Mixtape: Full-Spectrum Love Songs
I think of Valentine’s Day as an excuse to buy more expensive groceries than usual (lamb chops, here we come!) and be the beneficiary of fresh flowers and handmade chocolates. But having just read a devastating article about how death can sweep in and steal away with who and what we love, I’m reminded how I felt after reading The Time Traveler’s Wife: studying every little detail––every eyelash, every posture––and not letting any of it pass without appreciation. You never know when it will be gone.
I also just read my dear friend’s blog post about how radical the decision to go ahead and love yourself (though Stuart Smalley has made this kind of talk wincingly embarrassing) can change everything.
So whatever your situation this Valentine’s Day, whether loving yourself or another or a whole roomful of people, I humbly submit this soundtrack with all its shades of love: happy alone, happy together, and, well, not so happy at all.
PS Every time the Florence + the Machine song came on yesterday I had to dance around the living room, which seems good for everyone at any time, no matter the holiday.
PPS Aretha. Oh, Aretha. This song gives me shivers.
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charlane: i’m single…and by choice. and damn proud of it!
but i do agree about love because as long as you love, it’s never enough.1 year ago
Brie.: I’m actually celebrating my first-ever valentine’s day with a partner. I am seemingly always single on valentine’s day. and as sweet as it is to think of someone and how to honour the love we have – i’m also a little bit unplussed by the whole thing, but i suppose years of not being with someone has drilled that into me.
but it is a great excuse for fancier food and flowers…i definitely agree!1 year ago
Food for Tood: Am listening to your playlist now and loving it! Nice work!1 year ago
Sarah in DC: This playlist is fantastic… earlier today, I was lamenting that I needed something a little different from my usual Pandora to get through this hectic workday, and lo, Ms. McColl to the rescue (as usual).
I’m celebrating my 6th (!!) Valentine’s Day with my beau. Typically, we get Chipotle and exchange cards, as an effort to keep it low key and remember the reason for the day, not all of the “spend money” fluff. But, there is something this year that makes me want to paint my nails red and splurge on some Gerber daisies.1 year ago
Now I want gerber daisies!1 year ago
Margaret: I never knew that was an Aretha song. I grew up thinking it was associated with the suit-tailoring company- maybe this was a So. Cal thing? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6xEOvW0tyQ&NR=1 Funny 80s throwback, anyway, right?1 year ago
Jessica: thank you, sarah! this very much perked up my workday. and lemme tell ya, i needed the perk-ing
job done!1 year ago
Cadi: Another great playlist! You always manage to pick things that fit my mood/day perfectly. Thanks for this little gift!1 year ago
Minh Nguyen: Thank you for an awesome selection of songs
1 year ago
Katie @ cakes, tea and dreams: What a gorgeous mix…and yes, Aretha is giving me chills, too.1 year ago
Kristine: I love this love mix! I have been obsessed with Florence and the Machine lately, may have to do some dancing myself! Thank you!1 year ago
art and lemons: I agree, oh, Aretha. Other shivery voices that come to mind: Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billy Holiday. I adore this shades of love mix! We should do a “mix tape” exchange…1 year ago
megan: i’m still eating up this playlist
1 year ago