Celebrate good times
with the right soundtrack—
your guide to party music
By Joe Sweeney
A party without music is like an episode of Cops that doesn’t exploit the problems of poverty-stricken African-Americans—something’s missing, whether you’re paying attention or not. No matter the occasion, from a cocktail party to a killer kegger, tunes are a crucial atmosphere-setting tool. But be careful; the wrong music can be worse than nothing at all (“Hit Me With Your Best Shot” probably wouldn’t go over so well at Dick Cheney’s birthday party, for example.) That’s why Buffalo Spree has taken it upon itself to give you some sonic recommendations for a variety of different party scenarios.
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with friends
You’ll want the mood to be loose yet sophisticated, so a solid collection of sixties Motown should be in the mix (except for anything on the Big Chill soundtrack, which would force your guests to think about Jeff Goldblum and subsequently lose their appetites). Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, Little Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, Aretha—it’s all good times and great oldies, and nothing like MIX 104.1.
Grey’s Anatomy viewing party
We’d recommend mining your record collection for the most trite, melodramatic stuff you’ve got. If you have “Beautiful” by James Blunt, just put that on repeat.
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You’re all getting together for an in-depth discussion about what The Lovely Bones meant to you. And I’m the father of Anna Nicole’s baby. Let’s be honest, here—what you need is some serious drinkin’ music. George Thorogood. ZZ Top. ZZ Top covering George Thorogood. Book jackets weren’t invented to keep dust away; they’re a natural barrier against overturned ashtrays and bourbon glass rings.
High society ball
If you’re throwing one of these things, you probably have enough scratch to pay U2 to perform. The presence of Bono alone will make your bourgeois guests feel like they’re not so pompous after all.
Vernal equinox celebration
Every spring, the vernal equinox gives you the chance to show all your nonpagan friends that you don’t worship Satan—you’re simply at one with nature. So instead of the expected Black Sabbath and Danzig cuts, select a quintet of lobotomized hippie compilations, throw them in your five-disc changer and press “Shuffle.” As the mix shifts between Peter Paul & Mary, Jethro Tull, and Enya, ignore the eye rolls and snide comments of your friends, and twirl like your life depends on it.
Your son’s first birthday party
Play whatever you want. The kid’s one; he’s got no idea what’s going on.
Joe Sweeney is a Buffalo-based writer and musician.
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