Happy Valentine's Day, people of the world!
For February's playlist I sought out songs that have an older rock & roll sound and lyrics that are ostensibly about "love" but are actually completely incomprehensible.
Off the bat we have Siouxsie and the Banshees' "Hong Kong Garden" that is mostly a nonsensical song but oh so much fun. I'm considering making the track my alarm.
The Runaways' "Lovers" is my favorite track on this playlist. It captures the intensity of loud, guitar-driven rock. Each time I listen to the track I hear more vulnerability and honesty in the shifting melodies that stands out against the rawness of the guitar riffs.
"Dancing in the Blue Lagoon" makes me want to jump on a plane to Cozumel but also to a casino to find love but also not because there might be snakes but you might find love but also casinos and gambling in general gross me out.
The next two tracks -- "Is it any wonder?" and "Never be another you" -- are the most coherent of the tracks. Motown fans will love Durand Jones & The Indications new take on rhythms and themes of 1960 jazz/R&B hits. Be sure to then compare the vocals and melodies to a true stalwart of the era, Lee Fields.
We bring back the nonsense with The Bees' "I love you". I have no idea what they mean by " You're charming in my thoughts/ With the magic that you brought" but I like it -- BIG MOOD.
We end the playlist with a magical collaboration between Bobby Caldwell (yes, that Bobby Caldwell) and my beau Mayer Hawthorne (full disclosure Mayer Hawthorne and I are not currently nor have we ever been in a relationship). These two powerhouse vocalists produced my favorite track on the "Cool Uncle" album -- a 2015 collaboration between Bobby Caldwell and Jack Splash. There's a fullness to this track that I find extremely alluring and I hope you do too.
So for this Valentine's day, relax into some love and some nonsense.
- Leslie
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