Lovebug’s Playlist
April 4th, 2008 @ 6:11 pm by Mrs. Lovebug
A few days ago, jhearta and a few others asked if I wouldn’t mind sharing my playlist. I’m happy to - adding the disclaimer that I’m no Spin editor. And I’m too lazy to type up all 92 tracks (5.5 hours), so I’ve posted them as screenshots - hope that’s cool.
I definitely wanted to include some of “my” music. And I did, to a point. But a lot of my favorite music (British pop, indie, alt-country…) isn’t all that danceable. But I’m fine with skipping it, since we regularly have dinners and parties where I get to play whatever I want.
But for our wedding, I really want a strong “ohmygodIlovethissong!” factor. I love when you’re just sitting talking to someone and one of those tracks everybody knows comes on, and suddenly, everyone’s going nuts. So a lot of our songs might seem cliched - but when I picture my girlfriends’ faces lighting up as “Cecilia” comes on, that’s what it’s all about.
And a quick note about the style of music, and the order. I want a strong vintage vibe to start the reception off. I love Bobby Darin, Louis Armstrong, Dino. Then it moves into a slightly more chill set for dinner (Pink Martini, John Mayer, etc.). After dinner, there’s a short block of slow dance songs, then it launches into full “swing” action! Then an 80s block, some contemporary alternatives (”my” stuff), a touch of techno…and then bam! Hip hop madness, new and old school. Finally, we wind down with super slow make out music. 
The order isn’t set in stone of course - our DJ is strongly encouraged to follow the feeling of the evening and play off the crowd. But I’m pretty happy with the coverage of my bases.
One last note - our “key songs” aren’t listed on this playlist, so here’s those:
Processional (of one!): I Love N.Y.E., by Badly Drawn Boy
Recessional: Holiday Road, by Lindsey Buckingham
Intro Song: All I Want is You, by Barry Polisar
First Dance: The Way I Am, by Ingrid Michaelson
Cake Cutting: Crazy Little Thing Called Love
What am I missing? I know there must be dozens of oversights - help a bug out!
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27 Responses to “Lovebug’s Playlist”
Lookie all those explicits! Gasp! 
Stray Cat Strut? You just made my Friday.
Love, love, love this playlist! I hope you don’t mind that I copied it for future use. All the thought you put into it really shows.
I love your playlist… hopefully its ok if I borrow it as a template for my wedding. I had no clue where to start!
The only addition I would make, cause its a staple at pretty much every drunken gathering of my friends and I, is Don’t Stop Believing by Journey.
I am so thrilled that you included “Indiana” by the Samples- I think it’s such a sweet song.
Song’s that ALWAYS get my friends going, despite their ridiculousness include “The Gambler”, “Like a Prayer” by Madonna, and “We Belong” by Pat Benatar. Mostly I think because belting out the lyrics like we’re twelve at a sleepover is a big part of dancing fun for us. That does not mean they’re good dancing songs however
I love love love that song “All I want is You” by Barry P. I’m using a quote from the song on my invites. That line in the song about the tree because we are getting married under a big oak tree. Love your song choice!
Miss Lovebug, do you know where to find Brian Kennedy’s cover of crazy love? itunes is letting me down and I love his version….
Nice mix!
One song you may be missing is R.Kelly’s Ignition (Remix)–this is something I KNOW will get my guests on the dancefloor (heck, it’ll get me and the FI on the dance floor). Its cheesy awesomeness is legendary.
@BRS: I can’t think of “We Belong” without thinking of Kelly Kapoor serenading Ryan in “A Benihana Christmas” of The Office. If you haven’t seen it, do so immediately–it will add another layer of hilarity to that particular track!
my few suggestions (your list looks awesome):
-eisley - just like we do. i know people think eisley is cheesy but the song is very sweet, not danceable but might be nice for while people are eating.
-harry connick jr. - wink and a smile. would go well in the first part
-beatles - when i’m 64. i know some people don’t like the beatles but i think this song is so sweet
- i’d also do one jimmy durante song in that first part - maybe make someone happy or you made me love you
-I also think bow wow - bounce with me is really fun
carrieitly: I know, huh? I’m wondering about that, too…
catieb: I think I got it from the When A Man Loves A Woman soundtrack, years ago. Lemme know if you can’t find it; I can pop a copy in the mail easily enough.
tamara: jimmy durante! of course - thank you.
For the vintage set:
-”Wonderful World” or “Having a Party” by Sam Cooke
-”My Girl” by the Tempations (or Four Tops?)
For the Eighties set:
-”Just Can’t Get Enough” by Depeche Mode
-”Bizarre Love Triange” by New Order
For the party set:
-”Got to Give It Up” by Marvin Gaye
-”Boogie Shoes” by KC & The Sunshine Band
-”PYT” by Michael Jackson
“Everybody Everybody” by Blackbox
@Miss Lovebug: Is it me, or are the songs labeled “Explicit” on iTunes usually NOT explicitat all? I can understand an album being explicit, but a song with no bad words? I Do. Not. Get. It!
Examples: “9 Crimes” on 9 by Damien Rice is listed as explicit, but I have yet to find an explicit word in it, or “Welcome to the Black Parade” off of The Black Parade, for that matter. It’s hard to believe that iTunes is that…well…priggish!
What about some Michael Jackson? Billie Jean always makes people go crazy….
I just had to comment that A) You have magnificent taste in music and B) I LOVE the fact that you picked two of my favorite-est Ryan Adams songs EVER. I am SO playing To Be Young at our wedding. I don’t know what it is about that song, but it makes me just want to get up and jump around and be happy. I love it to death.
I want The Way I Am to be our first dance song, too! I loooove it
Hey Ms. Lovebug, I wanted to let you know I saw an article in the May/June 2008 issue of BRIDES magazine about a wedding at a library. There are some cute details that might go well with your wedding as well!
I hear you on some favorite styles not being dance-able. Ryan Adams and the Old 97’s are two of my absolute favorites but I don’t think they really get the general population going. Although why they’re not insanely popular is beyond me.
Ooh! Our guys walked out to “I Love N.Y.E.”! Badly Drawn Boy is one of DH’s favorite musicians. Such a pretty song.
Cecilia? Really? It’s about a girl who notoriously sleeps around: “I get up to wash my face; when I come back to bed, someone’s taken my place.” I’m thinking maybe not the ideal wedding sentiment.
Oooh, excellent suggestions all. Nice to be in the company of other alike-thinkers, re: music.
my husband to be wants to maybe dance to “angel eyes” by the jeff healey band. isn’t he sweet
while i was downloading music my finacee’ yelled from the shower i know i song i wanna dance with you to, for our first dance. so he downloaded it with out me looking, and played the song for me we danced and cried. even tought its a common song, the moment was so sweet:
i don’t wanna miss a thing bye aerosmith:
some other music were playing:
seasons change: susie shu
breath into me: red
love like this: n. beddingfield
sugar sugar: the archies
unforgetable: nat king cole
(walk back up the aisle and husband and wife):all i want is you: from the juno sound track or barry polisar
your the inspiration: chicago
be: jessica simpsonour song: taylor swift
who do you love bo diddly
stealing cinderella: chuck wicks
Where did you get Holiday Road from??? I bought a few versions on Itunes.. but none are the original from Vacation..I LOVE THAT MOVIE! Thanks for the inspiration!! Help me find the song!!
Thank you soooo much! I’m so stoked! This is so going in my slideshow for the reception!
Mrs. Lovebug, Tucson
Age and Occupation in 06: 31, Writer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Professional Game Show Contestant
Engagement Date: February 18, 2007
Wedding Date: April 19, 2008
Venue: Historic Inn
About Me: Likes: blogging, wikis, semi-colons, cuddling, fragrant flowers, syntax, and spooning. Dislikes: typos, dangling modifiers, flypaper, citronella candles, and run-ons. If I had my druthers, I'd exchange simple vows in a candlelit library. But I lost my druthers long ago...anyone seen them?
omgoodness bug
i feel famous being in the post and all *blushing*. Thanks for the list! : ) Love your style, some of my personal fav’s are:
september-earth,wind, and fire
got to be real-cheryl lynn : )
Thanks again Love bug!!!!