Tony Breed writesValentine’s Day playlist

Oh no oh no, it’s Valentine’s Day! Date tonight? OK, did you get chocolates? Go get ‘em! And flowers? Are they fair trade flowers? OK, ready?

Now you need some music. We’re going to lay it on a little thick here. It’s Valentine’s Day; if you’re going to celebrate, just go for it, right? Resist the urge to get ironic with CocoRosie’s “By Your Side” or Love Is All’s “Last Choice”.

First, some classics:

So In Love – Cole Porter. I particularly like KD Lang‘s version.

That Old Black Magic – Johnny Mercer. Try Shirley Horn‘s version.

La Vie En Rose – Edith Piaf or try Grace Jones‘s cover

Wild Is the Wind – Nina Simone and David Bowie both have great versions of this one.

I Only Have Eyes for You – The Flamingos

At Last – Etta James

I’ll Be Your Mirror – The Velvet Underground & Nico

Everyday Clothes – Jonathan Richman

Let’s Stay Together – Al Green (OK, maybe you should leave this songs out if your relationship is just starting out… don’t push it too hard.)

Now, some newer tracks:

Sweet Lovin’ Man – The Magnetic Fields

Love Endeavor – Alice Smith

Inside and Out – Feist

Amy – Mark Ronson featuring Kenna

I Melt with You – Modern English did it originally, but you might prefer Nouvelle Vague‘s bossa nova cover.

Baby – Rufus Wainwright

And if you can take little drama, you might throw in:

We Both Go Down Together – The Decemberists

Your Arms around Me – Jens Lekman

OK, ready? GO.

Wait, what? No date tonight? OK, that’s OK. There’s lots of things you can do tonight instead. Go have some fun. Whatever you do, do not sit at home with a bottle of whiskey and listen to the Mountain Goats on repeat.