Sex on Tuesday has been a staple of the Daily Cal that causes discussions – sometimes intellectual, sometimes pure sensation. However, there are many of us who are currently experiencing no sensation. Whatsoever. Your love life is a barren wasteland, as are your genitals. At this point, a kiss on the cheek is probably third base to you, maybe even a score. You’re up at 3 AM browsing the dark corners of the internet and you see a $200 body pillow that heats up like an electric blanket and it seems like a reasonable price. Because cuddles.
Perhaps it’s because you’re recently going through a break-up (why’s that so common this year?). Perhaps you’re in a situation with unrequited love (or lust). Maybe you just have too great a relationship with Netflix and suck at talking to people. Whatever it may be, this one’s for you. Here’s to hoping your single-as-fuck rut ends soon enough.
Sia – Elastic Heart (ft. The Weeknd & Diplo)
This is one of the first few songs revealed from the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. However, unlike the film, you’re not catching any fire, are you? This is a solid example of pop music that I can get behind (not surprising, considering it’s Sia). The lyrics are suited for someone who’s recently been hurt by someone and needs to stay strong with lines like “And I want it and I want everything / But there was so many red flags / Now another one bites the dust / And let’s be clear, I trust no one.”
Hippie Sabotage – Stay High (Tove Lo Flip)
Hippie Sabotage reworked Tove Lo’s “Habits” and I’m completely in love with both songs. Seriously, give both a listen. I think it’s a pretty relatable song for a college break-up or outright rejection by the object of our unrequited feelings. One of the most common solutions (certainly for myself) is to get incredibly shitfaced. “Staying in my play pretend / Where the fun ain’t got no end / Can’t go home alone again / Need someone to numb the pain.” Sound familiar? In the rework, the voice sounds a lot like Lykke Li who literally wrote a song called “Unrequited Love.” I approve of your debauchery and will probably join you in it. Do it responsibly.
The Colourist – Little Games
The Colourist has made an appearance on Tunesday before. In fact, it was this song (a remixed version of it). This song is infused with danceable riffs, but the song is all about having been hurt by someone when you thought they were into you. “What did I do so wrong? / You lied and led me on / Was I your hit and run? / Left for dead and now you’re gone” leads the listener into the chorus, which is even more about the fall after a particularly bad rejection. The band, from Costa Mesa, CA (where my school was before transferring) recently released their debut EP and this is still by far their stand-out track in my opinion.
Capital Cities – Nothing Compares 2 U (Cover of Sinead O’Connor)
Capital Cities has become a massive hit with “Safe and Sound” hitting the Billboard Top 10 and playing non-stop on the radio. A year ago, when they were still a relatively unknown band, they released this excellent cover of Sinead O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” (which was also recently mashed up with Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball”). The original is considered one of the best break-up songs of all time and is in general an excellent song to describe unrequited feelings.
MS MR – Think of You (RAC Remix)
RAC is hands down one of my favorite remix artists (and even put out some awesome original stuff recently). This time, he remixes MS MR’s “Think of You” which is a song suited for the messiest of break-ups. I think it takes a special kind of scumbag to cheat on someone and Lizzy Plapinger sings with the kind of frustration that the situation deserves. It’s also worth mentioning that she is the co-founder of Neon Gold records, who I have praised on multiple occasions. She definitely knows a thing or two about good music.
Passenger – Let Her Go (Peer Kusiv Remix)
Passenger’s “Let Her Go” is by no means an unknown song with over 100 million views on Youtube alone. It’s a song that exemplifies unrequited feelings. Peer Kusiv takes what is a depressing song and makes it more relaxed (but not void of the somber theme). The original is something I’d have on repeat while I lay in bed with 80 blankets over my head. The remix is something more suited for a solo drive at night.
The Glitch Mob – Between Two Points (ft. Swan)
Finally, I’ll throw a bone to those of you actually getting laid. Even though that’s the last thing you need. This one’s an oldie-ish, but goodie. My personal pick for an excellent song to get it on to which has been on an incredibly outdated playlist of mine entitled “Falling Madly in Bed With You.” The only thing I’m falling madly in bed with lately is my Batman Snuggie.
I’m closing this post out with this preview that the Broken Bells (Danger Mouse + The Shins’ James Mercer) just put on Youtube today. Reportedly, they’ll finally be bringing out a sophomore LP over 3 years after their self-titled debut. This has nothing to do with the theme, but I’m ecstatic so deal with it.
As usual, please comment or e-mail me with suggestions or feedback. I will also take songs in my Spotify inbox, just search for Ephraim Lee. I’m always up to listen to what you have to offer, and your recommendations may make it here!