Valentine's Day is full of clichés: cardboard hearts, Russell Stover chocolates, Marvin Gaye...and while Marvin Gaye is and always be a classic, surprise that special someone in your life with alternative and indie music choices this February 14th.
Great Background Music
In some situations, background music is needed. Perhaps you're setting the table for your significant other, and along with the candlelight, you want some unobtrusive tunes to complete the mood. These choices are the mellow sort of albums to consider:
- Infinite Arms by Band of Horses: The album's nostalgic feel makes it one that is sure to please a variety of musical tastes, while the gorgeous vocals provide a relaxed folk feel. Check out "Factory," "Infinite Arms," "Evening Kitchen," and "For Annabelle" specifically.
- Teen Dream by Beach House: The newest offering from the indie duo transports listeners into a very dreamy musical state with its beautiful tones and haunting harmonics. Bring back memories of that first teenage love with the alternately relaxing and angsty tones in the band's songs.
- Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear: This one will fade into the background. While the album is wonderful to listen to, it also easily provides a soft musical undercurrent to conversation. The choral lyrics and accoustic instrumentals are very soothing.
- She and Him, Volume 2 by She and Him: This is a foolproof addition to your Valentine's Day tracks. Everything on this album oozes nostalgia, summer days, and sweetness. Even the "sad" love songs are delivered in a happy, sing-songy way.
- Blood Bank LP by Bon Iver: The mellow tunes of this short collection - there are only four tracks - lend a very soft tone to any environment. With lyrics that state: "I'm in love with your honor; I'm in love with your cheek," Blood Bank will make you melt. An added bonus is the last track, which Kanye West recently used in his My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
Any of the above albums are good choices, but be sure to pre-screen all of your musical selections: bands like to throw a couple of unexpected tunes into their albums, which could ruin whatever mood you're trying to create.
Great Indie and Alternative Love Songs
If you're looking for specific songs to make a Valentine's Day playlist - today's version of the mixed tape - consider the following:
- "Between Two Lungs" and "You've Got the Love" from Florence + the Machine's Lungs. Both songs have Florence Welch's dreamy, otherworldly quality. Plus, Florence tends to be a favorite with women, ever since her "Dog Days are Over" from the same album was featured in the previews for Julia Robert's Eat, Pray, Love.
- "The Way I Am" from Girls and Boys, by Ingrid Michaelson is always a foolproof choice. Featured in an Old Navy ad a few years ago, this song possesses familiarity and charm that is sometimes difficult to find in indie music. Be sure to consider "Far Away" as well, for its picturesque lyrics.
- "Come Undone" by Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan, from their album Hawk is a sultry, sexy blues tune that will be sure to turn up the heat between you and that special someone.
- "All I Need" by Radiohead is one that you may not have considered, but the band's intensity comes through the lyrics of this song, making it a passionate choice. The devotion that comes through the words is catching.
- "Ballad for My One True Love," from the little known Mason Jennings is a quintessential love song. With no confusing indie symbolism, this one says it straight from the heart, and you're sure to love it.
- "Come Away With Me" from Nora Jones's album Come Away With Me is a great option, as are other tracks on the album: "Turn Me On," "I've Got to See You Again," and "The Nearness of You." Sure, the album has been out for a while, but the bluesy love songs are timeless and priceless.
- "I Will Follow You into the Dark" and "I Will Possess Your Heart," from Death Cab for Cutie are great for a harder, more alternative feel in your playlist. Be careful that Death Cab's intensity is not too much for the collection you have gathered, or too devoted for your preference; at times the band can border on obsession.
- "Next to Me" from South African alternative band Civil Twilight is a less known track that possesses a sweetness that cannot be denied. While the band's single "Letters from the Sky" has been making the rounds on national airways, look to other parts of the album for romantic inspiration. The line "You are my only escape" is sure to invoke romance.
- "Flightless Bird, American Mouth," by Iron & Wine is a must have if your girlfriend/wife is a Twilight fan. She'll recognize it immediately as the song Edward and Bella danced to at the prom, and it will be sure to melt her heart.
- "Life Slash Dreams" and "Ecstasy" from Dan Black's UN are great tunes to add to your list. The first talks about coming home to the one he loves, while the second is a racier track of a more adult persuasion, without being offensive.
Whatever tracks you select for Valentine's Day romance, be sure that they speak to your heart and convey what you want them to, to your significant other. As in any sort of performance, consider your audience in your choice of music, and the romance will bloom.
Megan Winkler - Megan Winkler is a writer who refuses to be restricted by the bounds of one subject group and revels in the diversity of the writing ...
