Sparks

I have vivid memories of my first winter at MIT. Skipping class on the day of the first snow to walk around Harvard Yard. Vainly trying to piece together a decent snowman. Riding a commuter rail train out to Needham for a jazz concert report. Nearly freezing to death because the heat didn't work in my Next House dorm room, and practically living in a sleeping bag. Spending evenings gaming in the ZBT basement throughout IAP. Listening to Coldplay's Parachutes album on the Saferide late at night (it came up randomly on my playlist tonight, triggering all these memories). Getting trapped at ZBT during the blizzard, then celebrating when MIT announced that classes were cancelled. Having to gear up with a hat, scarf, oversized headphones (as earmuffs), gloves, fleece, long underwear, snow pants, and hiking boots to get to class.

Truth be told, there are few albums better suited to reveling in loneliness with than Parachutes.