Crate Digging is our recurring deep dive into music history. In this edition, Marisa Dabice from Mannequin Pussy selects 10 records perfect for a kissing session.
Romance is a long-standing theme in Mannequin Pussy's music. For the past decade, the Philadelphia rockers – led by inimitable vocalist Marisa Dabice – have used their fiery, vibrant punk as a means to explore love in all its forms, from breakups that no amount of alcohol could erase, to happily rekindling an old relationship. calls, to seemingly every stage of distress in between. Not to mention, their 2016 sophomore album was literally titled Romantic.
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And for anyone familiar with Mannequin Pussy, it should come as no surprise that Dabice has a list of records up his sleeve for when he wants to set the mood for a makeout session. “Not many people in the world can say that they have had the absolute privilege of being invited to my home,” she confesses. Consequence via Zoom, but rest assured you're prepared for when you feel compelled to host a special guest. Whether it's a classic Radiohead album, some pocket-sized glam rock, or a newer indie pop favorite, Dabice apparently has a pre-selected soundtrack for every type of kiss, whether you're trying to break the ice or trying to make up. . “I hope no one who has made out with me reads this list and is dismayed to realize these are repeated moves,” she laughs.
Dabice's kiss albums span numerous genres and eras, which should also come as no surprise considering Mannequin Pussy's undeniable prowess. Your next album I have heaven in particular it shows the band's ability to move seamlessly between fearless aggression and moments of gentleness; it's no surprise that Dabice tends to gravitate towards records with a similar spirit. Read his take on his 10 essential kiss albums below.
Tyrannosaurus Rex – electric warrior
T. Rex electric warrior it is simply the best [for when] You're dating someone for the first time and you want to kiss them, but you haven't done it yet. It's exciting and lively, and there are good high-energy moments and romantic moments as well. So it matches that emotion of, “Are we going to kiss or not?” Basically, you're guaranteed to make out with “Bang a Gong.”
radiohead- in rainbow
Believe in rainbow It is one of the best albums of all time. My big introduction to Radiohead was because they were one of the first bands to give away an album on the internet, when it came out in 2007. So, I downloaded it and felt completely changed by the experience. I first listened to it alone, but then it inspired such romantic feelings in me that I immediately thought, “Okay, next time I'm in a space with someone I really want to kiss, this record has to go on. ” Is similar to electric warrior in the sense that it starts with something really energetic, like “15 Step,” so you can let that excitement start and then take that warm bath of just relaxing into something beautiful.
Deer hunter – Microcastle
I think this album is so lush. One way I describe music a lot, and what I describe is wanting this next record of ours to feel like, is like taking a warm bath. There are certain records that feel like you can immerse yourself in them, but also just sit back and experience them. This album feels great to listen to, making it a perfect album to make out with.
Beach house – depression cherry
What damn indie kid hasn't made out with Beach House? Believe depression cherry It may be too romantic for a first kiss; This could be more of a second or third kiss album, because there are a lot of feelings and heart in it. This is for a make out session with some heart. I saw “Space Song” was going viral on TikTok and that's amazing. That means a whole new generation of people are making out at the Beach House!
Faye Webster – I know I'm funny haha
Faye Webster's music is so beautiful, flirtatious and romantic, and there is this longing and desire in the way she uses her voice and in her instrumentation. This album is perfect for creating a really comfortable feeling between you and that person you want to kiss. I think it's impossible not to like it, but since it's newer, I don't know if it will stand the test of time like other albums on this list. But I know that Generation Alpha will listen to this album to kiss it in the same way that Generation Z now listens to Beach House. Honestly, if you haven't kissed I know I'm funny hahaIt's time to try it.
SZA – CONTROL
I think this album was a cultural milestone in what is known as this “sad girl” genre. It is an impeccable emotional narrative without jumps. There's a real vulnerability when you hear what SZA is actually saying. It's as if the same music that came after a kiss perhaps led to a relationship and then to its dissolution. It's very thoughtful. But the way he uses his voice is so different from any singer's and so unique to his talent and what makes her great that you can feel the longing and the pain in her. And sometimes, pain is a good setting for kissing. Plus, it's a very sexy album.
Cigarettes after sex – Cigarettes after sex
I don't think I've ever made out with anyone on this album, but I see its potential. It's very sexy, melancholic and sweet. I think there is lightness in it, but also passion. She is exuberant in a similar way to Faye Webster. The softness and delicacy of the instrumental is what usually makes a kiss album really good.
Autolux – Perfect futuret
This is a very exciting and different album, and really fun to put together. The vibe he brings when kissing is…fucking perfect. It's a really fluid album, track by track; “Here Comes Everybody” is one of my favorites. It is also – [checks Spotify] – 51 minutes long! So if you want to go far and kiss Perfect future All the way down, that's championship level. That's a marathon.
Frank Ocean Blond
I feel like I have to take a deep breath before I talk about Blond. I think it's absolutely one of those albums that is more for fantasy kissing than real life. Blond It's kind of a warning: you hear it and really think about someone specifically, but then you imagine how that crush could cause you absolute heartbreak. I think Frank Ocean is one of the most extraordinary artists of our generation and he has one of the most inventive and purely beautiful voices. It's hard not to feel the longing and desire for him, even from that first millisecond of “Nikes.”
Various Artists – Garden State OST
was going to include Oh inverted worldbut I think it's really just him garden state soundtrack for me. I don't know if it would hold up as a kiss album now, but if you're a millennial, a lot of people made out with that. The nice thing about this is that it almost feels like a mix that someone made for you. You've got The Shins, Nick Drake, Simon and Garfunkel, Iron & Wine – it's an introduction to so many brilliant artists. And I don't think it should be controversial to say this: Coldplay is a fucking amazing band, okay?
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