Valentine’s Day is here, and you’re out of ideas. Chocolates, flowers, – both great, but kind of expected, and not so gender-equal. You’d never dream of making your significant other a mixtape, would you? Don’t worry – lean hard into that cliche and whip out a few of these for a far-from-soppy Valentines playlist.
David Bowie – Oh You Pretty Things (Hunky Dory, 1971)
It’s Bowie, who doesn’t love Bowie? A bouncy, uplifting Sunday-morning kind of song.
MØ – Slow Love (No Mythologies To Follow, 2014)
A 26-year-old Danish singer-songwriter (and so much cooler than that sounds). MØ comes from her middle and last initials and means “maiden” or “virgin” in Danish.Â
Caribou – Our Love (Our Love, 2014)
Dan Snaith, of Hot Chip fame, crafts brilliant dance-y electro-pop songs. Pick anything from the album, it’s great.
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John Martyn – May You Never (Solid Air, 1973)
John Martyn, the king of oh-so-smooth folk jazz crooning. Actually, he may be the only musician carrying that kind of moniker. Play to your date, they’ll know what you’re saying.
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Unknown Mortal Orchestra – How Can U Luv Me (Unknown Mortal Orchestra, 2011)
An American and New Zealand band – if you can listen to this and not feel happy you’re probably not human.
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Donovan – Colours (Colours, 1972)
A classic bit of 70’s folk – just ignore the lyrics if your date is a brunette.
Public Image Ltd – This Is Not A Love Song (This Is What You Want…This Is What You Get, 1983)
Well, it’s certainly not a love song.
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Com Truise – Klymaxx (In Decay, 2012)
Hmmm? What?! Don’t be too presumptive, but it’s a legitimate choice.
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Spillers Records recommends:
Lou Reed & Metallica – Iced Honey (Lulu, 2011)
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Thanks to the nice people at Spillers for their recommendation and letting us faff around in their shop.
