If I had to build a playlist that explains my current self, I would curate it quite carefully, and I confess it would be difficult to decide upon the songs within that playlist. After careful deliberation, however, I think the first three songs I would pick would be, in no particular order: "My Love Mine All Mine" by Mitski, "Moanin'" by Charles Mingus, and "God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys.
Though I do not pick songs for their relatability, these songs appeal to me both because of their approach to composition, their heartfelt nature, and the passion visible in their songwriting.
"My Love Mine All Mine" feels like a love song to the world about the joys contained within it, and how love often, inexplicably, grows from a somewhat contained affair to something that overflows and shines upon others. Mitski sings the whole thing as if she has just realised something, and is trying to say it out loud before it slips away. I love to love others and to share passion with them, and to bring peace and comfort to others is a joy of my life. Though it is not exactly romantic love, it is a powerful form of love nonetheless, and I treasure it deeply.
Continuing with my love for jazz, Charles Mingus's "Moanin'" is an energetic and innovative piece that captures both the chaos and joy within life. Mingus is widely considered one of the greatest jazz musicians and collective improvisers of his era, and this piece demonstrates why. There is a raw quality of excitement in the piece, and the powerful big band helps convey the urgency and avant-garde nature of the work. The horns bark and answer each other; the bass keeps a floor under everything. My own life often feels chaotic, but there is joy and strength within it regardless. This piece encourages me to take control and remain excited, even if life can sometimes be difficult to get through.
Finally, "God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys allows me to connect with myself and feel better. The piece itself is inspired by Baroque-style Christian music, and places an almost religious emphasis on the concept of love. Here, love is not a fickle thing that comes and goes, but an altar as solid and as timeless as the universe itself. Though we are but human, love persists, and the constancy of connection powers our spirits. There is something in the harmonies, the way the voices stack and answer one another, that treats devotion as a kind of architecture, something you can lean against. This song serves to inspire me, and I hope I can bring a similar level of love to others in my life with service and devotion.
Three songs, three different centuries of the same idea. Not the worst opener to a playlist.
