As these cold winds of winter smothered me with their icy clutch, I decided to seclude myself in my apartment.

The sole idea of heat seemed a distant dream or a legend from a different era.

Throughout this freeze, I have found myself immersed in lengthy classics, for they remind me of a warmer time — an age of rock.

Uriah Heep — The Magician’s Birthday

Even though readers will recognize most of the songs on this list, this absolute gem is a low-key one.

What I admire from this classic, which my dad showed me when I was in Kindergarten — is its storytelling aspect.

A tale of magic and hope unfolds with elegance as one listens to it.

Iron Butterfly — In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

Anyone who’s ever heard of this song knows about its accompanying “fun fact” — the song’s title actually was “In the Garden of Eden,” yet lead singer Doug Ingle’s inability to pronounce this phrase resulted in the creation of this song’s enigmatic name.

Also, perhaps one of the longest tunes composed at the time, “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” went on to become essential to any 60s rock playlist.

The Beatles — I Want You (She’s So Heavy)

It might be one of the shortest on this list, but this marvelous track defines the direction the Fab Four took in their later, post-Sgt. Peppers stage. A heavy song, it enchanted me the first time I heard it, due to the juxtaposition of John Lennon’s tender voice with the devastating sound “I Want You” entails.

All in all, a work of brilliance.

Creedence Clearwater Revival — I Heard It Through the Grapevine

If you know this song, you’ve probably heard the Marvin Gaye version, which is by all means the most popular one. Nevertheless, this 11-minute cover by C.C. Revival raised the standards with which I evaluate other bands’ covers.

Despite establishing a different take on the song, this jewel of soul is right up the group’s alley, as they played a wide range of genres throughout their run.

Led Zeppelin — Stairway to Heaven

Several interpretations of this song have floated around since I was a kid. I’ve heard all kinds of theories — from Satanist hymn to Wiccan chant — but none of them seem to fit the bill.

Though I’m sure many will come up to me with the “true meaning” behind this utter classic, I prefer ignorance, given that mystery is part of “Stairway to Heaven”’s charm.

Pink Floyd — Shine on You Crazy Diamond (Pt. 1-7)

After the success of Dark Side of the Moon, the celebrated band put together “Wish You Were Here,” which critics deemed a step back in Pink Floyd’s uprise, yet has subsequently garnered gentler reviews.

The album relies on “Shine on You Crazy Diamond,” which deals with former band member Syd Barrett’s descent into insanity prior to the group’s most significant work, thus the tune possesses distinctive qualities that create an atmosphere of madness and betrayal.

Music has always been a way for people to captivate past memories of their lives.

So the next time it’s a cold chilly day and you are looking for a way to warm up, just put in one of these albums and recall the days of when music really mattered.