We’re Adding New Songs to Our California Soundtrack

And now for some of what you shared about the latest additions:

“The Golden State” by City and Colour (2013)

“As someone who moved here from the Midwest, the lyrics about needing to see the leaves change and snowflakes fall really resonate with me every fall and winter. It also speaks to the transient nature of many of the transplants here, looking for fame and fortune before a natural disaster takes the whole state out. I love California and living in Los Angeles, but whenever I’m having a ‘bad’ California day, I put this song on and lean into the idea that California isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be.” — Stephanie Fajuri, Los Angeles

“White Christmas” by Irving Berlin (1942)

“The opening section (which, sadly, is sometimes cut) is about being in Beverly Hills and missing the winter. Wonderful opening lines: ‘The sun is shining, the grass is green, the orange and palm trees sway. There’s never been such a day in Beverly Hills, L.A. But it’s December the 24th and I am longing to be up north.’” — Jennifer Jovanovic, Los Angeles

“Cayucos” by Cayucas (2012)

“For me, this track absolutely embodies driving along the P.C.H. on a beautiful, er typical, California day; the ocean breeze streaming in through the open windows and the music from within, pouring out.” — Ryan Suffern, Los Angeles

“Los Angeles” by Sugarcult (2006)

“This song is a dark dose of pop rock adrenaline that perfectly captures a vibe of smoggy despair and slacker futility on a too hot L.A. day. With vocals that are shouted and borderline offensive, the song speeds forward on a sugary-sheen post-punk freeway of guitars and drums. It’s a trip to nowhere, but this song makes the ride seem darkly cool.” — Bill Faraghan, Pleasant Hill

“Ojai” by Ray LaMontagne (2014)

“This song captures that smooth, mellow, somehow sad feeling of driving in the Southern California sun — the sense that something, someone, or some place is just out of reach even though it is just over the hill. To me, it embodies that contradiction of Southern California — looking for paradise, not quite finding it, and making peace with that fact.” — Melissa Hahn, Burbank