As I was brainstorming how best to introduce Regina Spektor’s style of music, I ran through a bunch of different genres in my mind. Was she more anti-folk? Indie? Jazz? Pop rock? (Where it sits in any store that carries her CD’s, from what I’ve seen). I then realized, after much contemplation and listening to every one of Regina Spektor’s songs, that her music fits in nowhere . . . and yet at the same time, it fits in everywhere. By this I mean: each song is innovative and takes unthinkable twists and turns, both through the stories her lyrics tell and the sounds that instantly engrave themselves in your mind (and you’ll be glad they did), but through all of this, her music is easy to relate to. Each story told has been or could be about someone’s life.
This playlist of 22 songs comes from her 4 previous albums (excluding Compilations, Singles, and EP’s) 11:11, Songs, Soviet Kitsch, and Begin to Hope. Each album has its own unique flair to it and it is sometimes easy to tell what her earlier songs are (stronger instrumentals, a few musically spellbinding moments, vocal spontaneity), compared to her later ones (a wider variety of instruments, stronger vocals, catchy choruses and hooks). This is certainly a long playlist (sort of a "double feature", if you will) but well worth every moment of your time to give it the full listen. When you listen to Regina Spektor's captivating and distinguished sound, you'll begin to hope at 11:11 for more brilliant songs. Kitschy? You be the judge. Enjoy!
1. Fidelity [BH] - This is one of Spektor’s most popular songs found in her last album Begin to Hope. It tells of the difficulty of commitment and trust in relationships and it is particularly fun to sing along to both for its poppy sound and relatable lyrics.
2. Love Affair [11:11]- So this might be a bit of a stretch, but I could picture this spunky jazz tune becoming a pop song (if the piano became more subtle), with its infectious rhythm and (compared to some of Spektor’s other works) straightforward lyrics. However, Spektor’s piano and vocal range proves this song to be one of a kind.
3. Somedays [SK] - Upon first hearing this song, I felt like it was a perfect transition into her next album, Begin to Hope. It is sad and has a hook which she uses more in her newer albums (Soviet Kitsch, Begin to Hope, Far) than her older ones. Overall a very relatable song.
4. Us [SK]- This fast moving love song creates a euphoric feeling when you listen to it, and the only thing that could better showcase it is the music video.
5. Lady [BH]-A song about Billie Holliday and her life as a blues singer. It’s not hard to get the image of a lady walking through a foggy alley at midnight. That’s pretty specific, but I wouldn’t doubt other listeners being able to create a similar image in their minds. The saxophone solo at the end really rounds out the bluesy feel that is never lost throughout the song.
6. Ne Me Quitte Pas [Songs]- Vivid childhood memories come to life with this song’s story-telling lyrics and upbeat sound. Quite fun to hum or (if you are blessed with such talent) sing to!
7. Apres Moi [BH]- The music and lyrics combine to create chills down your spine in this very eerie song that is kept alive by the violins, piano, drums, and tube bells, not to mention the mixture of French lyrics and an old Russian poem.
8. Consequence of Sounds [Songs]- If you can follow her lyrics, you’ll note how the simple chorus perfectly complements the wordy quips found in each verse.
9. On the Radio [BH] -A song that experiments with many instruments (besides Spektor’s specialty—piano) If you didn’t know what album this song was from, based on her vocal ingenuity you can tell it wouldn’t “fit in” with any album before Begin to Hope.
10. Chemo Limo [SK] - A remarkably sad song that seems to be taking on a first person narrative of a mother dying of cancer. She covers real life issues such as not being there for her children growing up and making sure they are financially secure. The surprisingly catchy chorus helps emphasize each verse and this whole song will linger on in your mind long after you hear it.
11. That Time [BH] - This song, played with just a guitar, is the kind of song you’d want to be playing in a montage of your life, with every little detail expressed as though it was a life changing moment.
12. Braille [11:11]- This song is beautifully sung to say the least, and the lyrics tell the story of a woman dealing with a rough life filled with mistakes, and as she grows up she begins to long for her past.
13. Back of a Truck [11:11]- This is another jazz song that reeks of impulsiveness and tells of city life, in particular that of New York.
14. Hotel Song [BH]- Although the song is very fun, the lyrics indirectly tell the story of a prostitute (from my interpretation) who knows she’ll never actually get close to the one she loves. This is one of my favorites, due to the literary devices and cheerfully misleading sound.
15. Lulliby [Songs]- Truly a fitting title, this song is gentle enough to lull any person to sleep and ensure sweet dreams.
16. Oedpius [Songs]- For any fans of classic literature and theater, this song makes a reference to Sophocles’ Oedipus the King. This is not the first time Spektor has paid tribute to a piece of literature (Samson and Après Moi are just a few examples), and if you give it a few minutes it will certainly get stuck in your head..
17. Summer in the City [BH] -The mellow sound of the song does in no way disguise the gutsy lyrics (“So I went to a protest, just to rub up against strangers” is one of the milder lines) that tell a story of missing being near a loved one.
18. Ode to Divorce [SK]- A slow, sad song that you’d probably feel like listening to on a rainy day.
19. I Want to Sing [11:11]- This song, beautifully sung a cappella feels pure and off the cuff, as if Spektor just recorded herself singing live in a coffee shop. This song will put you in a trance and the only thing missing is a crowd snapping at the end.
20. Samson [Songs & BH] - One of Spektor’s most lovely songs, Samson is the biblical tale (Samson and Delilah), put in a modern setting (“he ate a slice of wonder bread”) alleging to the fact that love is not restricted to one time period. A personal favorite.
21. The Flowers [SK]- A fast song that is like a maze winding every which way. Phenomenal piano playing skills in this one.
22. Field Below [BH] - A slow but gorgeous song that would be perfect to listen to as you are lying in a field . . . below . . . on a breezy summer day.
Link to the playlist: http://www.playlist.com/playlist/16830374155
COMING SOON: The third (and final) day of Regina Spektor Week here on Moxie & Mayhem! Don't miss it!
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