Pretending is posh. We all love to do it. So just for today I'm putting on my best coked-out celebrity impression and serving you up the greatest gift ever: my completely pretentious and at times contrived iTunes celebrity playlist. Seriously, how many songs do you think these people a.) chose themselves b.) listen to on a regular basis c.) select out of hipster obligation? I don't know where an individual celeb's music taste begins and the image they're trying to portray ends... You listen to Miles Davis, Nick Cave, Jeff Buckley, and MGMT? We get it, you're cultured and yet also cool. Oh and yes, that's a nice big picture of my face on the right to go along with my selections. I got to do it up just like my money loving friends @ Apple.
Lydia's "I'm Effortlessly Cultured & Cool" (and Coked Out) Celebrity Playlist
But seriously, these are some of my favorite tracks. And my publicist didn't have to tell me so...
1. Otis Redding - That's How Strong My Love Is
I hesitate to say "greatest recording ever" because of the finality implied in that statement. But I will say this track literally moves my heart each time it's played. The very epitome of love song, Otis's earth-shattering declaration of sentiment inspires my faith in music, and men.
2. The Clash - Clampdown
My all-time favorite band, and favorite album. With lyrical content beyond the zeitgeist, London Calling defines punk-rock with it's politically-charged rebelliousness. Joe Strummer is a cultural icon, self-proclaimed punk-rock warlord, and my personal hero. I miss him everyday.
For only being around about 10 years, their music is both groundbreaking and timeless. This live track shocks me into silence with its beauty.
4. The Smiths - There is a Light That Never Goes Out
Another legendary group - God Bless the Queen. Anyone who can inspire romanticism with lyrics about dying in a horrific car accident deserves props.
5. The Magnetic Fields - I Think I Need a New Heart
Stephen is a genius. This set - 69 songs in all - was so conceptually brilliant it changed my entire outlook on "love song." Some people can say more than enough in 27 seconds.
I didn't even know what my ears were hearing before I loved this experimental/prog rock. Even more amazing is the blitzfest that is their live show. You won't know what hit you...
7. Animal Collective - Peacebone
8. Sam Cooke - Nothing Can Change This Love
Once I dupe some poor sap into marrying me, this will be our first dance. I plan on emphasizing the "Leave me and run" part for my hubby in case he needs an escape clause. Sam Cooke is up there with my all time favorites. Everything he touches turns to instant classic.
Some haters try and deny it, but Pablo Honey changed alternative music forever. Thom Yorke and the boys lent even more awesomeness to Baz Luhrman's stunning Romeo & Juliet.
10. JR Walker and the All-Stars - Shotgun
Further proof I should have been born in the 1960's.
11. Ray Charles - Hallelujah I Love Her So
I gotta go out for my Seattle friends. This album was beyond huge on it's own, but when it made No. 53 on KEXP listener's list of Top 903 albums, their success only solidified. Built to Spill I wanted you on here too - you know I love you.
13. Mavis Staples - We Shall Not Be Moved
14. Nina Simone - Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out
Besides no one being able to TOUCH Nina on the talent front, can't we all relate to these lyrics?
15. TV on the Radio - Stork & Owl
Another amazing album from start to finish. Still, more powerful is the memory I have of my mother singing this one to me everyday before school. She knew her voice wasn't beautiful, but it was the sentiment, and the message of the song more than made up for it.
17. The Rolling Stones - Brown Sugar
Dad needs a place on my list too. I've never met anyone who knows more about 1960's music then his encyclopedia of a brain. I'm so thankful he can relive some of the magic of that decade with me; his favorite band, his favorite rock song of all time being a good start.
19. Gang of Four - Damaged Goods
It was really difficult to decide between tracks on Entertainment!. This is one CD I picked up in a quirky used store and never looked back.
20. Brenda Holloway - Every Little Bit Hurts
I don't know much about Brenda other than she was beautiful, underrated, and makes my heart break for her in under 3 minutes.
21. The Kills - Getting Down
Tribalisitic rock as my dad calls it, The Kills have the "return to golden times" in rock n roll feel about them that's hard to ignore, even if you wanted to.
22. Bruce Springsteen - For You
Whatever female masochism I possess makes me love this song. Every girl wants someone to save them from themselves at some point in their existence (Don't lie); it doesn't hurt if that someone is sexy 1984 tight-denim dressing Bruce Springsteen.
24. Neutral Milk Hotel - Oh Comely
I think this record changes the life of whoever covets it.
Yeah, it's a long one. But for today I'm famous and I can do whatever the "F" I want. Pass me some more of the good stuff Lohan...
Peace, Love, and Total Pretension,
LTK
