What good is romance in America if there isn’t a mixtape to express said feelings? In honor of Valentine’s day, here’s a little mix for you all… and it ain’t all emo (remember, blues and rock were wearing themes of love and romance quite well and long before emo came through). Enjoy:
1. Volcano, I’m Still Excited!! – “Trunk of My Car“
What a build up and a great song…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOI9KWjYfqE]
2. The Cure – “Close To Me“
Duh… with an irresistible beat and lyrics that fit perfectly with the theme, you can’t go wrong here.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d4-pDw_dHw]
3. Andrew W.K. – “She Is Beautiful“
Sure, it’s a bit gender-biased, but this song rips!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZyhB1-Yb4U]
4. Oh No! Oh My! – “Oh Be One“
Repetition does the trick here…
No media currently available for this song. Sorry!
5. Nina Simone – “I Love Your Lovin’ Ways“
Nothing wrong with a classic.
No media currently available for this song. Sorry!
6. The Faces – “Stay With Me“
Ditto.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0T9Ag7Co5Q]
7. Chef – “Simultaneous“
Nothing wrong with a bit of humor either…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QHL_JkVgj8]
8. Head Automatica – “Beating Heart Baby“
The dude from Glassjaw, the producer from so many great hip-hop albums, and one hell of a record…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQFOiCnuX98]
9. Dinosaur Jr. – “Sludgefeast“
According to Our Band Could Be Your Life, most Dinosaur Jr. songs are about J’s longing for companionship, but this is the one that’s the kicker.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnImVkzEzI8]
10. TV on the Radio – “Ambulance“
One hell of a haunting song, and one of their best to boot.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiHPldMq0Bc]
11. Friendly Fires – “Paris“
Everything about this song has an element of romantic longing, from the title (Paris is the city of romance) right down to the lyrics.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSdeDJUxF-0]
12. Muscles – “Chocolate Raspberry Lemon and Lime“
Short, sweet pop song about love, with metaphors!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whkInc1QfOs]
13. OutKast – “Happy Valentine’s Day“
Great and funky way to knock home the theme o’ the mix.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRwYjcMFIV0]
14. The Pixies – “La La Love You“
Apparently this song was made as something of a joke, but it’s so damn adorable and great.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IyC6BQqkms&feature=related]
15. The Promise Ring – “Red & Blue Jeans“
Simple and catchy, right down to the repeated “do dos” like a Motown chorus line.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9lZ7anrKPE]
16. Eagles of Death Metal – “Speaking In Tongues“
“I Only Want You” is too easy, and this song seems to bubble with more sexual proclivity than some of their other songs (and that’s saying a lot).
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__uekZ9v95U]
17. Spiritualized – “Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space“
A simple mantra, an unforgettable song.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWAKmzahiYU]
18. Lucero – “Mine Tonight“
Nothing like the age old tale of a hard working American coming home to the one he/she loves…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKvQF4EeT0I]
19. Sunny Day Real Estate – “Guitar and Video Games“
Tales from the bedroom, and updated with references to teenage-friendly technology.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L29MXPm4UFE]
20. The Beta Band – “Dry The Rain“
Slow grooving song that ends with “I need love,” provides a good end note for this mix.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s5xnh6t-wE]
