Got love waking up on a Saturday and being ready for the day…which I totally wasn’t. If I’m entirely honest, I was pretty much out of it with exhaustion for the first hour or so. So here’s hoping this playlist hits me quickly and wakes me up.
1. Just Like Heaven – The Cure
So catchy and so fun. This may be one of the most upbeat The Cure songs ever, and easily one of my favorites. Lyrically, this is a summer song, reminding me of every story of fast-paced summer love I’ve ever seen in films, read about, or even listened to friends gab on about forever.
2. The One I Love – R.E.M.
This is a pretty dark song, and the irony is, tons of people are like, “Oh, it’s so romantic.” Not really. I really love this song, just because it is so subtle in its brutality. There is a savage hatred towards love, but it’s not done in the same aggressive style many songwriters approach it with.
3. Fairytale of New York – The Pogues
I adore this song. I featured it on the Planet Stereo St. Patrick’s Day playlist because a) it’s by an Irish group, and b) it’s amazing. I love the banter between Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl. I also find it brilliant that this is a Christmas song!
4. Paradise City – Guns N’ Roses
This song plays at the gym all the time, so I do have a bit of a soft spot for it. It’s unfairly catchy, meaning that even if you wanted to despise it, you couldn’t. I have no shame in admitting that I sing this at the top of my lungs quite happily. The screeching vocals on this track are amazing.
5. Never Let Me Down Again – Depeche Mode
A bit darker in comparison to Depeche Mode’s earlier works. In all truth, I find it more enjoyable, and most likely for that reason.
6. Faith – George Michael
Another one of my favorite songs of all time. In all truth, if this doesn’t make you want to sing and dance with a huge grin on your face, you are officially crazy. It starts off with a fast-paced acoustic guitar and only goes from there. It is perfection.
7. Need You Tonight – INXS
Now this is one of those tracks you are convinced you’ll hate, but always enjoy. It always makes me smile, because I think of that scene from Coyote Ugly. There is a desperation to it, but it’s approached so casually that it’s striking and somewhat brilliant.
8. With or Without You – U2
I love this song. Seriously, adore it. It’s a classic. From the heartfelt, conflicting lyrics to the fabulous instrumental, what’s not to love? It’s the torment of the narrator, whether it’s Bono, Rachel and/or Ross on Friends, or even an artist giving the song ago, the emotion of this song is easily conveyed. For me, this will always be special to me, because it is the first official music video I ever assisted on. I spent the day with an incredible group of people to make the video below happen, and I’m very proud to say I was a part (albeit small) of it.
9. Freak Scene – Dinosaur Jr.
I was more surprised that I actually knew this song than I was anything else. It’s noisy and has an early grunge/alternative-rock feel to it, with a melodic edge. I like the almost tangible frustration that is evident throughout the track. And can we also take a moment to appreciate one hell of a guitar solo?
10. Follow The Leader – Eric B. & Rakim
Lots of James Brown samples, which is probably not a bad thing. Ever. I actually enjoy this song. It’s definitely got a “get off your ass and get what you want” vibe to it, which I’ll always favor in songs. It helps that the spitfire rhymes on this track are quick-witted enough to hold my interest.
Overall, a pretty good playlist today. I was happy for the more rock and roll focus, as well as how some of my favorites just happened to be slipped in. It definitely geared me up for the day ahead.
After listening to the playlist, I went to do a photoshoot for my friend, and country singer/songwriter, Jesse Winslow, and I think it worked out pretty well. Here’s two of the final shots:
Planet Stereo 