already in the works.

Enjoy.

@TheFirstEcho