Grab your bongs, joints and blunts; it’s every pot head’s favorite holiday.
In honor of 4/20, the Spectrum staff have shared their favorite songs, movies and shows to entertain you during your sesh. Fill your day with psychedelic music, classic stoner comedies and everything in between.
“Dark Side of the Moon” by Pink Floyd
This album will take you on a journey through time and space. The spiritual, cryptic, psychedelic sounds and lyrics will leave you reconsidering life. Regardless of your state of mind, this album is a must-listen and never ceases to amaze me. (Bonus points if you sync it with “The Wizard of OZ.”)
- Ryan Tantalo
“Pineapple Express”
“Pineapple Express” takes you on a journey with two stoners, Dale Denton (Seth Rogan) and Saul Silver (James Franco). as they just witnessed the murder of another man. After witnessing a drug lord and police officer murder another man, a panicked Dale throws away his roach of the rare “Pineapple Express” strain, which can be traced back to him and Saul. This action comedy is sure to delight on 4/20 or any other day of the year.
- Hayden Azzinaro
“The Midnight Gospel”
From the creators of “Adventure Time,” “The Midnight Gospel” combines interviews by comedian Duncan Trussell with trippy animation to take audience members on an adventure through the universe. Regardless of your state of mind, the show’s captivating plot will leave you exploring questions of existence, life and death.
- Michael Vaccaro
“Die Lit” by Playboi Carti
This album is a staple. Even if you’re not a mumble rap fan, the beats by Pi’erre Bourne are immaculate, and the features make this a no-skip album. Chief Keef’s energy on “Mileage” is unmatched. Carti’s flow on “Top” is a guaranteed head-bopper. Redd Coldhearted’s soft voice on Carti’s “Let It Go” sample is one of the strongest collaborations on this album and an all-time favorite.
- Kiana Hodge
“South Park” Season 14, Episode 3: “Medicinal Fried Chicken”
“South Park” is an unhinged show, but this episode specifically stands out from the rest. Watching Randy decide to give himself testicular cancer to qualify for a medicinal marijuana card is sure to make you laugh.
- Kiana Hodge
“Great British Bake Off”
Perfect for cozying up in bed with more than a few snacks at your side, “Great British Bake Off” pairs well with a few hits of indica, the mellow orange light of a salt lamp and ignoring all your responsibilities. (No, this recommendation doesn’t come from personal experience.) While not the traditional go-to for 4/20, the show’s serene atmosphere, easy watchability and yummy treats make it the perfect way to wind down after a long day. It’s a low-stress, low-attention watch for when your mind is a bit far away.
- Kara Anderson
“May This Be Love” by Jimi Hendrix
The sincerity and simplicity behind Hendrix’s voice, lyrics, electric guitar and drums forge an intimate experience. It feels like Hendrix is addressing you directly while transporting you through the “waterfall” he sings about. But what makes the song even more worthwhile is Hendrix’s guitar solo: the charming reverb of each note will leave you thinking, “May this be love?”
- Tenzin Wodhean
“Parking Lots” by Plums
This feel-good song’s mellow acoustics and calming harmonies feel like summer and sunshine. The singer’s soft tones match the instrumentals perfectly, each beat and pause is done beautifully and with purpose. Plums will scratch an itch in your brain that you can’t quite reach.
- Katie Skoog
“Nice Boys” by TEMPOREX
“Nice Boys” makes listeners feel like they’re in a dream. There’s an intriguing twinkling sound throughout, supplemented by the singer’s calming voice. The slow and steady beat of the drums creates a comfortable space for listeners to best chill out and relax.
- Katie Skoog
“Indica Badu” by Logic and Wiz Khalifa
Vividly detailing Logic and Wiz Khalifa’s experiences of smoking weed, this four-minute-and-20-second track sounds like a profound testimony for the marijuana industry. With some of the smoothest yet speedy flows from Logic and Wiz Khalifa, this song can be enjoyed by smokers and non-smokers alike.
- A.J. Franklin
“Heaven or Las Vegas” by Cocteau Twins
The atmospheric, immersive qualities of this iconic dream pop album make it perfect for those times you just want to sink into the couch. Good headphones or speakers are a must to enjoy its hazy reverb and ethereal vocals. And if you get high enough, maybe you’ll be able to find some meaning in vocalist Elizabeth Fraser’s notoriously nonsensical lyrics.
- Meret Kelsey
The features desk can be reached at features@ubspectrum.com
