A VD CD
By Rebecca the Bookseller and Music Lover
It's that time of year. Time to prepare for VD and all it entails.
I'm talking, of course, about Valentine's Day. Get ready, cats and kittens, make sure you've got your Penicillin 'script filled, and pay attention.
I am making a Valentine's Day Music CD, and I need your help. OK - let's be honest - I really don't - but I've spent so freakin' much time on this project that I'm using it as a blog topic. And I am interested in your choices, especially if you share why the song is so, uh, moving, to you.
Now, there are two kinds of VD songs: the songs you have sung for the first dance at your wedding and the songs that would get you detention from Sister Mary Chastity. Nice wedding songs first.
I did a thoroughly unscientific survey of men and women of various ages and in various locations in order to get a good mix, otherwise, you'd be looking at a list that included pretty much George Benson and Michael Buble. OK, and at least one Frank and a John Mayer. The working list is now over 200 tracks, so if you already sent me a suggestion and it's not here, sorry. You can just suggest it again in the comments.
In no particular order, here is a sampling:
My Funny Valentine (natch - I chose the Michael Buble live version, since I saw it)
While She Waits (Autumn Ayers - if you haven't heard Autumn, you're missing a jewel)
I'll Be Seeing You (Rickie Lee Jones)
All the Way (Sinatra, with a chaser of Celine if you choose)
I'll Always Love You (Taylor Dayne - remember her?)
Unchained Melody (a big pick on several lists - has to be the pottery wheel)
I Can Love You Like That (All 4 One)
Secret Love (Doris Day)
Something so Strong (Crowded House)
I Feel Good (James Brown - has to be here)
Believe in You (Amanda Marshall)
Core 'ngrato (The Three Tenors, but as Elaine pointed out, Uncle Junior nailed it on The Sopranos)
Truly, Madly, Deeply (Savage Garden)
I Feel the Earth Move (Carole King)
She Loves Me (Daniel Massey)
Tonight I Want To Be Your Man (Andy Griggs)
God Only Knows (The Beach Boys - happy, Sarah?)
Thinking About You, or something from the new Norah Jones album due out soon.
One disclaimer - several people recommended Unforgettable by Nat King and Natalie Cole. Great song, but the daughter and the dead father serenading eachother? Sorry, Dr. Freud, we're not in session today.
Now onto the second kind of VD song. These are the songs on the mix tape in the Camaro - ironic since the Camaro had the worst logistics for messing around. Which is why you saw so many Pick-Up trucks and El Caminos at the Drive In. When it was closed. Sometimes these songs are obvious - anything by Barry White, for example. Sometimes they are very personal. Just like the smell of Old Spice can create a visceral reaction for some people, so do songs. If you want to heat things up, find out what your special someone was listening to in high school, when passions and hormones ran high. One of the best uses of this in literature was by the fabulous Jennifer Crusie, who made Fleetwood Mac damn near a character in "Crazy for You". Once again, just a reminder that this is, in fact, a literary blog.
I am talking about steamin' up windows, rippin' off buttons, takin' it downtown music. I'm talking about music that makes you jump in the back seat in the stadium parking lot because you can't wait to get home to get your hands on eathother. You remember what I mean, right? Think back. Yeah, I'll wait.
So, here are some of those, culled from a much smaller, but hotter, survey:
Anything by Marvin Gaye under 110 bpm (thanks for the clarification, Jack)
Paradise by the Dashboard Light (I've said it before and I'll say it again - Meatloaf is my generation's Keats)
Surrender (k.d.lang)
Prince - pick one - I like I Would Die 4 U, but there are half a dozen others
Reasons (Earth, Wind and Fire)
Never Can Say Goodbye (Isaac Hayes - really, the guy from Shaft - nothing subtle there, folks)
Stevie Nicks - I'm told her voice alone can trip the switch for some people.
Never As Good As the First Time (Sade)
La Vie en Rose (Edith Piaf)
I Melt (Rascal Flatts - the video sure didn't hurt that one)
I Feel Good All Over (Stephanie Mills)
Put the Weight on My Shoulders (Gino Vannelli)
Come What May (Mario Frangoulis)
Slow Dancing in a Burning Room (John Mayer)
and of course, Ravel's Bolero, which you can get in versions that run anywhere from three minutes (the Torvill & Dean short program) to twenty-two and a half minutes (that would be the Stanley Jordan cover). No judging here, kids, just giving you your options.
Oh, yeah. And don't be dissing my Gino Vannelli. You have no idea what you're missing. And I won't say a word about the people who made me go in search of a stoner cover of "I'll Be Seeing You" on some Jazz at St. Germain CD (thanks Harley) or the soundtrack from "Beauty and the Beast" - the TV show. Curse you, William.
Now - it's time for the audience participation part of the show. What song gives you that lovin' feeling? And for bonus points, why?
Well, since I lost the big V with Paradise by the Dashboard Lights playing on the stereo, that would be my choice.
On the other hand, "our" song is "In Your Wildest Dreams," by the Moody Blues, because neither of us ever dreamed that we would ever be involved with each other until it happened.
Then, it might have become "Too Drunk to F@#*," by the Dead Kennedys (CD in the car), and "Up All Night" by the Talking Heads, after the babies.
Not sure now. It would have to involve something that gets the children gone, like, maybe, "Eve of Destruction" by Barry Maguire.
Romantic, no?
Posted by: Josh | January 19, 2007 at 04:56 AM
Hey, I had some great mixed tapes, but no Camero. Mercury Marquis had one of the biggest back seats in its class.
I blame the death of the bench seats for most of the problems in America today.
I know my mixed tape had some Fleetwood Mac, plus Journey and Boston, Billy Joel and the Commodores. Wonder if I still have it somewhere?
And Meatloaf, of course. I am still surprised at the number of people who know those entire lyrics.
Posted by: JJ | January 19, 2007 at 06:15 AM
Wow - that is some list! I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've seen Doris Day and Savage Garden together.
A couple of my favorites:
Teach Me Tonight by Al Jarreau, but George Benson is great too.
At Last by Etta James - one of the greatest slow dance songs of all time.
You're Still the One by Shania Twain
I Only Have Eyes for You
Posted by: Sue L | January 19, 2007 at 06:40 AM
Oh, Josh, you had to mention the Moody Blues, and now I'm going to sing "I Know You're Out There Somewhere" all the livelong day. Thanks, bud.
And "Can't Get Enough of Your Love" could steam up the windows of an unoccupied car, if you know what I'm saying. Nobody oh, baby's like Barry.
But for the CD, I'd suggest "Friday I'm In Love" by The Cure because on VD day, it's nice to get some happy love from unexpected sources (i.e. The Cure).
And also "Something." Because it's so romantic. And it's George.
Posted by: ramona | January 19, 2007 at 07:04 AM
Aside from the particular song, how about serenading your loved one? See, I try that, Sarah laughs.
Oh, and puts her hands over her ears.
Posted by: charlie | January 19, 2007 at 07:56 AM
Lou Rawls could read the phone book.
Sinatra too, but I love his After All and That's All.
Kenny Loggins Forever In My Heart.
Great blog!
Posted by: Chris | January 19, 2007 at 07:59 AM
Lou Rawls could read the phone book.
Sinatra too, but I love his After All and That's All.
Kenny Loggins Forever In My Heart.
Great blog!
Posted by: Chris | January 19, 2007 at 07:59 AM
A suggestion from someone in my office, Glen Campbell's (who'd have thunk!) "Witcheta Lineman" - "I need you more than want you....and I want you for all time..." Didn't make the cut, huh?
Posted by: beachfla | January 19, 2007 at 08:03 AM
I am so lame at this stuff, but who's the guy who sings "In Your Eyes" in that John Cusack movie Say Anything?
Oh, yeah on Mr. Hayes and Lou Rawls. Can't get the panties off fast enough.
I guess "Please Release Me" doesn't work in this context, huh? Nevermind.
Posted by: Nancy Martin | January 19, 2007 at 08:04 AM
Okay, so I can't spell Wichita...
Posted by: beachfla | January 19, 2007 at 08:05 AM
Given Harley, Nancy & Sarah's columns this week, mixed with today's headline "VD" - I thought of this scenario -
The future Mrs. Cinema Dave comes home from a rough day at Dr. Demento Gyno - she walks in, sees me decked out in my $14.99 dry cleaned suit, candlelight dinner and I manage to sing this song on key...
Some day, when I'm awfully low,
When the world is cold,
I will feel a glow just thinking of you...
And the way you look tonight.
Yes you're lovely, with your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft,
There is nothing for me but to love you,
And the way you look tonight.
With each word your tenderness grows,
Tearing my fear apart...
And that laugh that wrinkles your nose,
It touches my foolish heart.
Lovely ... Never, ever change.
Keep that breathless charm.
Won't you please arrange it ?
'Cause I love you ... Just the way you look tonight.
Mm, Mm, Mm, Mm,
Just the way you look to-night.
Song: THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT LYRICS
Ooops...my second cup of coffee has kicked in, time face reality.
Posted by: Cinema Dave | January 19, 2007 at 08:13 AM
Once again, Ms. Kozak displays impeccable taste with the St. Germain. I was keeping that as my secret, but I see others have discovered it.
What can I say about B&B, Rebecca? How could you resist? "The first time I loved forever....was when you whispered my name..." I mean, WOW. Look at it this way: now you've got it!
And I can't discuss kd lang and "Surrender". At least not intelligibly. That song...well... Sarah's famous "verklempt" doesn't quite do it. Martin Scorsese's title "Raging Bull" would be more apt.....
Posted by: William Simon | January 19, 2007 at 08:21 AM
Rebecca, I would have no holiday spirit without you. Thank you for this fantastic blog, and for reminding me that Valentine's Day exists (although -- isn't it in February??)
My favorite in both categories used to be John Hiatt's "Love Like Blood" until Angelina and Billy Bob ruined it with their stupid antics.
Romantic pick -- "My Funny Valentine" Elvis Costello version. Yes, he recorded it, and it RULES. Hot pick -- I know you mentioned Marvin Gaye, but can we say that "Sexual Healing" is the hottest song ever recorded?
I am now heading to the airport to get on a tiny plane for NYC. Nancy says small planes are better, but this one has (drumroll) no bathroom! Any TLC readers in New York, stop by and say hi at Black Orchid tonight at 6 and I'll show you what I bought at the Manolo sale. (Yes -- Manolo scheduled the sale for when he knew I would be in town. He needs my money.)
Posted by: michele | January 19, 2007 at 08:32 AM
Oh, one more pick. "Just the Two of Us". Who was that -- Bill Withers?
Posted by: michele | January 19, 2007 at 08:34 AM
I guess "In the Still of the Night" is too old hat. Does anyone ever hear the "still of the night" anymore?
Wonderful idea. I already have my Valentine's Night theme dinner and movie picked out for this year. Altho' last year's "King of Hearts" with French food came close to the record holder----"North by Northwest" with the dining car setup for dinner.
Rock on, bookseller!
mary alice
Posted by: Mary Alice Gorman | January 19, 2007 at 08:53 AM
Geez...my first love... "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers. Chuck and I had(and still do) "The Midnight Hour". I actually sent him a Valentine-gram one year. The local theatre group does those...the whole photography service got a kick out of six people trying to imitate Wilson Pickett!
But one song (besides any of Manilow's) that always gets me is Etta James "At Last".That woman has a voice with a capital V.
Posted by: Maryann | January 19, 2007 at 09:09 AM
PS. Loved Gino Vanelli too...and Richard Marx:o) Rebecca you have good taste!
Posted by: Maryann | January 19, 2007 at 09:12 AM
Alison by Elvis Costello, That Summer Feelin' by Jonathan Richman, Avalon by Brian Ferry and the embarrasing one is Forever and ever, Amen by Randy Travis.
Husband and daughter are born on VD, so it has a whole different meaning in our house.
Posted by: Cheryl | January 19, 2007 at 09:21 AM
Good morning, Valentines!
Yes, I know it's only January, but these compilations don't just burn themselves, do they?
Great suggestions - Beachfla - you know, I did give Wichita Lineman another listen and it'll probably be on my final disc(s). It's already on the list of 214 - which will now expand due to the excellent suggestions here.
Already on the list - Journey's Faithfully; Billy Joel (She's Got A Way About Her, If I Only Had the Words); no Commodores - yet - but I do have Lionel Richie; Lou Rawls (You'll Never Find); Kenny Loggins (Forever, For the First Time); more later.
Have to check on In Your Eyes and Just the Two of Us.
Mary Alice - In The Still of the Night - already on the list - the Ella Fitzgerald version.
Josh - as always, you are in a class by yourself.
William - yeah - and guess what else I found? The original recording of "As Time Goes By" - Dooley Wilson, on a CD that has a bunch of great Casablanca dialog. As if I need something else to get obsessed with..
Posted by: Rebecca the Bookseller | January 19, 2007 at 09:24 AM
Wait, wait, wait...has anybody mentioned "Chances Are?" Johnny Mathis, people!
Posted by: ramona | January 19, 2007 at 09:31 AM
Aaah music. A great subject. Good list Rebecca. What everyone else has added too. My vote for the all time best love ballad is Van Morrison's Someone Like You. Can't get any better than this. I sometimes just put it on repeat.
Oh and Nancy - that was Peter Gabriel - In Your Eyes. I have an accoustical version he did that is AWESOME. Michele - John Hiatt. Great choice. I'll add Have A Little Faith In Me, Angel Eyes or Cry Love. He wrote them but didn't necessarily have the hits with them. But he does a great job singing them.
Posted by: Lori | January 19, 2007 at 09:37 AM
OK, I have consulted my expert resources (iTunes) and found that I already own a copy of Peter Gabriel's In Your Eyes (that's the one from Say Anything, Nancy).
Bill Withers did Just the Two of Us - I have his duet with Will Smith, which puts a different spin on it.
Completely forgot about John Hiatt - what a great raspy, sexy voice. Kind of like Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen, but sweeter. So now I'm downloading Love Like Blood and Have A Little Faith. Thanks Michele!
Maryann - love Manilow - that was my very first concert. Richard Marx - have to go check my collection for him too.
Ramona - of course it's already on there, I mean, geez, you can't have a romantic collection without Mathis!
Posted by: Rebecca the Bookseller | January 19, 2007 at 09:38 AM
(reading Rebecca's last and laughing) Well...my work here is done......
Posted by: William Simon | January 19, 2007 at 09:39 AM
Two words: Bob Seger
Half my high school class did it to either Night Moves or We've Got Tonight. On a good night, both. Ahh, the exuberance (to say nothing of the endurance) of youth.
Posted by: ro | January 19, 2007 at 10:00 AM
Country music, anyone?
Trace Adkins Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow
Toby Keith You Leave Me Weak
Alan Jackson Remember When
Travis Tritt Strong Enough to Be Your Man
Garth Brooks To Make You Feel My Love
TIM McGRAW - what a voice - I'll take Real Good Man any time any day.
Posted by: Vicki | January 19, 2007 at 10:05 AM