parties

Like a Rolling Stone

This song is the perfect playlist opener from the opening chord of Bob Dylan`s seminal 1965 hit you know that you are in for a true ride, the song is six minutes and thirteen seconds of experimental instrumentation and a long tangling tale of a deserved fall from grace. This song is bound to get the party going bringing the hipsters and the lads together in harmony, this song is perfect for groups to break the ice, it might be a good idea to test out 21 questions on each other to truly get to know your party. The charm of the song is in its longanimity, still managing to hold its triumphant boom. Honestly try listen to it now and not sing along, it is probably the longest song that can still remain catchy. Also, if anyone complains about the length just remind them that it was originally over thirteen minutes long.

Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes on)

For the second song you should try groove it up a bit, so I would personally go onto add this Talking Heads album opener. This is quite a funky tune and will again get the people going. David Byrnes eclectic taste in music allowed to create a sound that stuck punk, afrobeat, funk and rock all into his musical melting pot. This rock song is perfect for any party.

Harness Your Hope

This lo-fi number is perfect for any party, its ironic lyrics and laid-back guitar make it the perfect party song. How can anyone not like Pavement?

Hey

This song is a party must, a little less known then the Pixies biggest hit I would argue this song holds just as much artistic merit, with a sprawling guitar solo and a bouncy bassline this song is a definitive party hit. Just stick it on and bob away.

Music When The Lights go Out

From The Libertines second and destructive album this song is filled with a melancholic acoustic guitar and lyrics, it will fill your party with a pleasant feeling. Pete lambasts at the failing relationship he now has with his bandmates, but still manages to remember the good times they once shared. The songs a heartbreaker but essential for any party.

Shadowplay

It is important that you try keep a cool vibe to your party, you do not want it to get too goofy and happy, so though it might be a little obvious I would add some Joy Division. This rock song has some brilliant fast paced drums from Stephen Morris that just will not allow you to keep still, along with some great guitar work and haunting vocals from Ian Curtis, this has to be on everyones party playlist.

Cemetery Gates

Keeping to our rough trade theme I would then play label mates The Smiths, this song is obviously a bit lighter than Shadowplay and will allow for another boost of energy as your party begins to drag a bit. Morrissey is at his playful best with this number and the light guitar will put a smile on anyone’s face. The song is an indie classic and like I said it will give everyone the boost of energy your party might just need.

Reckoner

To keep with the feeling of Cemetery Gates I would add Reckoner by Radiohead. This song manages to toll the line between sad and happy perfectly. The vocal melody is genuinely lovely, accompanied by a flashing keyboard the song remains a high point in Radiohead’s later discography, this song will keep your party perfectly ticking along.

Moonage Daydream

To get back into that party spirit I would recommend adding this hit from the late great David Bowie. The song opens with a booming G chord and Bowies proclamation of love. This song will put the high energy spirit back into your party after a couple low numbers. The songs closing spiralling guitar solo is bound to get any party going.

The Suburbs

Another melancholic number but you must remember the party is coming to its eventual conclusion. This arcade fire track is a perfect latent party song still holding its own as a great rock song, it will allow for listeners to enter a rather tranquil state. A perfect party closer.

Black Angel`s Death Song

Finally, the perfect song to finish a party to would be this Velvet Underground tune, the song is a commentary on our existence and the rather meaningless nature of it, and how any effort to define life is laughable and pointless. The song contains an uplifting violin and quite a happy melody. It is the perfect goodbye.