Speakeasy Playlists

Get the party started: a party playlist

By Rachel Hanes, Staff Writer

April 20, 2007 | noon

It is spring quarter and campus is filled with anticipation of rising temperatures and sunny days. If the wishes of students are granted, spring quarter will transform into prime party time, making a superior mix of music a necessity.

No quality party is complete without a set of amazing tracks to play while guests dance, socialize and, with a bit of luck, genuinely have a good time. The perfect party song is one with addictive beats and catchy hooks. It needs to inspire not only socialization but also scores of sing-alongs and dance breaks. Speakeasy writers put their heads together to compile the following list, which showcases a few tunes that hope to meet the goal expected of a great party song.

Party Songs of Today:

”Flathead”- The Fratellis

The Fratellis, a relatively new band, hit the high marks with their first single, “Flathead.” A mixture of quick, standout beats and gritty lyrics makes “Flathead” a necessity for any party mix.

"We Used to be Friends"- The Dandy Warhols

The Dandy Warhols’ use of keyboards and catchy hooks makes this song completely addicting. The switch from a low-toned verse to the high-pitched chorus, along with the great beat and the unforgettable lines make this song not only a lot of fun to sing along to but to dance along to as well.

"Rehab"- Amy Winehouse

For some party goers, this song may be a bit ironic, but there’s no escaping the remarkably retro sound of Amy Winehouse. Her soulful voice, combined with the very danceable beat, makes this song exceptional for singing along and, if it can be applied, laughing because of the sheer irony of it.

"Seventeen Years"- Ratatat

If you’re looking for a song to play that is simply instrumental, Ratatat is the way to go. It seems as though Ratatat, which mixes rock, hip hop and electronica, made “Seventeen Years” to get toes tapping.

"Still Not a Player"- Incubus featuring Big Pun

Incubus decided to take rapper Big Pun’s track and reshape it, bringing together Brandon Boyd’s voice, scratches that are essential to any Incubus track and Big Pun’s flows that are filled with self-confidence in being a lady’s man. Not to mention that the line, “I’m not a player, I just crush a lot,” is one of the best.

"Canned Heat"- Jamiroquai

Perfect for a good dance break, “Canned Heat,” as made famous by "Napoleon Dynamite," is one of the catchiest songs you’ll hear. If you want to get your partiers smiling and dancing, this song will get the job done.

"Talk to Me, Dance With Me"- Hot Hot Heat

Hot Hot Heat’s “Talk to Me, Dance With Me” is one of the catchiest of their noteworthy album, Make Up the Breakdown, and any song that utilizes a cowbell is worthy of party praise. Describing the need to let loose and not to be held down may be the perfect way to capture the spirit of a party filled with young people just wanting to have fun.

"Smack My Bitch Up"- The Prodigy

The Prodigy’s intense sound and fierce beats make “Smack My Bitch Up” truly danceable and enjoyable. Their pop-influenced electronica is a fiery touch to add to any party.

"Blue"- Eiffel 65

If one were to look up one of the most overplayed songs of 1999, this would be it. “Blue” is one of those “it’s oh-so-bad but oh-so-good” songs, and it will more than likely make guests die with laughter or get down on the dance floor. Either way, a good time should be had by all.

"Cellphone’s Dead"- Beck

What makes “Cellphone’s Dead” so fitting for a party is Beck’s wonderful habit of intertwining great alternative rock with hooks that just can’t seem to find a way out of one’s head. Beck may be unconventional for some parties, but there’s no denying that this song is perfect.

"Rock DJ"- Robbie Williams

This song is not only necessary because of its great sound but also because of Robbie Williams' sense of humor, which saturates the song. It’s impossible to think that this song was made seriously, and it is this humor that can truly get your guests into a contented mood.

"Elevation"- U2

While U2's sound isn’t normally considered party material, many can agree that “Elevation” is -- believe it or not -- a danceable song with a great beat. It also has an addictive chorus that features singer Bono “whooping,” which more than likely will inspire guests to do the same.

"Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt"- We Are Scientists

This is We Are Scientists' most popular song from their album, With Love and Squalor, and it is most definitely chant-worthy. While a good party song from We Are Scientists should not be limited to this one selection, “Nobody Move” will undoubtedly create a huge choir mid-party time.

"Love Rollercoaster"- Red Hot Chili Peppers

This cover of The Ohio Players’ 1975 hit is lively and funky — everything you’d expect from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. They modernize the song with gritty guitar riffs and Anthony Kiedis’s unmistakable voice, making the remake quite a crowd pleaser.

Essential Oldies

"Tainted Love"- Soft Cell

An 80s-era favorite, Soft Cell's cover of “Tainted Love” will get everyone singing along. Lead singer Marc Almond’s voice is sexy and playful, which will make any scene spirited and fun.

"Safety Dance"- Men Without Hats

No social gathering would be complete without playing “Safety Dance.” A new-wave staple song, “Safety Dance” should inspire everyone to dust off the robot or the cabbage patch.

"Bohemian Rhapsody"- Queen

No party is complete without a round of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” If this doesn’t get guests singing, then the party was probably dead from the beginning. This iconic, six-minute masterpiece almost never fails to inspire many to sing along.

While this list is in no way comprehensive of all the great – and perhaps not-so-good – party music out there, the songs compiled are sure to be crowd-pleasers, even if they are unknown to the guests. No one can resist a good beat, a catchy riff and, if you are able to listen amid all the chatter, lyrics that are just too good not to sing along.