The Playlist Post
Just in time for Saturday evening, here’s a Friday Five.
When I’m not working, I make playlists. At the moment, I’ve got around 150 playlists in my iTunes library. Here are five.
Appetite for Noise. If it’s loud and abrasive it goes here. Representative songs: Everything off “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” everything off “Appetite for Destruction,” a big chunk of “The Eminem Show.” Very recent additions include most of “Black Butterfly” and most of “Chinese Democracy.”
Dreaming Bright. For concentrated daydreaming. Great to listen to while reading comic books by Jordan Crane. Representative songs include: “It’s a Motherfucker” – The Eels; “Over The Rainbow” – Judy Garland; “She Wakes When She Dreams” – Lucero; “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” – Flaming Lips. Very recent addition: “My Freeze Ray” – Neil Patrick Harris.
Nashville Asylum. For shitkicking good times. Representative songs: “Dick in Dixie” – Hank III; “A Perfect Day To Chase Tornadoes” – Jim White; “Heartbreaker’s Hall of Fame” – Sunny Sweeney. Most recent addition: “Me & Joe Drove Out To California”- Drag the River.
New Wave Wonderland. Just the thing to listen to on a rainy day while I paint my toenails black. Okay, I’ve never painted my toenails back. But, y’know. “Helena” – My Chemical Romance; “More than This” – Cure; “Love and Memories” – O.A.R.. Recent add: “Take A Bow” – Muse.
And the playlist I listen to and mess around with the most: Radio Joe. Some current songs: “Too Drunk…” – Buckcherry; “Now My Feet Won’t Touch The Ground” – Coldplay; “Shout” – The Isley Brothers. Latest add: “Let it Rain” – Living Things.
Those are some of my playlists, now it’s your turn. Leave a current playlist or mix tape lineup in the comments thread. Bonus points if it means something, i.e., is not just a list of tunes you like. You should also let me know if you think there are any important additions I need to make to the above playlists (of course, I’ve only given a loose sketch of the kind of stuff that’s on each list, but suggestions are always welcome…)
December 20th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I would like to suggest Ottis Redding’s Sitting on the Dock of the Bay. I think it would fit well in Dreaming Bright.
I have always loved that song. I find it relaxing and inspiring. Even though it’s kind of about giving up and just waiting for something to happen…
I have so many memories of various people whistling along with me to that song. Of course, first is my father who introduced me to all cool music when young, later my childhood friend, drunk/high high school friends…and more recently my daughter.
Soo…..get some Ottis in there and sing along….I am almost 100% sure people in ear shot will whistle
December 20th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Oh- one more just for fun.
Boyz N Tha Hood by Dynomite Hack. It’s just good old fun, that one.
December 20th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Ahh yes, music. My first love, if I’m being honest. My iTunes library is also stashed with a great many playlists for any any occasion. Music drives me. The right song, at the time, can inspire me. So … a smattering o’ tunes from a few of my playlists, as requested:
UP WHERE WE BELONG: To lift me, like a bird, during those moments when life is just a kick in the ass: “Love Reign O’er Me” by The Who (arguably the greatest rock song ever written). “Tonight, Tonight” by The Smashing Pumpkins (because it has a melody you could land a jumbo jet on). “Free Me” by Otis Redding (the greatest voice that ever touched vinyl). “Brownsville Girl” by Bob Dylan (an eleven-minute-smile. Guaranteed!).
CRUISING OLDIES: I’m not an old man, by any means, but I just love those good old tunes from the ’50s. So make yourself a Coke-float, put on your favorite poodle skirt, and listen to some of these: “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke (Yup … because it sends me). “So Much in Love” by The Tymes (I don’t know why, but when I listen to this I feel about sixteen years old, which is lovely). “Silhouettes” by The Rays (classic doo-wop). “Church Bells May Ring” by The Willows (I once sung this song with a doo-wop quartet on a New York subway train – true story!).
A note on the above playlist: I downloaded a bunch of ’50s radio commercials and mixed them in with the songs, just to give it that authentic feel. Wonderful stuff!
YES SIR, I CAN BOOGIE: Had some good news? Feel the need to express happiness through the wonderment of dance? Go right ahead, and these tunes will help: “Love Machine” by The Miracles (No Smokey on this one, but it’ll still get your feet movin’). “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind & Fire (Dance around the living room with a huge grin on your face, looking ridiculous, but who cares, right?). “Born Slippy” by Underworld (Transcend, and be happy).
MELTING ICE: These songs are self-explanatory, really: “Let’s Get it On” By Marvin Gaye. “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails. “Between the Sheets” by The Isley Brothers. “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” by Major Harris.
MOTHERFUNK: Because you’re a real cool cat, you know that? “Pusherman” by Curtis Mayfield (listen to this while walking through seedy backstreets – pretend you’re in a Tarantino movie). “Run Fay Run” by Isaac Hayes (Pretend you’re still in a Tarantino movie). “Mothership Connection” by Parliament (I guarantee this is on Quentin’s iPod). “Movin’” by Brass Construction (that was Tarantino on the phone; he’s so impressed with your playlist that he wants you to be in his next movie.
Other songs that should be taking up gigabyte space:
“Sorrow” by Bad Religion
“Tear” by The Red Hot Chili Peppers
“The Masterplan” by Oasis
“You Need Love Like I Do (Don’t You?)” by Gladys Knight
“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley
“Vehicle” by The Ides of March
“Devil’s Waitin’” by Black Rebel Motorcyle Club
“Helter Skelter” by The Beatles
“Grace Kelly Blues” by Eels (anything by Eels is great – one of the smartest, most fantastic bands making music today)
“I Wanna Be Your Dog” by The Stooges
“Listed M.I.A” by Rancid
“New York City Serenade” by Bruce Springsteen (my favorite song of all time – sorry, Joe)
A few of the songs from a few of my playlists. I apologize for the long post, but believe me … it could have been much longer.
Merry Christmas, everybody!
December 21st, 2008 at 12:31 am
I would add a couple of albums to your Dreaming Bright playlist.
Blood, by This Mortal Coil, and Ghosts I-IV, by Nine Inch Nails. Both are mellow, almost ethereal and perfect for drifting off into a daydream.
December 21st, 2008 at 10:00 am
A playlist called “Goin’ South”, song/artist/album:
1. Roll Another Number – Neil Young (Tonight’s The Night)
2. Amtrak Crescent – Scott Miller [Upside Downside]
3. Let’s Kill Saturday Night – Robbie Fulks (Revenge)
4. Sweet Virginia- Rolling Stones (Exile on Main Street)
5. Tulsa Sounds Like Trouble To Me – Shawn Camp (Fireball)
6. Cadillac Limousine – Wrinkle Neck Mules (The Wicks Have Met)
7. Windfall – Son Volt (Trace)
8. Fried Chicken and Gasoline- Southern Culture On The Skids (Dirt Track Date)
9. Midnight Train To Memphis- The Steeldrivers (self-titled)
10. Carl Perkins’ Cadillac – Drive-By Truckers [The Dirty South]
11. That’s How I Got to Memphis – Kelly Willis (Real: The Tom T Hall Project)
12. Handcuffed to a Fence in Mississippi – Jim White (No Such Place)
13. Do You Still – The Wrights (self titled)
14. Methamphetamine – Son Volt (The Search)
15. Methamphetamine – Old Crow Medicine Show (Tennessee Pusher)
16. Stay All Night, Stay a Little Longer (Live) – Willie Nelson (The Complete Atlantic Sessions)
That should do you well for a quick trip below the Mason-Dixon Line.
December 21st, 2008 at 10:17 am
Rio,
I love “Brownsville Girl’ by Dylan, but that song evokes tears when I listen to it, not smiles.
December 21st, 2008 at 12:16 pm
I didn’t even know that Neil Patrick Harris sang.
December 21st, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Gallows Pole,
Ever heard the John Eddie track titled “Going South?”
Uh, it’s not about taking a road trip.
December 21st, 2008 at 12:41 pm
For your Nashville Asylum, I submit the following: God, Guns, and Glory by The Gaslights. They are a band out of the KC area that my wife and I saw open for Shooter Jennings a couple of years ago. We had never heard of them going in and couldn’t stop talking about them after. This song I think would go well among the examples you’ve posted. I’ve just checked and it is available on iTunes. The album is called Lines and Wires. Enjoy!
December 21st, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Hey, Gallows Pole,
I hear you, my friend – “Brownsville Girl” is that kind of track. But there are tearful smiles and happy tears. Every Christmas Eve, without fail, I watch “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and despite the fact that I’ve seen it about twenty times, I cry my heart out every time. We’re talking FLOODS of tears, but I’m also smiling, because it’s just so lovely. And that’s how I feel about “Brownsville Girl.”
I’m totally checking out “Going South” by John Eddie. I wonder if it’ll make the MELTING ICE playlist.
December 21st, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Sorry for any I misspell or call by its chorus,
Holiday Music Your Kids Might Let You Leave On
The Knife-Reindeer
Simple Plan-My Christmas List
Twisted-Sister Let It Snow
Trans Siberian-Canon Rock
Smashing Pumpkins-Christmastime
Lip Sync-Oh No It’s Santa “OATMEAL COOKIES!”
Barenaked Ladies-Elf’s Lament
Dokken-Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
Geraldine McQueen-Once Upon a Christmas Song
Brian Setzer-Run Run Rudolph
The Wombats-Is this Christmas
Annie Lenox- Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Barenaked Ladies-Jingle Bells
Jewel-Hands
Relient K-12 Days of Christmas
Sponge Bob- Christmas song
Mariah Carey-All I Want for Christmas
Twisted Sister-Have a Merry Little Christmas
August Burns Red- Carol of the Bells (or electric guitars whatever)
Christina Aguilera-Aul Lang Syne/ Merry Christmas Baby
Blink 182-I Won’t Be Home For Christmas
InMemory-The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
MCR-All I Want for Christmas
Relient K-We Wish You a Merry Christmas
I’ve got a whole Enya and Sarah Mclaughlin thing going on when they’re tired and accomodating
December 21st, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I just put “Stuck on Repeat” by Little Boots on an endless loop.
December 21st, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Well, in the spirit of the season….
Josh Groban–O Holy Night
Trans-Siberian Orchestra — Christmas in Sarajevo and Christmas Canon
Michael Buble — Grownup Christmas List
Peanuts — Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Kenny Rogers — Mary Did You Know
Anyone — Shout to the Lord (arguably my favorite hymn)
Elvis Presley — The First Noel and Amazing Grace
Brian Setzer — Jingle Bell Rock
Burl Ives — Have a Holly Jolly Christmas
Call me cheesy and or a Bible-thumper. I can lay claim to both. But these are the songs that make me happy this time of year.
December 21st, 2008 at 8:42 pm
How about some ” lamb of god ” to go with ur ” Appetite for Noise”
December 21st, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Juno Reactor ——–maybe some Quanos Quartet in the mix somewhere.
December 22nd, 2008 at 12:47 am
I am obsessed with creating playlists — whether it’s just creating a “Motorballads” list that includes all of Lemmy’s slower, more dangerous tunes or putting together a River ’89 mix that reminds me of misspent youth (gah, the hair bands on that one), I’m all about making new lists.
Of late, I’ve been spinning these:
“The PBR Mix”: the stuff that sounds good while drinking cans of Pabst (Hank III, Mason Jennings, Ryan Bingham, Swinging Steaks, David Allan Coe, Scott H. Biram, Zac Brown, Th’ Legendary Shack Shakers)
and a couple Best-ofs for 2008, one soft (full releases this year from My Morning Jacket, The Hold Steady, Flogging Molly, Nick Cave, Drive-By Truckers, Gary Louris, Kings of Leon, Calexico, Gutter Twins, Steven Malkmus, TV On the Radio, Mudcrutch, Jenny Lewis, Blitzen Trapper, Jamey Johnson, The Deep Dark Woods)
and hard ’08 (Richie Kotzen, Tito & Tarantula, Black Mountain, G n’ R, Valient Thorr, Scars on Broadway, Buckcherry, AC/DC, Black Stone Cherry, Me First & the Gimme Gimmes, King’s X, Eagles of Death Metal, The Bronx)
Most of my playlists tend to include full releases from artists, not be limited to a song from each since that drives me insane trying to pick one and then second-guessing myself and changing it the next day. But GallowsPole’s “Goin’ South” mix looks pretty great to me.
December 22nd, 2008 at 9:14 am
I’m looking into John Eddie’s “Going South”, sounds promising (heh!)
December 22nd, 2008 at 11:26 am
kronos quartet…damn, thats what i get for sblogging(blogging while sick)
December 22nd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Barry, I am with you…Neil Patrick Harris, Doogie? This I have to hear. I like him, he seems like a pretty cool guy.
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:23 am
Here’s some additions to the various playlists I think should be added. All additions are artist/song:
Apettite for Noise:
Everytime I Die – Ebolarama
Everytime I Die – I’ve Been Gone a Long Time
The Number Twelve Looks Like You – Grandfather
Meltin the Ice:
Pantera – Cat Scratch Fever
Muse – Super Massive Black Hole
Panic! At the Disco – Lying is the Most Fun a Girl can have Without Taking off her clothes
Motherfunk:
George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars – Aquaboogie
Dreaming Bright:
Floater – Endless I & II
Yes Sir, I Can Boogie:
Floater – The Sad Ballad of Danny Boy (You can pogo or mosh to it)
Personally, I think Georgia would do one hell of a strip tease to the Meltin the Ice… Please tell me someone gets that reference.
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:45 am
LOList:
Bill Cosby – Brain Damaged
Bill Cosby – I Think It’s the Drugs
Daniel Tosh – It’s “Ha Ha Now your Poor” time!
Dane Cook – Car Accident
Lewis Black – If it weren’t for my Horse…
Rodney Carrington – Show Them to me
The Sklar Brothers – Local Celebrities
ETC…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ3-IQ6zVmA
December 23rd, 2008 at 6:34 am
In the spirit of Christmas i give you…..
Getting Rid Of The In-Laws. [ Song/Artist/Album ]
The Machete Twins – Pig Destroyer – Phantom Limb
Brown Flag – DeSalvo – Mood Poisoner
Radio Friendly Unit Shifter – Nirvana – In Utero
Party Smasher – Dillinger Escape Plan – Ire Works
Dead End – Fuck The Facts – Disgorge Mexico
Concubine – Converge – Jane Doe
Smiling Politely – Cancer Bats – Hail Destroyer
Incarnated Solvent Abuse – Carcass – Necroticism
Kill Division – The Chronicles Of Israfel – Starborn, Tome 1
Fury Whip – High On Fire – Death Is This Communion
Descending – Lamb Of God – Sacrament
Pravus – Meshuggah – ObZen
New Mind – Swans – Children Of God
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Chris D. you are now my new hero. I’ve been looking for ways to get rid of my in-laws for years. OK, not really, they’re good with my kids, but they usually stop having interesting things to say after about 15-20 minutes and yet they stay… and stay… and stay. And my husband will not let me stick my earphones in and pick up a book at that point. The things I do for love. But now I have a way! “I love this song! What do you think?” They’d run screaming.
Since I have my earphones in (hey, I’ll work when my coworker gets done editing my report!), I give you the “I am a child of the 80s” playlist (well, technically, I was born in 1978, but I don’t consider myself to have had the most discerning ear at 1.1 years old).
Def Leppard — Photograph
Def Leppard — Love Bites
Cyndi Lauper — Time After Time
Heart — These Dreams
Tina Turner — What’s Love Got to Do With It
Tina Turner — We Don’t Need Another Hero
Billy Idol — Cradle of Love
Billy Idol — Eyes Without a Face
Blondie — One Way or Another
Duran Duran — Hungry Like the Wolf
Michael Jackson — Billie Jean
Tears for Fears — Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Adam Ant — Goody Two Shoes
Run DMC — It’s Tricky
The Police — King of Pain
U2 — Desire
Prince — 1999
Prince — Little Red Corvette
:::looks at her playlist with amusement::::
I scoff at turning 30 in 6 days.
December 26th, 2008 at 3:41 am
Crystal,don’t assume they’ll run… Mine wanted to have me committed but “stuck it out” in the interest of being supportive to my wife.
December 27th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Fantastic lists, and major kudos for including JIM WHITE who is fantastic.
A few tunes I’d like to hip you to….if I may be so bold.
“Post Mortem bar” by ZANE CAMPBELL (If you miss someone…and who doesn’t)
“You Avoid Parties” by THE POSIES (Lyrics so goddamn cool, I wish I’d written them)
“Brimstone Rock” by 16 HORSEPOWER (soundtrack for night driving in the rain)
“Poor Poor Pitiful Me” by WARREN ZEVON (Hey, it’s WARREN ZEVON for crying out loud!)
“People Who Died” by THE SNAKEHANDLERS (JIM CARROLL’s punk tune told as sneering country swagger)
“Shark Fin Blues” by THE DRONES (If there is a scab on your soul you can’t stop picking…)
Any song by the fabulous PAUL K. & THE WEATHERMEN….
Thank you.
December 28th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
um, yeah, new here.
for those who want to hear neil patrick harris, check out “dr. horrible’s sing-along blog” – drhorrible.com (genius…lacy, gently-wafting genius).
i too have a ton of playlists, but one of my favorite was one i made this year for a halloween party. i decided to mix the mainstream with the more obscure, the halloweeny and the not-so-halloweeny, and it worked well:
“thriller” by michael jackson (of course), “devil’s haircut” by beck, “getting down” by the kills, ” hate to say i told you so” by the hives, “somebody’s watching me” by rockwell (again, obviously), “i think i’m paranoid” by garbage, “song 2″ by blur, “intergalactic” by the beastie boys, “bleeding love” by leona lewis, “dawn of the dead” by does it offend you yeah?, “disturbia” by rihanna, “dragula” by rob zombie, “miss murder” by afi, “nighttiming” by coconut records
and yeah, like a true geek i giggled at how some good party songs were also halloweeny (think “when did your heart go missing?” by rooney)..
December 29th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Great names for your playlists. A recent one I made was ‘An Itchy Friday’…feeling unsettled to say the least:
Nick Cave: Cabin Fever!
The piano theme from ‘The Conversation’
Aphex Twin’s mad redo of bowie’s Heroes with Philip Glass (this will MAKE you itchy.)
Magazine: Permafrost
&…Flat Duo Jets! Scratch scratch!!
January 2nd, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Try “The Beatsteaks”
My favourites are:
I Don’t Care As Long As You Sing
Hello Joe
Jane Became Insane
In The Meantime
Why? First: they’re from Berlin, second: the leadsinger rocks and last but not least: great rock music, full of energy
Greetings from Berlin
January 4th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Interesting!
Joe, please take my advice and check out these tracks / artists, most of which originate from my native British Isles (the epicentre of good music, as everyone knows!).
Trust me, one day you will thank me!
Funeral For A Friend – Into Oblivion
– Walk Away
– Streetcar
– Bend your arms to Look like Wings
Stereophonics – Dakota
– Carrot cake & Wine
– The bartender and the thief
Snow Patrol – Chocolate
– Run
– You’re all I have
– Hands Open
– Chasing cars
– Take the city
The Ataris – So Long Astoria (2003, album)
Zebrahead – Anthem
Finally, if you like AC/DC, their new album (Black Ice) is probably their best work since ‘Razor’s Edge’.
Peace and love,
Rock on…
January 4th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Joe and friends, do yourselves a favor and check these out (band / track).
Trust me, you will be thanking me in droves…
Funeral for a Friend – Into Oblivion
Funeral for a Friend – streetcar
Funeral for a friend – Bend your arms to look like wings
Stereophonics – Dakota
Stereophonics – Carrot cake & Wine
Snow Patrol – Chocolate
Snow Patrol – You’re all I have
Snow Patrol – Take Back the City
Snow Patrol – Run
Zebrahead – Anthem
Bouncing Souls – Gone
The Ataris – So Long Astoria (album)
Peace & Love,
Rock on…
February 6th, 2009 at 7:24 am
Swerve to the Obscure ( A List of Great Little Known Bands and some songs)
Can’t Afford to Live Here by The Aquarium
Ma Jolie by Bear vs. Shark
Angel on Hiatus by Benton Falls
Spun by The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Let’s Throw Knives by Desert City Soundtrack
Dinner with the President by The Evens (ft. Ian Mackaye of Fugazi)
Songs for Friends to Me by Faraquet
Chains by The Fire Theft
Balloons by Foals
Secrets by French Toast
Chesterfield Kings by Jawbreaker
Yellow Lights Mean Slow Down, Not Speed Up by Logh
I Saw the Devil Last Night by Moros Eros
We Are Not a Football Team by Minus the Bear
Summer Babe by Pavement
Fortress by Pinback
Soft Pyraminds by Q and Not U
Barnacles by Ugly Cassanova
July 6th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
I didn’t know you could MAKE playlists in iTunes, not that I’d know how, but I have three very distinct types of music and then audio CD’s of poems I like. Also verses from the Poetry Laureate CD’s for my Poetry Course I’ve been taking. I also have poems of my own creation on CD.
The music groups are heavy metal, alternative (that’s what iTunes calls Barenaked ladies), 60′s and 80′s tunes, and I think what is known as punk rock (Capital Lights and Blink 182.) I have everything Blink 182 and Barnaked Ladies made. Green Day and Metallica (up to 1990) too.
I also have holiday and Christian Praise songs.
I have the music my daughter’s dad made in a special section, and I still haven’t been able to play it very much. I have to be in the exact right mood before I can hear his voice without getting too emotional.
The poetry is a wide range b/c it’s for my course, and they’ve included everything from Shakespeare’s Sonnets to 20th Century poetry like Edna St. Vincent Millay’s ‘Never May The Fruit Be Plucked.’
I can’t stand Robert Frost’s ‘Mending Wall,’ which took me forever to come up with a meaning and which they told me was wrong and counted as a mark against me when they graded it.
My friend, who’s had enough college to earn a Ph.D., asked me how Poetry Interpretation can be wrong.
“I don’t know,” I said. “I guess if THEY think its wrong, it is.”
“That’s why I took science,” he said. “You can’t be wrong about scientifically accepted theories.”
“You also can’t be imaginative,” I said and told him what Edgar Allan Poe thought about what Science does to imagination.
He was stunned, as if he’d heard this news for the first time.
“Didn’t you take ANY literature in college?”
“No,” he said. “It was hellish enough in high school.”
I’ve never had more college than Prehospital Care, which is focused on an area of study. A professor at the University told me this in tones of disdain. I got the impression she preferred to avoid people with Areas of a single study.
She made no secret of liking a “well-rounded” education, which she spoke of in a near-reverent voice.
My partner, who’s been a paramedic for 20 years, said “Tell her you prefer edges to your roundness.”
He’s so hilarious. He ALWAYS makes me laugh, even when I think I never will again.
May 3rd, 2010 at 2:49 am
Greetings, I often read your blog.I love it, you take a look at anything from sport, news, entertainment, adult topics or just general topics. Sustain the nice work. Perhaps you have thought about blogging for money?
July 29th, 2010 at 9:33 am
In my opinion Christina Aguillera makes too much sommercials songs And she sold 42 millions albums worldwide. She can sing contemporary R&B, gospel, pop rock, hip hop, soul, and balladry. She is the best !