news article
The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Mixes
Originally published 02/14/2014.
“Don’t be a Valentines creep. Play these indie, lo-fi, and rock love beats for your sweet” By: DJ Handsome Atom
(Listen to the mix here!)
Track: Artist: Album: Label
1. Dream About Me: The Depreciation Guild: Spirit Youth: Kanine Records
2. Shapeless & Gone: Porcelain Raft: Strange Weekend: Secretly Canadian
3. Crush: Sleigh Bells: Reign Of Terror: Mom + Pop Music
4. Where I’m Going: Cut Copy: Need You Now / Where I’m Going: Modular Recordings
5. High School Lover: Cayucas: Bigfoot: Secretly Canadian
6. Green Eyes: Wavves: King Of The Beach: Fat Possum
7. Would You Be My Love: Ty Segall: Twins: Drag City
8. Bedroom Eyes: Dum Dum Girls: Only In Deams: Sub Pop Records
9. Wings: Haerts: Hemiplegia: Columbia
10. Nightmares: The Love Language: The Love Language & Spider Bags Reatard Split 7”: Tangible Formats
Mix By: Adam Smith
1. Tom Waits – “Downtown Train”, Raindogs
2. Townes Van Zandt– “I’ll be here in the morning”, Townes Van Zandt
3. Jens Lekman– “Into Eternity”, Night Falls Over Kortedala
4. Mum– “The Ghosts You Draw On My Back”, Summer Make Good
5. Freddie Nunez– “Save The World”, Runaway
6. Bjork– “Hyperballad”, Post
7. The Pastels– “Love It’s Getting Better”, Worlds Of Possibility
8. Rowlf The Dog– “You and I and George”, ‘Ol Brown Ears is Back
“I Love Rebecca Valentine’s Day Mix <3” By: Hannah Strumwasser
1. “I Remember You” Rilo Kiley, RKives
This song always reminds me of Rebecca because we used to talk about it as we strolled the streets of Paris.
2. Nothing Better The Postal Service, Give Up
This song brings back beautiful memories of making beautiful… music with Rebecca.
3. You Can’t Hurry Love The Supremes
I know this to be true, because I have known Rebecca since freshman year, and our love only blossomed this past year.
4. Drunk In Love Beyonce
I think this is pretty self-explanatory.
5. Breakin’ Up Rilo Kiley
This song brings back so many memories of singing and dancing with my two Rebeccas.
6. Whatever You Like Anya Marina
Once again, self-explanatory.
7. Valentine Fiona Apple
Happy Valentine’s Day, babez!
8. Parachute Heart Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
I’ll be your parachute, Rebecca.
9. Comme des enfants Coeur de pirate
Une chanson d’amour en français!
10. Forever & Always Taylor Swift
This song reminds of the time I spent in France with my valentine, Rebecca <3
Mix By: Sista Sol
1. Babe I’m Gonna Leave you- Led Zeppelin
2. I never loved a man the way I loved you- Aretha Franklin
3. I’ll love you more than you’ve ever known- Amy wine house
4. Velours Perfect- Old Pirate
5. How come you never go there- Feist
6. For Emma – Bon Iver
Mix By: Crimewave
1. Lata Mangeshkar -“Pyar Kiya Tho Darna Kiya”, off of the Mughal E Azam OST
2. Elliott Smith -“Pretty (Ugly Before)”, off of From A Basement On The Hill
3. Merchandise -“Anxiety’s door”, off of Total Nite
4. White Ring -“Eternia”, off of a KEXP session
5. Crystal Castles -“Love & Caring”, off of Crystal Castles I
Mix By: Rebecca Sicile-Kira
1. Devendra Banhart – “Baby”
Almost every track Devendra touches has a romantic undertone to it, but this track cuts straight to the point. This song makes me want to tell everyone in the world how I feel about them, all while dancing.
2. Dogbreth – “Yer Smile”
An endearing, two-minute power-pop song. Sometimes short and sweet is all that you need.
3. The Mountain Goats – “Going to Georgia”
Personally, I’ve never thought of John Darnielle’s voice as very romantic, but the feeling of desperation I get from this track warms my heart.
4. Carlz Barkley – “Andy”
Rumor has it that this song is about a dog, but does that make the love any less real?
5. M. Ward – “Fool Says”
Just when you have given up on love, it comes and slaps you right in the face.
6. Jenny Lewis – “You Are What You Love”
Jenny Lewis could be singing about a car crash and I’d still be swooning over her voice. A car crash is not too far off from this track’s subject as Lewis sings of the futile search for meaning as a relationship is running towards a wall. I dare you to find me a better line than “You are what you love, and not what loves you back”.
7. Belle & Sebastian – “Little Lou, Ugly Jack, Prophet John (Feat. Norah Jones)”
What’s the point of a love song if it’s not at least a little bit melancholy? I’ve been on a huge Belle & Sebastian kick lately, and completely forgot about this song. I am a total sucker for alternating male/female vocals, and Norah Jones kills it on this track. Even without the lyrics, the music gives off a fleeting love vibe. I’m definitely a fan of sad love songs, and this one is currently taking the cake.
8. Bonnie Tyler – “Total Eclipse of the Heart”
Arguably the best karaoke song of all time, “Total Eclipse of the Heart” is a timeless classic. Sure, it is not technically a “love song”, but tell me you haven’t felt empowered screaming “I really need you tonight”. This song lets those who are broken-hearted feel like desperation is acceptable, at least for 5 minutes and 32 seconds.
Mix By: Sugar
1. Big Boi – “She Said OK”
2. Khia– “My Neck My Back”
3. Brooke Candy – “I Wanna Fuck Right Now”
4. Shawnna– “Gettin’ Some Head”
5. Juvenile– “Back That Ass Up”
6. R. Kelly– “Step in the Name of Love”
Mix By: Johnathen Duran
1. A Fine Frenzy, “Almost Lover”
2. Bright Eyes, “First Day of My Life”
3.Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse, “Little Girl”
4.Handsome Boy Modeling School, “I’ve Been Thinking”
5. Jaymay, “Gray or Blue”
6. Louis Armstrong, “Stardust”
7. Sade; “By Your Side”
8. Sia; “Breathe Me”
9. Avett Brothers; “All My Mistakes”
10. Joshua Radin, “Sundrenched World”
Mix By: Amanda Brindle
1.” Smile” by Rebecca Zapen from the album Japanese Bathhouse
This adorable duet shows how you can find love just about anywhere. Great ukulele and tap dancing in the background.
2.”Nothing Came Out” by the Moldy Peaches from the album The Moldy Peaches
Another adorable duet, this one between Kimya Dawson and Adam Green about the awkward stages of like and love.
3. “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds from the album Rockin’ The Suburbs
A beautiful love song by piano aficionado Ben Folds. Beautiful piano and strings.
4. “5 Years Time” by Noah and the Whale from the album Peaceful, the World Lays me Down
Before the heartbreaking departure of Laura Marling from the band (which led to their depressing, heartbreaking, and completely loveless album First Days of Spring), Noah and the Whale’s female vocalist teamed with Charlie Fink in this fabulous dating song.
5. “Everyone Needs Love” by The Origin from the album The Origin
Because everyone needs love, according to this awesome, mellow band from the 90’s.
6. “I Was Made For You” by She and Him from the album Volume One
A catchy tune by Zooey Deschanel, perfect for couples and Valentine’s day.
7. “What Did I Do” by the Sinking Ships from the album Out of Key Harmony
This band has kick ass female vocals, and this song is just about being thankful for the love you have.
Mix By: Nate Kommoju
1. “the heart you stole from me” – maxine sullivan & john kirby – more 1940-1941
2. “all of me” – billie holiday – all of me
3. “it’s love i’m after” – mildred bailey – mrs. swing
4. “they say” – helen forrest – i had the craziest dream
5. “a good man is hard to find” – marion harris – a good man is hard to find
6. “candy girl” – trailer trash tracys – ester
7. “a feeling like this” – blouse – imperium
8. “in the dark” – nite jewel – one second of love
9. “if you still want me” – veronica falls – waiting for something to happen
10. “trouble” – hope sandoval & the warm inventions – through the devil softly
11. “she comes alive” – beliefs – beliefs
12. “love me like you used to” – class actress – rapprocher
“*~(proto-)shibuya-kei romance~*” By: Kelp
1. Pizzicato Five – The Sound of Music (Romantique 96)
2. Flipper’s Guitar – Young, Alive, in Love (Camera Talk)
3. Cornelius – The Love Parade (The First Question Award)
4. Kahimi Karie – Still Be Your Girl (Girly)
5. Fantastic Plastic Machine – There Must Be an Angel (Playing with my Heart) (Luxury)
“ミ☆seal the deal with city pop ★ミ” By: Kelp
1. Kadomatsu Toshiki – Take Me Far Away (On the City Shore)
2. Yoshida Minako – Love Shower (Light’n Up)
3. Rajie – Heart to Heart (Heart to Heart)
4. ANRI – Driving my Love (Timely!!)
5. Chikada Haruo – Electric Love Story (Natural Beauty)
6. C-C-B – Romantic ga tomaranai (single)
Mix By: Robyne Fawx
1. David Rea – “Hazel & Charlie”
2. The Rude Girls – “Rufus & Beverly”
3. Carla Sciaky – “Gladys & Harley”
4. “Kisses Sweeter Than Wine” — many, many artists: The Weavers, Pete Seeger, Aoife Clancy, and more
Mix By: Mason Mara- Randazzo
1. The Platters – “You’ll Never Know” [Single]
Sometimes the hardest part of love is getting started.
2. Why? – “GM Hearts AB” [Golden Tickets]
A true story culled by the songwriter from social media, GM and AB meet online and fall in love. A genuine twenty-first century love song.
3. DJ Jimni Cricket – “The Purring Guide” [Single]
Not just Love, but Peace, Unity and Respect, too. Can’t beat it.
4. ミラクルミュージカル – Dream Sweet in Sea Major [Hawaii: Part II]
Lots of whimsical imagery and French. Defintiely love.
5. Hunx and His Punx – Lover’s Lane [Too Young To Be In Love]
A harkening back to 1950s high school romance–except flamboyantly gay. Plus, crazy good backup vocals from Shannon Shaw of Shannon and the Clams.
6. Spiritualized – “Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space” [Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space]
A bunch of lovelorn voices in your head.
7. Xxyyxx – Tied2u [Xxyyxx]
It’s not always the end just because you split up.
“Love Songs” By: Meagan Faller
(stream this mix here!)
1. Sam Cooke – “Cupid”
2. Nancy Sinatra – “The Shadow of Your Smile”
3. Frank Sinatra – “Why Can’t We Be Friends”
4. Roy Orbison – “Crying”
5. Pete Seeger – “Buffalo Gals”
6. Big Mama Thorton – “Big Mama’s Blues (My Love)”
7. The Beatles – “While My Guitar Gentle Weeps”
8. Serge Gainsbourg – “La Javanaise”
9. Dion – “Love Came to Me”
10. Elvis Presly – “Love Me Tender”
11. Leadbelly – “Careless Love”
12. Leonard Cohen – “I’m Your Man”
13. Bob Dylan – “Love Minus Zero/No Limit”
14. The Doors – “Hello, I Love You”
15. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – “This Life”
16. Karen O – “The Moon Song”
17. Woody Allen – “Annie Hall Bridge Scene”
Mix By: Felonius Nap
Artist Song (Album)
1. 764– “Hero Loaded Painted Red” – (Get Here And Stay)
2. The Black Keys – “You’re The One ” – (Magic Potion)
3. Luna Malibu – “Love Nest” – (Rendezvous)
4. The Raconteurs – “Together” – (Broken Boy Soldiers)
5, Foals – “Balloons” – (Antidotes)
6. Los Campesinos – “By Your Hand” – (Hello Sadness)
7. Metronomy – “Back On the Motorway” – (Nights Out)
8. Badbadnotgood – “Fall In Love” – (BBNG)
“My Mushy Love Mixxx” By: Dj fran’badu
(Artist, Track, Album)
1. Tsunami Bomb – “Mushy Love Song” – B-Movie Queens EP
2. Carla Morrison – “Compartir” Mientras Tú Dormías
3. Café Tacvba – “Eres” – Cuatro Caminos
4. Beirut – “Postcards From Italy” – -Gulag Orkestar
5. Rhye – “The Fall” – Woman
6. Jackson 5 – “Who’s Loving You” – Anthology: Jackson 5
7. Blu & Exile – “LoveLine(s),DedicatedToLastFe’vrier” – Radio
8. Miguel ft. J. Cole – “All I Want Is You” All I Want Is You
9. Lauryn Hill – “Ex-Factor” – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
10. Erykah Badu – “Out My Mind, Just In Time” – New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh
Mix By: DJ Meow Mix
1.” When U Love Somebody”
Fruit Bats
Mouthfuls
I get more from the instrumentals of this song than the lyrics. They kind of tell a story, a story of getting onto a Berkeley shuttle, into a random person’s car, just so you can travel x amount of miles to see the one you love. You almost forget what you’re doing and what you’re leaving behind. It’s just what tends to happen when you love somebody and it’s almost scary.
2. “I’d Rather Dance With You”
Kings of Convenience
I’d Rather Dance With You
Some people might get offended if you tell them that you’d rather dance with them than talk to them. But sometimes I think dancing can be more intimate than conversation. Anyone can join in on a conversation. But when two people are dancing away to “Jerk It Out” and they are vibing off of how weird they must look, that’s something that can’t be intruded upon.
3. “Sweetheart”
M. Ward (feat. Zooey Deschanel)
A Wasteland Companion
His voice, is all I have to say.
4. “Sea of Love”
Cat Power
The Covers Record
I used to play this game with my sister where we’d try to compete and say we love each other a certain number. For example, I’d say “I love you 4,249,166.” I would have won if I’d said “I love you as much as the sea.”
5. “Butterfly”
Crazy Town
The Gift of Game
It’s not love if there’s no passion. This song is passion. It currently holds first place for the first dance song at my wedding.
Mix By: Milson Tisdale
1. Jodeci – “Forever My Lady
“so you’re having my baby and it means so much to me; there’s nothing more precious than to raise a family” This song really happened to me. Best thing that ever happened to me, besides getting that Led Zeppelin tattoo removed from my lower back. Wear protection kids!
2. Mark Tucker – “Sideways Love Forever”
So… this guy made this privately released album about the love of his car, and possibly his ex- gf. This is an every-persons song, meaning: every person can write a song, and this song is proof. Now we know the inspiration for R. Kelly’s “You Remind Me of Something (My Jeep).”
3. R. Kelly – “Cookie”
Well, after the baby, we never did get married, but the family is precious. Ya’ll get cravings, right!? This song is how I feel about the old late snack. They make all kinds of Oreos these days: watermelon, cotton candy, candy corn… I prefer the double stuff… CLASSIC!
4. R. Stevie Moore – “I Want You In My Life” –
lo-fi, kind of like the love I share with my significant other… what is lo-fidelity love you ask? dirty, muddy, spontaneous love, recorded on two-tracks, and one of the tracks keeps dropping out…
5. Yoko Ono – “Let Me Count the Ways”
a lot of our special relationship is like a John/Yoko parody… I broke up her band but turned her onto mind-altering drugs… I don’t know if that is how the story goes, but this is a sweet little song that reminds me of enduring love throughout life’s incessant tragedy.
6. Fleetwood Mac – “You Make Loving Fun”
This is a beer-in-hand good time jam for all… totally cool to do the air-guitar part while you’re at a wedding reception: I’ve seen it like 15 times or so. It never gets old. The guests, however, keep getting older.
7. Bobb B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans – “Not To Young to Get Married”
You’re never too young or too old to get married. A Phil Spector produced gem that is just fun, fun, fun… Take my advice, get a prenup and head for that infamous chapel in Reno. While you’re there, hit up Circus Circus for the tiger on a motorcycle performance.
8. Big Star – “I’m In Love With A Girl” –
When we do get married, can we have this song performed by a kazoo orchestra? Happy Valentine’s Day, Candice. I love you!
Mix By: Tom De La Mora (TJ)
1. The Ropers – Waiting – Sunbathe 7″, 1992, and The Ropers self-titled CD, 1994
2. Fever Blanket – Day Dream – unknown, I found it on YouTube,
(a nice pop-style song about a guy head-over heels for a girl)
3. Brothers In Law – A Magic – Hard Times For Dreamers
(catchy guitar and echo vocals drew me in)
4. Lush – For love – Spooky
(one of those songs instantly liked when first heard, sad)
5. Johnny Mathis – Misty – from his single issued 1959
(a classic song which I like because of his smooth delivery and music)
6. Sergei Rachmaninoff – 2nd Piano Concerto
(the piano creates a very romantic piece, this was a favorite of my father’s who shared it with me and I took a girl to a concert of this music on our first date, she would eventually marry me.)