Sometimes people say, “”Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples.”” Actually, it pretty much is. All the flowers and jewelry and chocolate and candlelit dinners are marketed to couples. The holiday is a commitment-fest.
That doesn’t mean that the rest of us, the unattached, have to miss out on the opportunity to have some fun of our own. Don’t have someone to make out with on a regular basis? Find someone to make out with once and leave him or her by the wayside.
Sure, Valentine’s Day is a giant exercise in commerciality, aimed at convincing us that conspicuous consumption communicates sincere feeling. But it’s not going away, so you might as well find a way to enjoy it, even if that means twisting and perverting its traditional meaning in favor of carefree makeout sessions or commitment-free dates.
No matter what the perspective on the holiday, it’s admittedly a good occasion for kissing. Actually, almost every occasion is a good one for kissing, save for funerals and midterms, but Valentine’s Day puts a specially focused lens on it. To make your kissing experience the best it can be, you’ll have to work on your technique, but if that’s in poor shape I suggest you try reading YM magazine. But here’s some help with the atmosphere – more particularly, the music.
The following list of tracks following is compiled from a list of suggestions, 70-strong, from about 30 people. All of them are easily downloadable, or at least I hear they are; I respect the RIAA too much to steal music. Without further ado, the Makeout Mix:
1. Elvis Costello – “”I Want You””
It has been said that Elvis Costello described this song as “”a pornographic snapshot, a squashed box of chocolates and a little blood on the wall.”” Who knows if it’s true, but it’s definitely apt.
2. Garbage – “”Queer””
I’m a straight girl, but even so, I would totally make out with Shirley Manson. The degenerate and perverse have never been so hot as they are being crooned from her lips.
3. Fiona Apple – “”Slow Like Honey””
This is slow and sensual, like so much of Apple’s music, and very sexy in a “”sex on a piano”” sort of way.
4. Handsome Boy Modeling School – “”The Truth””
The track that started it all. Everybody needs a mix CD that includes this song. Bare piano melody, naked drum in the background and sultry vocals laid on top.
5. Nine Inch Nails – “”Closer””
Yes, seriously. It doesn’t say “”kiss”” so much as “”SEX”” in huge, bold lettering, but it’s a great song if you want something fierce and primal.
6. The Foo Fighters – “”Darling Nikki””
The Foo Fighters’ cover wins over Prince’s original version because Dave Grohl possesses the sexiest scream in the world.
7. Paula Cole – “”Feelin’ Love””
This song is the only reason Paula Cole is allowed to exist. Major points for lyrical dirtiness in this one: “”You make me feel like the Amazon is running between my thighs …””
8. R.E.M. – “”Turn You Inside Out””
Michael Stipe releases his no-holds-barred passion in this unrelenting rock song.
9. The Cure – “”Lullaby””
The lyrical content of “”Lullaby”” is sick, but the dark, plodding melodic line is intoxicating.
10. The Hunters and Collectors – “”Throw Your Arms Around Me””
An Australian favorite, this song is one of the few on the mix that could be interpreted as entirely devoid of sexual intent. But its pure sweetness and catchy melody beg for liplock nevertheless.
11. Imogen Heap – “”Come Here Boy””
Intent self-evident.
12. Vanessa Daou – “”In the Black Forest””
Breathy vocals over tribal-sounding drum beats.
13. The Supreme Beings of Leisure – “”Never the Same””
The best of chill-out music by the kings of house.
14. The Cocteau Twins -“”Cherry-Coloured Funk””
The Cocteau Twins’ gibberish lyrics are like the whisperings of sweet nothings in this unique, fantastic song.
15. Norah Jones – “”Turn Me On””
Balanced between arousal and affection, Jones’ music is short, simple and sweet.
16. Al Green – “”Let’s Stay Together””
One of the greatest contributions to music from the 1970s.
17. Massive Attack -“”Teardrop (Portishead mix)””
Portishead brings a heady beat to Massive Attack’s compelling, dreamy melody.
All you need now is a partner and an issue of YM and you’re set to go. Happy kissing.
