WEEK 1: SEP. 4-11
Once again, thank you to all of you who have signed up to support my silly little interest. This is the very first newsletter, which means this is also the first playlist of Ari’s Listening Club!
I recently watched La Vida Inmoral de la Pareja Ideal (2017). If you wanna see my review on this film and others follow me on letterboxd (@deadvibes).
Since watching the film I now have the biggest want to live and have a romance in San Miguel de Allende and say que somos caballitos del mar. Then meeting again in San Miguel de Allende after 20 years, lying to each other that we already made our lives with someone else (we haven’t), y dándonos cuenta de que después de todo no podemos vivir el uno sin el otro.
This playlist encompasses the feeling that has been lingering in me after having watched this film days ago. This playlist is best played in order as it starts more upbeat and transitions into more soft beats.
Caballitos del Mar (best played in order)
“Late Morning Brekkie” by No Vacation — Released on April 6, 2015 from their album Amo XO. They start their dream pop album with this soft instrumental song. It reminds me of summer/spring with the track’s gentle tones. The track’s gentle tone bring images of sunlight coming through the window blinds on a peaceful morning. With the absence of lyrics it creates a cocoon of sonic comfort.
“Estrechez de corazón” by Los Prisioneros — Released in 1986, it carries those 80s new wave and rock influences. This was featured in the soundtrack of La Vida Inmoral de la Pareja Ideal (2017).
“Pictures of You” by The Cure — Released in 1989, this song continues with the feeling of nostalgia and longing for someone and the bittersweet nature of time passing us by.
“Unknown / Nth” by Hozier — Currently my absolute favorite song in Hozier’s newest album Unreal Unearth. Sticking with the nature of love and time passing us by. The line that absolutely kills me is, “Do you know, I could break beneath the weight / of the goodness, love, I still carry for you.” This track slows us down a bit with Hozier’s angelic voice and soothing guitar strums.
“En algún lugar” by Duncan Dhu — Coming back to the 80s this song was released in 1987. Keeping with the new wave/rock influences and longing this song has me thinking of longing and belonging. This song was also featured in the soundtrack of La Vida Inmoral de la Pareja Ideal (2017).
“En Tu Orilla” by Julieta Venegas — Venegas was inspired to write this song from a line in this poem Guárdame en ti by Raúl Zurita). It follows the energetic themes of the past song, while also leaving the listener with poetic tenderness and the essence of intimate connections.
“Accidente” by Las Ligas Menores — This is one of the more recent bands I have found this year. I love their music. This song was released in 2014 with the album, Fuego Artificial. This songs title evokes a feeling of randomness and coincidental occurrence. Chance encounters. The rhythm adds excitement and chaos that often accompany serendipitous moments. This song seems very fitting for that feeling that is first felt with the opening scene of La Vida Inmoral de la Pareja Ideal (2017).
“Vanilla” by Sunset Rollercoaster — This song continues with the passage of time. When ever I listen to this song it always unravels like a silk ribbon with its musical layers and emotions. It is worth noting to fully listen to the band's album "Cassa Nova," released in 2018. The song Burgundy Red from their 2016 EP, “Jinji Kikko” is also worth checking out.
“Full Moon in Gemini” by Vagabon — This is the first song of Vagabon debut album Vagabon. It is one of my favorite albums to listen to in its entirety and suggest you do the same when you get the chance. The song takes us through the ever-changing nature of emotions. Vagabon gives us ethereal synth textures that pair well with the vocals that add a layer of vulnerability.
“Heaven” by Mitski — There's an indescribable quality to this song that envelops me in a cocoon of affection. Maybe it’s the line where she says “As I sip on the rest of the coffee you left / A kiss left of you” followed by the soft gentle chorus, “heaven heaven heaven.” Maybe I am biased, but maybe this is one of the most romantic songs Mitski has written.
“Harvest Moon” by The Brothers Camatose, AJ Lee — A classic by Neil Young, although I had to put this version in here because Neil Young doesn’t have his songs on Spotify. The song its self is a nostalgic ballad that leaves the listener with feelings of love, nostalgia, and once again the passage of time. The chorus, with its repetition of "Because I'm still in love with you / I want to see you dance again," conveys a sense of affection and a longing for reconnection. As August came to an end and autumn season is right around the corner, I felt that that this song was a fitting ending song.