[Photo courtesy of Andrew Catlin]

By Jenell Taylor, Contributor

Mazzy Star is the mysterious and melancholic dream pop/alternative rock partnership of Hope Sandoval and David Roback. Originating in sunny Santa Monica, CA, Mazzy Star gained major popularity in 1993 when their song “Fade Into You” was released on their sophomore album, So Tonight That I Might See. The song was featured on MTV, VH1 and had a lot of radio airplay. The record sold over one million copies, achieving platinum status in 1995.

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1.) “Fade Into You” by J Mascis

To open our list, I have to start with this gorgeous cover by J Mascis. Mascis is best known as the frontman for indie rock band, Dinosaur Jr. His rendition of this iconic song is one that has the capability to soothe any heart plagued by melancholy. Mascis’ voice is one that can evoke even the most buried emotion. As he sings through this familiar track, his vocals echo in my mind like a dream forgotten. By the end of this track, Mascis paid homage to Mazzy Star in his own brilliant, tender way.

2.) “5 Down to 4” by Retsin

This slow and stripped song opens our list due to its particular lingering quality. Retsin is an alternative indie band who released music in the 90s, formed by Cynthia Nelson and Tara Jane O’Neil. “5 Down to 4” is tranquil in nature, and eases the mind. With a run-time under two minutes, this track is noncommittal, as it comes and goes with the wind.

3.) “Within the Depths of a Darkened Forest” by Autumn’s Grey Solace

With an immense dreamlike quality, Autumn’s Grey Solace fits perfectly into the playlist of any Mazzy Star fan. The band was formed in 2000 in St. Augustine, FL, by Erin Welton and Scott Ferrell. “Within the Depths of a Darkened Forest” tells the tale of an enchanted forest, a dark place filled with the unknown. Welton’s vocals are light and the lyrics linger as she draws them out. While listening, one can imagine a fairy or siren coming to drift you away to someplace undiscovered.

4.) “Reptile” by Lisa Germano

Lisa Germano is an alternative indie singer-songwriter from Indiana. “Reptile” is the 11th track off her 1998 album, Slide. She sings about unfamiliar territory and a sunshine that never seems to fade away. Throughout the track, a moody guitar and synth board can be heard, right alongside a steady drum beat that persists until the end of the song. If you find yourself missing the slow mysticism that Mazzy Star consistently brought forth, this track is for you.

5.) “House of Chambers” by Beach House

It is no secret that Beach House is a driving force. Since appearing on the scene in 2006 with their debut self-titled album, dream pop fans have been adequately fed ever since. “House of Chambers” is all about love and loss, and grieving the person you might have once had. It fits comfortably on our list partly for its lyrical material and partly for the hypnotic instrumentals. Singer Victoria Legrand’s voice is spellbinding and captures listeners with her magnetism.

6.) “Ipomoea” by Love Spirals Downwards

This track is full of enchantment and shrouded in wonder. It is purely instrumental and wonderful music to ruminate to. Love Spirals Downwards is a dream pop band from Los Angeles, CA, who have been active since 1991. “Ipomoea” is what I imagine the inside of a genie’s bottle to sound like: tranquil and sullen, with a story to share.  

7.) “Liquid Lady” by Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions

It would be downright criminal and a massive disservice to this column to create this list and not include Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions. The band was formed in 2001, including our main girl Hope, and Colm Ó Cíosóig, who was the drummer for My Bloody Valentine. “Liquid Lady” has every key aspect of a Mazzy Star song, from the mysterious lyrics to the intense edge of Cíosóig’s guitar. Sandoval’s songbird vocals carry you to someplace blissful, while the instrumental keeps you grounded in reality. She sings, “I’ll hush you / Keep you warm / Like a hurricane / Into a storm.” If no other song on this list can satisfy your Mazzy Star craving, this one is sure to do the trick. 

Listen here: Listen if You Miss: Mazzy Star