Soundtrack


Conor Oberst’s Perfectly Imperfect Playlist

Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst takes us through a party, from dancing with crab rolls and admiring national treasures, to what he thinks might clear the room (though we beg to differ).


Photo: Tim Zaragoza

Jessie Ware Takes Us to a Romantic Zone

From a career launched in the UK dance music scene to her recent collaborations with American R&B royalty, Jessie Ware crafts beautiful songs which blend the electronic with the soulful -- and the longing with the sassy. Just like her party playlist.


Kevin Morby Settles Down

Kevin Morby is a former member of the indie bands Woods and The Babies, but now buzz has been building around his solo album "Still Life" -- which he's currently on a world tour to promote. He spun us a playlist that's perfect for cooking a meal... or driving home afterwards.


A Dinner Party in Lavender Country

In 1973, "Lavender Country" was the first openly gay album of country music. It has been reissued and its creator, Patrick Haggerty, continues his work as a musician and activist.


Rivers Cuomo’s Dramatic Pop Party

The band Weezer produced some of the hookiest rock hits of the Nineties and Aughties, and continue to inspire the devotion of legions of fans. Hot on the heels of their latest album "Everything Will Be Alright In the End," band-leader Rivers Cuomo spins us a dramatic party playlist that's all in the now.


R&B Songstress Banks Casts a Spell on our Party

The dark R&B sound of Banks has made her an online favorite, and last month her debut album "Goddess" was a top twenty hit. Today she serves up bewitching soundtrack full of distinctive voices, and hypnotic beats.


Perfume Genius’ Party Rituals

Mike Hadreus -- aka Seattle musician Perfume Genius -- is known for almost painfully personal songs, but his new album "Too Bright" is making waves with its more anthemic sound and attitude. Not unexpectedly, there are a lot of emotions conveyed in the music he'd spin at a party: defiant, comforting... and occulty.


Interpol’s Daniel Kessler Gathers Some Characters

Interpol's dark, angular debut "Turn On The Bright Lights" was one of the defining rock albums of the early 21st century. Guitarist and backing vocalist Daniel Kessler took a break from the band's ongoing tour in support of their latest LP -- "El Pintor" -- to spin us a party playlist for minimalists.


Hiss Golden Messenger Hides the Musical Medicine

MC Taylor is half of the country-rock duo Hiss Golden Messenger, who just released their fifth album, "Lateness of Dancers." He offered us his party playlist... for introverts.


A.C. Newman Holds Us Captive

Singer-songwriter A.C. Newman has produced four solo albums in addition to his work with The New Pornographers. The group has a new album this month, "Brill Bruisers." He spins us a party playlist, and performs a close lyrical analysis of the Doobie Brothers.