It’s a simple fact: Valentine’s Day can get a little cloying. Even if you’re happily ensconced in a hand-holding, cuddle-snuggling, shrugs ‘n’ sighs sort of relationship, the singing teddy bears and candy can all get to be a bit much. That’s why, inspired by some deliciously moody and truly romantic (though not in the sense you may expect) new records from the likes of Berlin’s o F F Love and Flavorpill’s SXSW 2011 showcase standout Nite Jewel, we’ve crafted a mix of deep, dark love songs to get you in a more devilish Valentine’s mood. Owing more to the day’s roots as Lupercalia, the Ancient Roman fertility holiday, than the greeting card-bait February 14th we know too well, this is a mix of heart-crushing slow burners. Naturally, the playlist even ventures into the more “adult” side of love a few times. Whether you enjoy this music alone or with pleasurable company, a lot of red wine’s suggested.
Dark He▲rts by russmarshalek
Track list:
o F F Love — “Be Around You” Nite Jewel — “No I Don’t” Chelsea Wolfe — “Tracks (Tall Bodies)” oOoOO + Butterclock — “NoWayBack” Holy Other — “Touch” Kristin Hersh — “Me & My Charms (Russ’s Completely Honest version)” Zambri — “From The Starts” Pictureplane — “Trancegender (Adeptus Remixxx)” Depeche Mode — “In Your Room”
If you’re in New York and up for more twisted love songs, join your author and Vaura/Religious To Damn’s Joshua Strawn playing a full night of “Dark Hearts” at Veronica People’s Club in Brooklyn on 2/29.