31!

The playlist can be found here. And below I’ve included some notes and any official videos or live performances I happen to like. 😊

1. (1993) How’s the Cat by The Karl Hendricks Trio

If we ever stop talking (Never!) this is how I would worm my way back into your messages. “How’s the cat? It’s very important I get Tinky updates!”

2. (1994) Bewitched by Luna

It’s a song about being in love with someone even if they’re a little nutty. (I don’t think you’re nutty. I think you think you are.) It’s a song about only really seeing the good in someone.

Her sleep is troubled
Her face will twitch
She wakes up angry
And I’m bewitched

3. (1995) My Lucky Day by Smoking Popes

And I still don’t know what it’s all about
But without a doubt today I just don’t care
I’m looking up into a cloudless blue
Ever since I met you
It’s been my lucky day

4. (1996) Unreal is Here by Chavez

Two good mantras in this one:

Yes you will do now, what can’t be done.

and

There is nothing to not be amazed at.

5. (1997) She’s Coming Over Tonight by The Mr. T Experience

Pretty much my attitude and energy every time you visit.

Miracles and lucky charms
Made the girl of my dreams the girl in my arms

6. (1998) Independence Day by Elliott Smith

This has always been a song I’ve listened to when at moments of change in my own life. It’s sort of about declaring independence from your past self.

As “schizorage” says on songmeaning.net:

This song is, to me, about someone who is having a hard time coping with struggles in their life, and the narrator is reassuring them that someday they’ll be so much better off for fighting, instead of giving up… as evidenced in the line “you’ll be beautiful confusion, once i was you” its sort of the narrator’s attempt to relate to the troubles of the subject and reassure him or her that it will be okay, that he’s been there, and that it’s just an evolutionary process of sorts (future butterfly)…

And it’s just a really incredibly beautiful song.

7. (1999) The Shining by Badly Drawn Boy

It’s killing me, I’m dying.
To put a little sunshine in your life.
Soleil all over you, warm sun pours over me.
Soleil all over you
Warm sun.

You love the sun!

8. (2000) We Could Walk Together by the Clientele

We could BOUNCE walk together. 😊

9. (2001) The Weather by Built to Spill

This song almost makes me cry. Such a powerful love song.

And as long as it’s talking with you
Talk of the weather will do

and

It might save time if I meet you there
But I don’t care, I’d rather wait for you

10. (2002) Psychic Twin by No, No

Let your shadow out! That’s what you’re doing!

11. (2003) Half of You by Cat Power

When you give half of you. I want all of you.

12. (2004) Christmas Song by Joy Zipper

I love you more than 1000 Christmases

And you know how much I love Christmas. 🎅😊

13. (2005) I Give Up by Fugu

This song captures my desire to be better for you. ❤️

14. (2006) Chatterbox by David Mead

Ch-ch-chatterbox, how you talk, talk, talk
S-s-say those words were the best I ever heard
Ch-ch-chatterbox, baby please don’t stop
You’re my chatterbox

15. (2007) Toothpaste Kisses by The Maccabbees

😘

16. (2008) Think I Wanna Die by Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

This is the song I was looking up when Google staged an intervention. 🤣

17. (2009) Tender Torture by Islands

And I’ve seen some great things
But I don’t wanna see anything if I can’t see you
Kicked open a coconut
Could have shared it with anyone
But I wanted to share it with you

18. (2010) Zorbing by Stornoway

“Zorbing” is the name of the activity where you get in a big clear bubble and roll around. Here’s it’s used as a metaphor for being in love.

19. (2011) Ffunny Ffrends by Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Only appropriate on a mix for my ffuniest frend. 😊

20. (2012) Easy Girl by Coconut Records

You are
An easy girl to love
An easy girl to kiss
An easy girl to miss when you’re gone

21. (2013) To Hell With You by Sleigh Bells

“To hell with you” sounds like you’re being dismissive of someone. But in this context, the singer is saying she’ll “go to hell with you.” Meaning, she’ll go through anything with you. ❤️

22. (2014) You Could Have a Lover by Zeus

There is no one who could make me happy, ohh, the way that you do

23. (2015) Into Catacombs by Surfer Blood

I am savvy to what my baby wants
Wants to rest, wants to rest
I would listen to every word she said
But my baby just wants to rest

When we’re together, I’ll sleep where you sleep
Bed or the floor doesn’t matter to me
But nothing’s complete if you’re not my girl
You bring me peace in this turbulent world

24. (2016) Beam Me Up by Gloria

Gloria is a French band and their first album which this song comes from is one of my favorite albums of all time. This song is all about leveling up to a new you.

Ah, beam me up inside, I aim for a new world
Hurry up my mind is taking a new turn
Keep it up so high my body can burn
Reaching up my skies, I would never go back
Down

25. (2017) Don’t Go Back at Ten by Girl Ray

This is probably the only song on the list that doesn’t have lyrics or themes that remind me of you. I picked this one because, for some reason, when I watch the video, I think of you, Nina, and Alicia. It’s a group of three girls in England and as they say in their youtube description: “This is an early 00’s inspired video for our not very 00’s inspired song Don’t Go Back At Ten.” They don’t seem super committed or confident in the idea, though. But it’s funny to me. And it’s one of my favorite songs.

26. (2018) Your Enemies Are My Enemies Too by Art Brut

Facts.

27. (2019) Everyday by Weyes Blood

True love is making a comeback

28. (2020) Leaning On You by Born Ruffians

I pissed your name in the snow
‘Cause I want you to know
That I love you so much
I got all the friends I need in you
When you’re cut I bleed for you
You prop me up and take a load off

And I’m leanin’ on you
Leanin’

29. (2021) Oh Stars by Deathray Davies

I went to see the Deathray Davies open for someone in the early 2000s in New York City. I bought some stuff of theirs at the merch table after the show and they were so excited I knew here they were. It’s a fun memory.

This song is references stars and striving for self-improvement. Two things I associate with you!

30. (2022) Hold Me Tonight by Metronomy

Hold me every night!

31. (2023) Young Love by Major Murphy

One good thing for you, no matter how long we’re together, you will always be my young love. Such a good baby!!

32. (2024) My Golden Years by The Lemon Twigs

A brand-new song (that sounds like an old song). With lyrics that sound like something you could have written. ❤️

In these my golden years
How can I try and push down my fears?
‘Cause in the blink of an eye
I’ll watch these golden years fly by

In time, I hope that I can show all the world
The love in my mind
I know if only I try
I’ll get these golden years to shine

I truly believe you are entering the best years of your life. I think you’re going to have a lot of love and happiness in this phase of your life. And you will definitely have a lot of love, friendship, and support from me all along the way!

Happy 31st Birthday, my love!!