Need some inspiration this Valentine’s Day George Palathingal, Bronwyn Thompson and Bernard Zuel have chosen 50 songs to woo your lover with.
1. Ryan Admas, Firecracker
Why fall in love Because it can make everything feel this alive. And when you’re this alive everyone wants to rub against it. BZ
2. Augie March, One Crowded Hour
If ever you wanted to make that special someone feel like the only person that ever mattered, this is the song to play. GP
3. Big Star, I’m In Love With a Girl
Short and tender, sits as lightly as your lover’s head resting on your shoulder. You’re 17 again but this time getting it right. BZ
4. Bjork, Hyperballad (Brodsky Quartet version)
Strings that alternately mourn and swell plus Bjork at her most compellingly emotive equals romantic euphoria. GP
5. Boss Hog, I Dig You
Jon Spencer and Cristina Martinez share the lines in a sexy blues jam about how much they like each other. Like everything Spencer does, it’s very sexy. BT
6. Built to Spill, Weather
Not known for openly loved-up tunes, the simplicity of ”as long as it’s talking with you/talk of the weather will do” is simply, heart-meltingly great. BT
7. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Straight to You
Behind the dark exterior Our Nick has always been a bit of a smoothie. This is a song of heart-crushing beauty. GP
8. Cody Chesnutt, Til I Met Thee
Yeah, it’s probably about God but a lover can raise your heart, too. There’s real joy here. BZ
9. Chet Faker, I’m Into You
World-class electronic soul from the beardy Melburnian. Sexy without being sleazy and entirely convincing. GP
10. Cousteau, Peculiarly You
You want some intensity in your life You want her/him to know you can do capital R romance This. BZ
11. Death Cab for Cutie, I Will Follow You Into the Dark
Heart-on-sleeve Ben Gibbard at his best in an acoustic ballad about sticking together even in the face of death. Warning: There may be tears. BT
12. Friendly Fires, Paris
Propulsive indietronica that will make you dance as well as swoon. And possibly book an expensive holiday. GP
