Anti-Valentines Mixtape

Let’s face it, Valentines’ day is not for everyone. How many of us are tired of listening to the same love songs everyday? Sometimes having an anti playlist is just as fun. I had a lot of fun putting my first one together, so I made another one too. I also have a lot of history with this playlist. On my way to school, I used to listen to this tape and it had about six or seven songs on this playlist.

When I was at school, I never had any optimism for Valentine’s Day. I remember many everyone being so excited over it. I don‘t blame them, pretty cards, yummy chocolates and sweet smelling flavours. Let‘s not forget the sappy movies and fluffy stories that attempt to pull on your heartstrings. These songs always made me think of school and how much I hated Valentines Day back then.

Everyone needs a love song once in a while. But if you are one of the many people who are either alone, single, can’t be with your partners for whatever reason. Or in general you just think Valentine’s Day is a load of old tripe, then this is a playlist for you.

1. Life on Mars? - David Bowie

”But her friend is nowhere to be seen, now she walks through her sunken dream.”

This song is an epic timeless classic. This was the first song I remember being on that old mixtape. Much like a lot of many other David Bowie songs like heros, and the entirety of Aladdin Sane and Ziggy Stardust. Both me and my boyfriend love this song, so you could say it dosen’t really have a place on this list. On the other hand, I think it does because he hates Valentines’ Day with a passion, (but not as much as Christmas). The story about the girl with the mousy hair feels like a Valentines dad gone wrong when the friend dosen’t show up, so she gets sucked into a film to cheer her up.

2. Where Did You Sleep Last Night - Nirvana

“My girl, my girl, don’t lie to me. Tell me where did you sleep last night?”

This live performance from Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged album is just sublime. The way his voice cracks with the high note at the end gives me goosebumps. When I heard this song for the first time on that mixtape, it inspired me to listen to other bands that I would have never given the light of day before.

3. Paranoid - Black Sabbath

“Finished with my women cause she couldn’t help me with my mind.”

Black Sabbath’s breakout song. This was also on the old mixtape. I don’t know if it’s still around anymore or decaying in a landfill, but te memories of it live on.

4. On Children - Sweet Honey In The Rock

“You may give them your love, but not your thoughts.”

This stunning acapella version of Kahil’s poem, On Children is beautiful.

5. 6B Go Swimming

“It’s not a bad world, just badly organized.”

I didn’t care for this song much back then, but there’s one line of lyrics I always remembered. I didn’t appreciate this song much as a teenage girl, but as an adult I love this song. Our world is wonderful, it’s just run by crooks. It makes me feel like there’s a life outside these commercial celebrations.

6. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes - Ladysmith Black Mambazo

“That‘s one way to lose these walking blues.”

I love this track. It’s fun, energetic and rich in culture. The choir is always a pleasure to listen to.

7. Dear Prudence - Sioxsie and the Banshees

“Dear Prudence, won’t you come out to play?”

I didn’t know it was a cover until today.

8. Only Happy When It Rains - Garage

“Pour your misery down on me!”

This song makes me think of a Saturday night drinking at the bar without a care in the world.

9. Teenage Angst - Placebo

“Now nothing ever goes my way.”

This song touches me on a personal level. One of the best songs from their debut album.

10. Paint It, Black - The Rolling Stones

“I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes.”

I like arrangements on this album. I feel like I’m being warped into another world that’s tainted black. The happy imagery contrasting the dark thoughts.

11. Du Hast - Rammstein

“Du Hast mich gefragt und hab’ nichts gesagt. (You have asked me and I said said nothing.)”

I don’t know much German but I love the double meaning and how different it can be taken. It’s also a catchy song. To me it really feels like the essence of an anti-valentines theme.

12. Ace Of Spades - Motörhead

“You win some, lose some, all the same to me.”

Has absolutely nothing to do with Valentine’s Day. It’s still an awesome addition to any playlist.

13. Yeah Right - Evanescence

“Life’s a game ‘til you lose, then what?”

I missed this band so much. Their songs My Immortal and Bring Me to Life are classics. I love a lot of their later work too. I’m just glad to see they’re still doing music projects today.

14. Gouge Away - Pixies

“Been rubbing a bad charm with holy fingers.”

This song is a slice from a brilliant album. Great track about indulgence.

15. F***ing In Rhythm and Sorrow - The Sugarcubes

“Life’s both sweet an sour.”

This song I think can highlight the ups and downs of Valentines. In the first verse there’s a naked guy sleeping on the bed. That’s a big shock for anyone and not something associated on Valentine’s Day.