Summer’s over and that back-to-school feeling is starting to encroach on our wardrobes, moods, and, now, our headphones. As we can no longer look forward to hazy days by the ocean and steamy nights out, those carefree songs of the season on our playlists have got to go. Thankfully, Nick Valensi is here to help with a musical reality check.

The Strokes guitarist, and now lead singer for the newly formed rock band CRX, has created an exclusive playlist for Vogue.com. And there’s a little something for everyone. Those who need a solid jam during lazy mornings can rock out to Slayer, Devo, and, in a wink to those returning to class, Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher.” For those prone to a little post-summer melancholy, Valensi included “Pale Blue Eyes” from The Velvet Underground and Brian Eno’s “Weightless.” In addition to providing a playlist, the CRX frontman also opened up about his new band, his influences, and his favorite songs of summer this year.

What would you say is the biggest difference between CRX and The Strokes? The biggest difference is the singing. This is the first time I’ve been the lead singer on any project.

How did CRX come together? The catalyst was me wanting to get on tour and do more shows than I was doing with The Strokes. I started writing and demoing songs and, for the first time, wrote lyrics and sang on them. I reached out to some friends for feedback on the demos and for help to finish up songs that weren’t complete. The friends who I reached out to are the dudes who are in CRX.

What are some of the band’s influences? The Cars, Judas Priest, Queens of the Stone Age, Kanye West, and Björk among many others.

How would you describe CRX’s new album? Half of it is the kind of music that makes you want to sing into a hairbrush while dancing in the mirror. The other half makes you want to drive fast, kick ass, and tweak out.

nick valensi Photo: Getty Images

How long have you been working on putting the album together? Where did you record? We recorded at Pink Duck Studios in Burbank. The recording process didn’t take that long, but it took a few years to write the songs and for me to figure out exactly how to sing.

What is the mood you’re hoping to convey with this playlist? Our playlist is pretty sporadic because each band member chose a few songs. Hopefully it’ll convey a pleasant sense of confusion.

What were some of your favorite songs of the summer? J. Cole’s “No Role Modelz” and Post Malone’s “White Iverson” were the two songs that were constantly stuck in my head over the summer.

What albums have you been excited about this year? Iggy Pop’s Post Pop Depression and Beck’s new album are both very exciting, but there’s no album I’m more excited about than New Skin by CRX.

What’s the best situation for people to listen to this playlist? At home, with a bottle of wine, and a raging hard-on.