Can’t Help falling in Love Elvis Presley’s performance of “Unchained Melody” — recorded just weeks before he passed — is one of the greatest moments in American Rock & Roll history. I eventually arranged that piece myself. Not quite as dramatic as Elvis, but his […]

Chains of Love I love the concept of the Wuthering Heights soundtrack; pairing the hyperpop energy of Charli xcx with a romantic period piece is an inspired choice. It’s a fascinating departure for Charli xcx, whose typical sound is up-tempo and experimental, rather than the […]

ocean eyes I’m still struck by the artistry of Billie Eilish’s debut, “dont smile at me”. She brought such a dark and unique sound to pop music—and remarkably, she was only 15 when it was first released. Beyond the music, I loved her unconventional “orthography” […]

Brooklyn Baby Lana Del Rey’s “Brooklyn Baby” (Ultraviolence, 2014) is a satirical nod to Brooklyn’s hipster subculture. Produced by Dan Auerbach, it perfectly captures the “California-noir” and psychedelic rock vibe of that era. There is a bittersweet story behind the track: Lana had planned to […]

“One Battle After Another” is an action-comedy-thriller film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, loosely adapted from the 1990 Thomas Pynchon novel Vineland. Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood composed the film score, marking his sixth collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson. I love all things Radiohead, and Jonny […]

Unravel “Unravel” is a breathtaking and emotionally profound song from Björk’s 1997 masterpiece album, Homogenic. While tracks like “Jóga” and “Bachelorette” often get the spotlight, “Unravel” is a quiet, stunning gem that showcases Björk’s unique artistry. Homogenic is one of my favorite albums, and formative […]

Exit Music (For A Film) Exit Music (For A Film) is a somber track by the English rock band, Radiohead. Released on their landmark 1997 album, OK Computer — “Exit Music” has become a testament to the band’s ability to create brooding, cinematic music. The […]

Sweater Weather My wife and I were in fertility treatments in late 2013 and most of 2014. There was a point (in the treatment) where we were driving out the facility every other day. At that time, Sweater Weather was the number one song on […]

Life on Mars? “Life on Mars?” is a highly acclaimed song by the iconic David Bowie. It was originally released on his 1971 album Hunky Dory and later as a single in 1973. The lyrics are surreal and cinematic, depicting a young girl’s escapist disillusionment […]

Summertime Sadness “Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Rey, is a bittersweet anthem with a dreamy and cinematic production. I love Lana’s signature breathy, crooning vocals. Together it creates an atmosphere of beautiful longing. It’s a summer song that acknowledges the shadows within the sunshine — […]

Where is My Mind This song was originally released in 1988 by The Pixies. It’s a true “indie” song — with a delightfully Lo-fi production. The drums sound like they were recorded with a single room mic. Where is My Mind was most famously used […]

Writing’s On The Wall The theme of 2015’s Spectre is “Writings On The Wall”, by Sam Smith. The song reminds me of the campy, Roger Moore-era James Bond themes. With Sam Smith’s crooning falsetto, it feels more in league with songs like: “Nobody Does it […]