Celebrity Playlist
Ever since iTunes came on the scene, the “Celebrity Playlists” have held my attention quite a bit. I find the concept intriguing and not just because I love, say, Kate Hudson’s taste in music (seriously, it’s…wonderful?), but because I like the idea of condensing the music one likes to what has been most significant in one’s life. I hope that’s what our celebrities do anyway.
When it comes down to it, Celebrity Playlists are just for promoting iTunes’ library sales (now pricing tracks at an apocalyptic $1.29), but I often think about the other side of things. What if “Hey, this is Steve from iTunes” called after I made it big and asked, “Could you get together some songs for a Dylan Self playlist we’d like to advertise?”
I’d be obliged to do so Steve. Here’s what I got:
“The Leaving Song Pt. II” -A.F.I. A.F.I. is a huge part of my musical past that I cannot forget no matter how hard I may try sometimes. This song, however, isn’t half bad in my book and the music video is still one of my favorites- the motions of the band have a very theatrical element.
“Casanova 70” -Air Air is the closest you can get to contemporary jazz without losing your cool. The last minute and a half of this song is way too sexy for me to listen to. Someone once told me that, “I am this song,” while I was nodding my head to Casanova 70. She didn’t know how big of a compliment (and a lie) that was.
“Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)” -Arcade Fire The emotion Arcade Fire catches with their music is so rare. And pure. I have a very fond memory of driving through the snow in my neighborhood with this song playing.
“Horses in the Sky” -The Sound of Animals Fighting This song helped me realize that I can appreciate discomfort in art. Something about it is so diverting. It’s like the song challenged me and said, “Hey, figure me out. What do I MEAN?”
“All is Full of Love” -Bjork The original version of this song, as heard on the music video, is absolutely beautiful. The beat gives it such a modern feel, the harp and strings make it so melodious and elegant, and Bjork’s arrhythmic vocals are so fascinating.
“I Gaer” -Sigur Ros Although picking just one Sigur Ros song out of their life-changing selection is aggravating, I’m comfortable enough with this one. The reason is because the first time you hear this song you’re in for a good surprise. Make sure the volume is loud.
“Dragonfly” -My Brightest Diamond Shara Worden’s voice is glamorous. This song is pleasant and romantic.
“Life in Technicolor II” -Coldplay Probably my favorite Coldplay song. It’s music like this that keeps me from worrying that all the good melodies were used up in the 20th century. This song has brought me close to tears.
“Paranoid Android” -Radiohead This is the song that got me into Radiohead. It has such an experimental vibe and the guitar solos are so harsh and brazen. It’s a genius piece of music. And really, really weird.
“Claire De Lune” -Isao Tomita I was a little disappointed to hear Claire de Lune played on piano because this is the version I knew first and for me there’s little comparison. This is the most beautiful use of synthesizers I have ever heard. It comes off so cinematic and classical. “Arabesque No. 1” is just as amazing.
“All Along the Watchtower” -The Jimi Hendrix Experience Jimi has always been my favorite behind all my other favorites. This song shows off his innovation among other things. What he has done for rock music is like what the moon has done for the sky.
“Learning to Fly” -Tom Petty My dad would sometimes take me flying in a Cessna or Piper when I was little. When we were getting ready he would play this song. Superlative sentiment.
“Fix You” -Coldplay //:ERROR-117 NOT FOUND
“Good Times, Bad Times” -Led Zeppelin No single song has influenced my drumming more than this one. And rightfully so. All hail John Bonham’s right foot. And Jimmy Paige too.
“Sick Sad Little World” -Incubus The verses of this song (or whatever they are) feel so raw, almost violent and the bridge of this song showcases the zenith of Incubus’s artistry. I have been lucky enough to see it live and it is seriously chilling.
“Cygnus…Vismund Cygnus” -The Mars Volta Almost everything I love about the Mars Volta comes out in this song- the bombastic rhythm, the intense guitar lines. This piece inspires one to dance like a shaman.
“Flashlight” -Parliament I am fully aware of how ridiculous it is that I love this song. Despite being quintessentially white, no song makes me want to get down on the dance floor more than this one. If only I could…
“Butterflies and Hurricanes” -Muse The live performance of this song at Wembley Stadium is absolutely awe-inspiring. Muse is my favorite band.
