Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science Dr. Ray Klump’s Music Playlist

Chair and Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science Dr. Ray Klump lists and describes ten of his favorite songs and what they mean to him in the playlist below that can be listened to by clicking on the Spotify application.

Here Comes a Regular, The Replacements - A terribly sad song about feeling that there is nothing special about you and that it’s too late to become something special.

Ask, The Smiths - The claim that “it’s the bomb that will bring us together” is spot on. We tend to unite with each other only in times of crisis.

Smile, Weezer - A cheery song that is actually intended to be taken literally, driven by one of the coolest power chord progressions I’ve ever heard.

Tumbling Dice, Rolling Stones - This is swagger defined. It’s bravado and confidence put to song.

Across the Sea, Weezer - I don’t know that I’ve ever heard a more desparate, pathetic of longing and infatuation.

Falling for You, Weezer - Ditto. Rivers Cuomo wants this girl to love him, but he is so unsure of himself and knows he’s not worthy.

Butterfly, Weezer - OK. This is the third song from the same album, Pinkerton, but you get the feeling that the entire song list was written by someone with borderline personality disorder. Many of the songs idolize the person of his affection; this one casts her as a “bitch,” but only because he has lapsed into self-loathing. Very complex.

Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now, The Smiths - Everyone has felt this way. You get what you think you want, and you still feel empty and depressed.

Answering Machine, The Replacements - Another song about unrequited love. You keep calling, but there is never an answer, because she’s moved on.

The Descent, Bob Mould - Bob Mould is a spectacular guitarist and songwriter. This is a very depressing lyrically about life going downhill because of lost opportunity. It’s juxtaposed against a very upbeat, power-chord frenzy.

Photo courtesy of Scott Beale / Laughing Squid.

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