Anyone who really knows me – knows I like playlists. Whether it's an Apple Music playlist or a Pandora channel, I have fun naming them. Here are some examples (and Apple Music links):
And now, I've put together my final playlist. Just to clarify, this won't be the last playlist I create. Rather, it's the playlist I'm requesting for my final event on earth. It's called "Dead Man's Party – The Final Playlist".
It's morbid, I know. But it's something I've been thinking about. Maybe it's because I've been to a few funerals lately. Maybe it's because I recently updated my Will and my final wishes. But, when I think about my future funeral (which, by the way, is waaayyy in the future, like 30+ years), I think about how pissed off people are going to be to feel obligated to go to it. Not because they disliked me, but because nobody likes to go to funerals. They're a drag. A real bummer.
I imagine my handful of lifelong friends, long lost friends, local friends, or co-worker friends who get the news about my passing and are like, "Aww…crap. I've got vacation plans that week." Or, "Oh, bummer. So, who's going do his job while we look for his replacement?" Or, "Hmm…what's the statute of limitations on friendship? If I haven't physically seen or spoken with an old friend for over 10 years – am I obligated to attend their funeral?" The answer is no. But, I'm telling you now, you'll be missing out on a good one.
Obviously, family are going to be most affected and upset. But once they find the bag of money I buried in the yard (somewhere) they'll be fine.
Basically, I don't want my funeral to be an environment of oppressive sadness and depression, or an inconvenience for anybody. I want it to be a celebration of life. So that's why I'm thinking people should know in advance that my funeral is going to be fun. It will be something that they can look forward to. Something that creates a final memory for folks.
And I want to be in control of the soundtrack. Because the thought of some funeral home playing generic church organ music, or some sad, sappy Beatles song, or worse – dead silence, really bothers me.
This blog represents my official request for what music should be played at my funeral (or "memorial party"). Oh, and make sure it's a fully-stocked, open bar. Pay for it with the money buried in the yard.
Here are the ground rules:
25 songs.
This isn't a list of my all-time favorite songs.
It's also not just a clever list of song about death. (Although I couldn't help but weave some references to death in it.)
It's simply a list of songs that I have curated based on the occasion and the crowd. Just like any good DJ would.
It's mostly positive, upbeat tunes to keep the vibe fun.
I may mix in a few somber thinkers, but will avoid overtly sad songs.
Most of these songs should be well known. But some may be bit more obscure, just to remind folks that I still think I'm a musical snob.
So here it goes. If you want to listen along on Apple Music, here's the shared playlist: Dead Man's Party – The Final Playlist
Where It's At by Beck
I think this should be the first song of the evening. With it's slow build, opening organ chords, head-bobbing rhythm, and Beck's easy rap – it should allow the crowd to ease into the party. "Bottle and cans, just clap your hands… I got two turntables and a microphone…"
Feelin' Alright by Joe Cocker
Joe Cocker's version of this Dave Mason song is really the only version that fits the vibe of this playlist. (Vs. the version from Grand Funk or Traffic.) Joe turns this song into some sort of southern Baptist church revival with funky piano and ooh-la-la backup singers. "When I think of you, I start to cry, 'cause there's too much to do before I die…"
Dead Man's Party by Oingo Boingo As John Cusack said in High Fidelity, about the making of a great mixtape, "You have to kick it off with a killer! To grab attention!" As inappropriate as it is, "Dead Man's Party" is an attention grabber. Especially at a funeral. Great beats, with the horns and drums of a classic '80s tune. However, I'm not making this song my kick-off tune. I think it will play better once everyone has had a drink. I see this song as the one that gets everyone on the dance floor.
One Step Beyond by Madness
I guess if people are already on the dance floor, might as well play this one too. This is also a nod to the High Fidelity scene when John Cusack and Jack Black are riffing about a "top 5 songs about death".
Let's Dance by David Bowie
It's a party, so let's dance.
Let's Go Crazy by Prince
Okay, so if we need church organ music at this event, I'll let Prince provide it. "Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today to get through this thing called life… But I'm here to tell you there's something else. The afterworld…"
Lust For Life by Iggy Pop
"The Passenger" is my favorite Iggy song, but "Lust For Life" works so much better for this list. Enjoy.
Rock The Casbah by The Clash
Not my favorite Clash tune, or my favorite album. But I needed a Clash song on this playlist and while "Death or Glory" seems like the obvious choice (and is just an awesome song) it just isn't appropriate. (Listen to it, and you'll understand.) "Rock The Casbah" is probably the most well-known Clash Song and it a good dance tune.
Monkey Gone To Heaven by Pixies
Truthfully, if I had to pick a favorite Pixies tune from my favorite Pixies album Doolittle it would have to be "Wave of Mutilation" or "No. 13 Baby". But I couldn't pass up "Monkey Gone To Heaven" for this play list.
Okay, let's slow it down a bit with some thinkers. Let everyone refresh their drinks and hear a couple of tunes that are intended to make you feel good.
This Is The Day by The The
Just a great feel-good-about-life-even-though-life-is-passing-by-too-quickly song. Everyone should know about The The.
California Stars by Wilco
I've always loved this song. Enough so, to learn it on the guitar. Just a great, positive, feel good song. It just brings a smile to my face every time. Woody Guthrie would approve.
Pass Me By by Pete Yorn
Just an absolute lovely song. Can't believe it's been 20 years since Yorn's Day I Forgot was released. I still listen to this album.
Keg on my Coffin by The Push Stars
Not many people know about the Boston band The Push Stars – but they should. Here's a good one, which seems to fit the theme of this playlist.
Can't Hardly Wait by the Replacements
I struggled to find the right 'Mats tune for this list. "Can't Hardly Wait" off Pleased To Meet Me is probably my favorite song, but Don't Tell a Soul is my favorite album.
Wave of Mutilation by Grant Lee Phillips
"You think I’m dead, but I sail away." Okay, fine. I cheated. I slipped in a favorite Pixies tune with this cover version by Grant Lee Phillips. But, honestly, this is probably the best version of "Wave of Mutilation" that you'll ever hear. Phillips just does this song a huge favor by slowing down the tempo, adding a country twang vocal, and mixing in a Hawaiian ukulele texture to it.
Rock & Roll by Velvet Underground
I've always wondered what other people think of this song. It means so much to me, and put it at the top of my list of favorite all-time great songs. This is one of those songs that, despite what's going on, makes everything – as Lou Reed would say – alright.
Movin' On Up by Primal Scream
It was the summer of '92 and this entire album (Screamadelica) provided the soundtrack. Just a classic. And I still listen to it regularly. "Movin' On Up" seems like the best choice for this playlist, but any song off this album would have worked.
Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
Need this classic song on the list. It's about my wife.
Living In Paradise by Elvis Costello
I love Elvis. So many great songs. "Watching The Detectives" is his greatest, but too dark for this list. "Living In Paradise" is a casual, upbeat, crowd pleaser. Plus it's got this line: "Up in heaven they are waiting at the gate, saying 'we'd always knew you'd make it, but didn't think you'd come this late.'"
It's The End Of The World As We Know It by R.E.M.
Good party tune. Everyone thinks they know the words and it's fun to try to sing it.
Just Like Heaven by The Cure
I can't get every 80's band into this list, but "Just Like Heaven" feel about right.
Look Sharp! by Joe Jackson
If it's an open casket, I hope I look sharp.
Tessie by Dropkick Murphys
Since my other postmortem request is to have my ashes sprinkled somewhere inside Fenway Park, I figured this song needed to make the list. I've already instructed my oldest son to "Shawshank" my ashes in his jean pockets and wander around the Park, maybe kick a leg over the Green Monster and give it a shake.
Ooh La La by the Faces
"I wish that I knew, what I know now, when I was younger."
Last Goodbye by Jeff Buckley
Yeah, I broke my own rule. So shoot me. I needed a closer and "Last Goodbye" is such a beautiful song. A few tears might get shed with this one, but I'm figuring it will be because I crafted the perfect final playlist and everyone knows it. They hate it when I'm right.
If you've got Apple Music, you should be able to open this playlist. Hope you'll listen and let me know what you think in the comments below. Thanks!
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