We’re not here to judge. Times have been tough and we all need to sleep somewhere. Whatever the circumstances are that led you to indefinitely crashing in your parents’ basement, it’s likely that you still need to rock out just as much as you did before. Here is a list of quieter numbers you can play at a low volume when your folks fall asleep at 9:30 p.m.
Anti-Flag “American Attraction” (Acoustic)
We’re not sure why Anti-Flag released a mostly acoustic album either, but you’re in a bind and we’re trying to help, so wipe that scowl off your face and just accept the situation. Plus, the riffs on this one actually kind of work somehow. It’s also nice to be reminded that you don’t have to yell all the time to get your point across. Remember that time you screamed at all five of your roommates for taking your last Black Label? That’s why Erika has your old room now. Seriously, though. Aren’t those like… eight bucks for a 12-pack?
NOFX “13 Stitches” (Acoustic
Featured on “The Longest EP,” this stripped down version of “13 Stitches” provides a more somber and, most importantly for you, quieter air to an already excellent “War On Errorism” track. Hearing Fat Mike wax nostalgic on head injuries and all the bands he saw before you were even born will whisk you away to much simpler times. Times in which you slept on your friends’ couches instead of the futon in your dad’s man cave.
Green Day “F.O.D”
Looking to blow off a little steam with a cathartic song that quietly details your feelings toward that asshole Kyle who kicked you out of his house two summers ago? Look no further. This song says it all so you don’t have to. Just be sure to hit the skip button before it gets to the super loud part at the end. Your parents probably have a hard enough time with their blood pressure as is.
AJJ “Truckers Are the Blood”
Long before AJJ were known as the saviors of pop-punk or whatever, they had trouble finding a steady drummer and had to settle for being a brilliant group instead of a “just okay” one. There are horns on this track, but don’t worry, they’re subtle. If they happen to wake your parents, though, chances are at least one of them will agree that truckers are the blood in the veins of the body of America-uh-uh.
Angel Olsen “Unfucktheworld”
One of the few benefits of moving back in with your folks is that you don’t have to pretend you hate contemporary artists like Angel Olsen for clout anymore. You can go ahead and listen to this one without shame now. It’s a great song, and it’s okay to have feelings. In fact, it’s pretty brave. According to your mom, being in touch with your emotions is the punkest thing of all.
boygenius “Ketchum, ID”
While we’re on the subject of ’emotions’ we’d be remiss not to mention this super group. This song not only features an acoustic guitar, but also incredibly dulcet three-part harmonies. Make sure you have a good pillow nearby to muffle your sobs, though. Nothing’s more awkward than having your mother rushing to your emotional aid while you’re just trying to live your fucking life.
Alkaline Trio “Sorry About That”
Matt Skiba’s unplugged strumming is so rhythmic on this track that you can kinda hear what the drums would do if this were a louder full-band track. The only downside of listening to this one is that it’ll probably make you think of your ex. You know, the one that has that sick loft downtown. No matter how much you want to, we strongly advise against calling them up to see if they’re still using the spare bedroom.
Adrianne Lenker “half return”
Look, we all know you’ve been meaning to get around to listening to this album from Big Thief’s lead singer/songwriter and now is the perfect time. Listening to this track will help you feel like this transient period of your life is an adventure instead of the depressing failure that it actually is.
Bruce Springsteen “Atlantic City”
You’ve probably realized by now you can listen to louder music if you just grab some headphones. One snag, though. Your dad borrowed yours and hasn’t given them back for, like, two weeks. No problem. Chances are if you put on this harrowing number from the Boss, your old man will rise from his deep sleep, follow Springsteen’s raspy voice down the stairs, and tell you how happy he is to hear some ‘real music coming from down here for a change.’ This will give you the perfect opportunity to inquire about your pilfered cans.
Laura Jane Grace “Please Leave”
This one’s more of a personal message to you from us. There’s no shame in spending more time in your hometown and forging stronger bonds with your family, but we’re worried about you. We want you to do things like sleep easy and party by the pool (your friend’s pool, not your parents’). Chances are your dad has been muttering this song’s title at you under his breath for weeks now, too, but you didn’t hear that from us or your mom. I wouldn’t take it personally, though. He’s just going a little stir-crazy without his man cave.