New Wave Slumber Party
My Mixtape’s A Masterpiece is a weekly feature in which a guest compiles a playlist around some theme. This week, Morgan Rankin assembles 12 songs perfect for the ultimate sleepover. Read Morgan’s thoughts on each song and listen along to the Spotify playlist on top and/or the YouTube playlist at the bottom of the post.
Ever since I was a shy, awkward tween, I always dreamed about having the ultimate slumber party. Yes, I've had my share of attending some growing up but not quite like the ones I saw in the movies or on TV. Perhaps this idea spawned from EG Daily doing the most fascinating head bop dance to "Girls Like Me" in VALLEY GIRL or the girls of both Degrassi High and Beverly Hills, 90210 smoking pot and telling each other's dirty little secrets. Maybe it was when I went down the horror route and watched the guitar drilling and Orville Ketchum appearances in all the SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE and SORORITY HOUSE MASSACRE films. Heck, I could even throw in trying to save Dana Plato and her friends from bloodsucking vampires with my controller in Night Trap for inspiring me to want to create the ultimate Aqua Net-teasing, pepperoni pizza-eating, power pop-lip synching, neon-wearing slumber party.
It's not only film and TV that rule my imagination, music also plays a major if not the biggest role of all in my thoughts. I listen to all genres and they help me think of all sorts of scenarios in my head. With a particular idea like this one, I feel new wave music fits best since the '80s and early '90s were the prime time for these late night bashes. Also it's the genre that I connect with most and moves me in so many ways. Can't curate the perfect new wave sleepover without catchy tunes and here are some that take my totally tubular soirées to the max.
1. "No More Words" by Berlin
I think in order to achieve the right slumber party experience we need a little background. You know, something to be the reason for this all happening and why not heartbreak? I know it's a little cliché but it works. Tired of your lame partner not giving you what you need? Don't worry, Terri Nunn belting "no promises of love" has got you covered and even the upbeat Giorgio Moroder sound-alike synth plays like you're ready to move on.
2. "Synthicide" by SSQ
If you're gonna have anything new wave, you gotta have a song title that carries that big electronic beat. It's one that has actually been used in a couple of '80s flicks before but I think it makes for an excellent montage track. I mean, after heartbreak you need to call the friends up and hit the mall for emergency retail therapy before the party begins. Let Stacey Q be your shopping guide to help mend your broken heart.
3. "So in Love" by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Old love always creeps back in doesn't it? The opening drum and keyboard kick in as you exit the mall and start up your '89 royal blue convertible Pontiac Firebird with the top down. You cruise down the lonely highway with your hair flowing freely in the air just as the sun begins to go down. When you hear Andy McClusky's "heaven is cold without any soul, it's hard to believe I was so in love with you", chills run down your spine as you reminisce about your former flame. You're better than that though and you know you got your friends by your side who are ready to cheer you up tonight with lots of movies and pizza.
4. "Rush Hour" by Jane Wiedlin
You're pulling down the street just as you lay your eyes on the newest hottie in the neighborhood. Every word coming out of Jane Wiedlin's mouth is describing what you're feeling in the moment. You're so flabbergasted that you're not sure you're hearing this song or "I Get Weak" by Belinda Carlisle. The newbie on the block makes eye contact with you and all of the sudden this tune is your new sign of hope. Make sure you give a cute wink and an invitation.
5. "The House Is Burning (But There's No One Home)" by Vivabeat
As the butterflies in your stomach are fluttering, you gotta get your place ready before everyone arrives. The bass line works as the build up to another montage filled with scrubbing counters, calling in the pizza and trying on several different clothes as the "my, my, uh-oh" serve as the frustration of finding the right outfit. Let's face it though, you're gonna be covering your face with green mud and stuffing your mouth with cheesy bread soon so just throw on a pair of comfy shorts and that oversized Psychedelic Furs concert tee.
6. "Baby, Oh No" by Bow Wow Wow
The friends are here and your slumber party is in full session now. The mud masks are caked on as you paint your nails, chomp on the anchovies and watch the latest highly recommended horror rental by the longtime clerk from the local video store. As one of your friends goes to grab the last slice of pizza, they drop the needle on the vinyl record that has been sitting in your player for weeks next to the box. When the drums start rolling in, it's time to grab the wooden spoons and brooms and jam on the pillows and sing your heart out. With the echoes and chants in between the chorus from Annabella Lwin, it works nicely for your group to play rock band and lose your self control.
7. "Kiss Me" by Tin Tin
Every typical sleepover has to include games, right? Maybe try out the classic Truth or Dare, work out your vocabulary on some Scrabble or even figure out your dream life with MASH? The heavy analog synth beat and Stephen Duffy's soft spoken voice make for comfortable background music almost like it could be the Jeopardy theme for the new wave genre as you and your friends relax and play.
8. "And We Danced" by The Hooters
As you and your friends are giggling and having fun seeing who's gonna be a popstar, marry Sylvester Stallone and live in a shack on the beach with three kids, the room all of a sudden gets silent when you hear a knock on the door. Maybe you've watched too many slasher movies but you can only hope it's not some driller killer in a Canadian tuxedo waiting for you to be their next victim. You breathe a sigh of relief when you peek out the tiny hole on the door and see it's the cutie patootie you met earlier and good news, they brought friends. As the mandolin strums, the dancing starts when the music slides into a more upbeat tempo. It's Dance Party USA in your living room as you all bop to the beat. You're smiling as it looks like everyone is having the best night of their life as you hear "swept away for a moment by chance".
9. "When Your Heart Is Weak" by Cock Robin
I think it's common law that you have to follow up a feel good song with a slow jam at any party. So wrap your arms around that special someone and watch your toes as you glide across the carpet. You're still in a very tender place trying to move on from that jerk of an ex and you don't want to get hurt again. Although, looking into fresh eyes as you hear the guitar picking and the drums kicking, you're willing to let this person you're holding onto tight have the key to unlock your heart.
10. "Ghost of Love" by Fiction Factory
Just when things are looking up for you, the record scratches as you look over and see someone accidentally bumped into it but that's only because everyone is looking right at your ex who somehow snuck in. The lyrics "hate that ghost of love" creep in as you feel your whole night has been ruined. It's ok though, you know you're in a better place now. Remind that dirty rotten scoundrel to take the L out of Lover because it's over for you two.
11. "When the Lights Go Out" by Naked Eyes
The party has officially come to an end as the keyboards count down the minutes to slumber city as you and your friends take turns brushing your teeth and rolling out the sleeping bags on the floor. As everyone gets tucked in, you chat about the night and how bad you want to see this new crush again and hope that they didn't get scared after dealing with the drama of your ex. Pete Byrne singing "she's the kind that needs the tender touch" is exactly how you feel but right now you have your circle of friends beside you and that's what is most important.
12. "Oblivious" by Aztec Camera
It's a new day and the acoustic guitar makes for a nice refresher after a big night. Just picture a sunny day with birds chirping as you hear the "oohs" and "ahh"s in the background. Your friends gather up their belongings and load up but before they head back home, you gotta go hit up the local diner for some delicious French toast and a damn fine cup of coffee. This should be another rule in slumber party etiquette. As you're finishing up and saying your goodbyes, "I hear your footsteps in the street, won't be long before we meet" matches to the rhythm of your crush walking past your window outside the diner. They catch you in the corner of their eye and turn as you both smile. I mean, it's obvious.
