A Valentine's Mix Tape from 'Talk of the Nation'
Featured Playlists
Earlier this week, we asked listeners and NPR colleagues to let us listen in on their Valentine's Day playlists. The responses poured in, and we've compiled them here, in Talk of the Nation's Valentine's Mix. So whether you're wallowing in self-pity or celebrating with your better half today, browse the mixes below and find music that speaks to your heart.
Recommended by Neal Conan, Host of Talk of the Nation:
Hear the songs (Requires iTunes).
Do Right Woman, The Flying Burrito Brothers
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Aretha Franklin
She's a Woman, Beatles
She, Gram Parsons
Stay with Me, Lorraine Ellison
I'll Be Your Baby Tonight, Bob Dylan
The Summer Wind, Frank Sinatra
As the Years Go Passing By, Albert King
Hallelujah, Jeff Buckley
Try a Little Tenderness, Otis Redding
When I'm Sixty Four, Beatles
The Ship Song, Nick Cave
Baby Said, Hot Chip
The Luckiest, Ben Folds
Powers, Blackalicious
God Only Knows, Beach Boys
Let's Stay Together, Al Green
Tupelo Honey, Van Morrison
At Last, Etta James
Lovely Day, Bill Withers
Recommended by Michel Martin, Host of Tell Me More:
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Angel, Angela Winbush
Giving You the Best That I Got, Anita Baker
I Would Die 4 U, Prince
My Funny Valentine, Chaka Khan
I Am Singing, Stevie Wonder
He Loves Me, Jill Scott
The Truth, India Arie
Fools Paradise, Meli'sa Morgan
Joy and Pain, Frankie Beverly featuring Maze
Recommended by Ken Rudin, NPR Political Editor:
Hear the songs (requires iTunes).
Pretty Ballerina, The Left Banke
10538 Overture Electric Light Orchestra
Younger Girl, John Sebastian
20th Century, Brad
Berkeley Mews The Kinks
Gypsy, Van Morrison
Desperate but Not Serious, Adam Ant
For No One, Beatles
Love Me Madly Again, Bryan Ferry
It's Love, The Rascals
She's My Girl, The Turtles
Peekaboo, Siouxsie and the Banshees
Love My Way, The Psychedelic Furs
On and On, The Michael Schenker Group
One Summer Dream, Electric Light Orchestra
The Only Living Boy in New York, Simon & Garfunkel
In the Backseat, Arcade Fire
Peppermint Lump, Angie
Recommended by Barrie Hardymon, Assistant Editor for Talk of the Nation:
Hear the songs (Requires iTunes).
Valentine's Day is boring. Let's face it. So, this is my Valentine's Day mix, dedicated to the most interesting of lovers — the dysfunctional ones!
Barrie's Valentine's Mix for Adulterers, Commitment-phobes, Criminals, Loose Women, and No-Good Men:
Jolene, Dolly Parton; Desperate woman
1952 Vincent Black Lightning, Richard Thompson; Criminal man, red-haired woman
Divorce Song, Liz Phair; Controlling man, neurotic woman
Janie Runaway, Steely Dan; Jailbait
Gold-digger, Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx; er...Gold Digger, duh
Hospital, Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers; Sick woman
She's Gone, Hall and Oates; Desperate man
Alison, Elvis Costello; Love gone wrong, and that thing with the party dress, ahem
Little Red Corvette, Prince; Fast woman, fast car
Recommended by Sarah Handel, Assistant Producer for Talk of the Nation:
Hear the songs (Requires iTunes).
Call to Love, Crooked Fingers
I love you, but I'm not an easy mark... "you may be smooth-talkin' Daddy but I've heard it all before."
Friday I'm in Love, The Cure
I agree with BotN commenter Sarah K. May; it's absolutely classic.
With Arms Outstretched, Rilo Kiley
Adds a little tension, much like "Call to Love" – "If you want me, better speak up, 'cause I won't wait."
I Walk the Line, Johnny Cash
When it comes down to it, walking the line is worth it.
My Baby Just Cares for Me, Nina Simone
Dance around the room with yourself singing this one, whether you're single, coupled, or indifferent – you'll feel the love!
Campfire Kansas, The Get Up Kids
Clean outdoor fun, just feels packed full of possibilities.
Electrolite, REM
Michael Stipe thinks you outshine everyone, and I tend to agree.
Heavy Metal Drummer, Wilco
Echoes "Campfire Kansas" tonally, and who hasn't loved a drummer?
La Familia (Guy Sigsworth remix), Mirah
"It's not forever we can fool around in the dark..." or is it?
Insistor, Tapes 'n Tapes
"I'll be your badger" is kind of like "I'll be your Valentine..."
This Will Be Our Year, The Zombies
Full credit to an ex – this is a killer way to end a mix!
Recommended by Amy Dickinson, Advice Columnist:
Hear the Songs (Requires iTunes).
The Way I Am, Ingrid Michaelson
My favorite love songs are those that I think are written from the perspective of a woman. I absolutely love this little song and sing it to my sweetheart.
Embraceable You, Billie Holiday
Someone to Watch Over Me, Frank Sinatra
I've Got a Crush on You, Linda Ronstadt
Let's Get it On, Marvin Gaye
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Roberta Flack
Happy Together, The Turtles
Fallin', Alicia Keys
Moon River, Andy Williams
Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love, Cole Porter
Our Love Is Here to Stay, Gene Kelly sings it in An American in Paris, originally performed by Nat King Cole.
Recommended by Susannah George, Production Assistant for Talk of the Nation:
Hear the songs (Requires iTunes).
Looking for Gold, The Tough Alliance
Romeo Had Juliette, Lou Reed
Maple Leaves, Jens Lekman
New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down, LCD Soundsystem
I'll Be Seeing You, Francoise Hardy and Iggy Pop
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right, Bob Dylan
Dancing With Myself, Billy Idol
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