A Las Vegas-Inspired Vintage Playlist

My latest guest post for Vintage Shopper is up, and it's a playlist to get you ready for (or bring back the memories of) Vegas, baby! VEGAS! From classic tunes from Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, to some new classics from the likes of Katy Perry, these songs will create the vibe of lots of neon, honking horns, beautiful people, the Rat Pack, and some of the world's biggest buffets. Enjoy! And let me know what songs YOU like listening to when it's time to hit Sin City.

10 Sultry Songs: A Vintage Babymaking Music Playlist

Sometimes, you just need to swoon. And in our opinion, it is hard to find more romantic songs than ones in the Great American Songbook. Lovingly crafted lyrics...orchestras that swell with the climax of the song...artists that caress each syllable...we think we might need a cool drink right now to calm down. Here are some classic tunes (many re-imagined by contemporary artists) to help you set the mood. Ooh la la!

1. "Sway"--Dean Martin
"Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore, hold me close, sway me more." Yes, indeed!

2. "Feeling Good"--Jennifer Hudson
J-Hud has come a long, long way since the days of making small talk with Ryan Seacrest on American Idol and has us feeling GREAT with this one.

3. "Fly Me to the Moon"--Patrizio Buanne
Buanne, Bocelli, and Dino...when we are talking romance, you cannot go wrong with an Italian man.

4. "The Look of Love"--Diana Krall
Is that the look of love or the look of lust that's being sung about in this Burt Bacharach/Hal David classic?

5. "Besame Mucho"--Andrea Bocelli
Yes, please--we would like to be kissed a lot. A lot a lot.

6. "Quando Quando Quando"--Michael Buble featuring Nelly Furtado
I think we would all like to know the answer to this one: Exactly when (When? WHEN?!) will you be mine?

7. Never, Never--Patrizio Buanne and Renee Olstead
We've heard that he considered becoming an Italian chef before pursuing a singing career, which probably means that he could serenade you while making an amazing spaghetti alla carbonara.

8. "Quizas, Quizas, Quizas"--Andrea Bocelli and Jennifer Lopez
The word "perhaps" definitely sounds more romantic when sung in Spanish. Here's a cool video of these two superstars performing their hit on Dancing With The Stars:

9. "Call Me"--Eliane Elias This beautiful gal is talented in jazz, pop, classical, and Brazilian music. Hear her voice once, and you will immediately recognize it forever after. 

10. "Night and Day"--Frank Sinatra
As Frank Sings this 1932 classic by Cole Porter, you feel his torment, and that "hungry, yearnin', burnin'" inside of him.

Bonus:

"The Nearness of You"--Nicole Henry
It's not the pale moon that delights, thrills, and excites us...it's Nicole's voice! The 2013 Soul Train Awards winner almost sounds like she is singing right into your ear words that are better than any sweet conversation.

A Vintage-Inspired Swingin’ Summery Songs Playlist

Summer is in the air...just add music!

This past week in Southern California has been unreal, with brilliant sunshine and temps of 100 degrees! It got me (Lara) wanting to hear uptempo songs that make my heart take flight, and I hope that these tunes make you feel the same way as you look forward to some bright and wonderful days, whether you’re headed to the beach right now with your suntan lotion and a copy of Us Weekly, or still wearing UGG boots and earmuffs in a chilly part of the planet. 

And btw…these songs are timeless (whether they are vintage or simply vintage inspired), so they won’t go out of style, unlike the monokini. Enjoy!

1. “Ain't That A Kick In The Head”—Dean Martin

You may have seen/heard Dino performing this in Ocean’s Eleven (the original with Sinatra, not the Clooney version), and been charmed by his effortless swagger. Not to mention his perfect head of thick, dark hair. “Like a sailor said, quote, Ain’t that a hole in a boat?” After watching this on YouTube, google his Vegas medley and hear one of my favorite Dino moments: After performing for about nine seconds, he says, “How long have I been on?”

2. “The Lady Is A Tramp”—Cast of Glee

Originally introduced in the 1937 Rogers and Hart musical Babes in Arms, the cast of Glee updated it for a new generation and made us fall in love with the song all over again. I love how this version features a guy and girl singing together, and even though the lyrics have never quite made sense to me (“I love the theatre, but never come late”—if you love the theatre, WOULDN’T you arrive on time?!), we swoon all the same when we hear it.

3. “So Nice (Summer Samba)”—Astrud Gilberto

Cool ocean breezes, salty air, lazy afternoons, and balmy nights…those are all right here in Astrud’s sultry vocals, much like in another one of her hits, “The Girl From Ipanema.” The Brazilian Bossa Nova legend’s version of “So Nice” is one of the most well-known, although it’s been covered by something like 180 artists over the years, including Baby Spice (Emma Bunton) of the Spice Girls!

Swinging with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

4. “Go Daddy-O”—Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

They stole our hearts in 1996’s Swingers, and I think they were hugely responsible for all the big bands that have popped up and the general swing revival. Plus, how do you not love a band of 55 men (I might be exaggerating a teensy bit) that play while wearing sharp suits and hats? They were even decked out like this when I saw them rock a huge crowd in the parking lot at Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles before a Los Angeles Lakers game on a sweltering afternoon. Plan your life around catching one of their live shows.

5. “Take The A Train”—Nikki Yanofsky

You may have heard Nikki (who is beautiful and looks a bit like Selena Gomez, I think) singing the Canadian National Anthem at the opening of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, B.C. If you listen to one of my stations, www.MartiniInTheMorning.com, you know we have been fans of hers for years now. Nikki is all of 19, but has the voice and soul of someone much older. She absolutely tears up this song, which was the signature tune of the Duke Ellington orchestra.

 6. “Come Fly With Me”—Frank Sinatra

Remember the days when flying was something glamorous that people got really excited about and dressed up for? Me, neither, but I hear that really did used to happen, and in this song (with music by Jimmy Van Heusen and lyrics by Sammy Cahn) Frank makes me want to pack a bag and brave LAX en route to a cuckoo weekend in Acapulco. Or Bombay. Or wherever the jet is headed. Wheels up! 

Brigitte Zarie

7. “I Love Las Vegas”—Brigitte Zarie

Brigitte says she was inspired to do this song after hearing her sister tell tales of her trip to Sin City, and when we listen we are ready to book a room at the Bellagio, stat. Giving shout outs to lights, blackjack tables, glamour, Elvis, the Strip, private jets, and more, it’s a joyous celebration of one of my favorite cities. Although it makes me want to celebrate in the pool, because Vegas in the summer is fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk hot.

8. “Haven’t Met You Yet”—Michael Buble

 This song is so hopeful (love when the horns start blaring) and happy, and even though in the song Michael is singing about how he has not met that special someone yet…he met his real-life wife, Luisana Lopilato, when she appeared in the video for the song. And this summer, they will welcome a Baby Buble! 

9. “Swing Swing Swing”—Keely Smith

I didn’t know that much about Keely Smith, and then I was invited to a musical at the Geffen Playhouse called Louis & Keely Live At The Sahara, which fabulously detailed the careers and tumultuous relationship of Louis Prima (“Just A Gigolo”) and Keely Smith. Plus, I realized that Keely rocked an amazing Louise Brooks-style bob. To me, this song still sounds so fresh and modern and full of life. When you hear it, you will understand why Louis Armstrong once said, “If you can’t feel swing, you’ll never know it.” I feel it, Louis…everywhere!

 10. “Zoot Suit Riot”—Cherry Poppin’ Daddies

This song was such a huge hit when it came out in 1997 that Top 40 radio started playing it. The station I was working for at the time invited the band to be part of a show that included dance acts and Def Leppard, so you can imaging the audience going, “What is this?” when the Daddies strutted out in their high-waisted, wide-legged, tight-cuffed, pegged trousers, and long coats with the wide lapels and wide padded shoulders (otherwise knows as “zoot suits.”) However, they won the crowd over pretty much the moment the lead singer started riffing the, “ZaZu Za Zazu” gibberish part of the song. This is a great one to put on when you need to find some energy for a night out!

And a bonus song…

11. “Summer Wind”—Frank Sinatra

This is not an uptempo tune; in fact, Frank is singing about losing his love after a fleeting romance. But Johnny Mercer’s lyrics so beautifully capture the feeling of a seasonal affair that makes the sky look bluer and the world so much brighter that it is required listening as we head into summer. The passion and longing I hear about to burst forth in Frank’s voice is enough to make you want to run hand in hand across the warm sand with someone who makes your head spin, even though you know they will only be a memory by the time the leaves start to fall from the trees in the autumn wind.

A Vintage Playlist To Win Friends And Influence People (or at least drown out awkward moments)

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Music should be the last thing you worry about when you’re having a gathering at your place. Dropping the apple pie you baked? Running out of alcohol? Someone showing up with the ex-boyfriend of another guest? Yes, worry about those things, but let us handle setting the mood for you by suggesting 24 songs with a vibe that oozes vintage-y cool. 

I (Lara) think this playlist works well when you’re having a casual get-together where you’re just kind of hanging out, having drinks and snacks, and catching up with everyone. You can mix these songs up, or just play them in this order, as I’ve balanced everything out and taken into account the male to female ratio and tempo and newer versus classic artists to keep things interesting.

Pro Tip: Make your selection POP by mixing in live versions of favorites, random cover versions, remixes, and instrumental versions. All of these add a certain “texture” that can break up the sameness that tend to kind of lull people into a stupor and make a function low-energy. And unless I’m on the couch with a bag of Dulse Chips and an Ava Gardner movie marathon on TCM, I’d rather be stupor-free.

Pro Tip, Part Deux: My friend Brad Martini Chambers is the Morning Man and owner of www.MartiniInTheMorning.com, which plays Standards 24/7 (including all the songs on this playlist), so he lives and breathes the Lounge Lizard lifestyle. Brad says you can never go wrong by including Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles, even if you’re focusing on more current pop hits. Frank and Ray are so genius that they will even sound cool next to Gaga, Rihanna, and Maroon 5, and your friends will admire your stellar taste and knowledge in music. Brad also says that, when in doubt or short on time, just put on Frank’s In The Wee Small Hours album (and get ready for love) or Songs For Swingin’ Lovers (and get ready for love) and let them roll all the way through.

Without any further ado, here’s the list:

1. Norah Jones / The Nearness of You: “It’s not the pale moon that excites me, That thrills and delights me…”  The moment you hear Norah’s voice you can let out a huge sigh, allow your shoulders to drop down from around your ears, and know that life is about to get much, much better.

2. Frank Sinatra / I’ve Got You Under My Skin: I’ve got the horn section under my skin. I fantasize about the moment it kicks in at 2:05. And then Frank comes back in to sing about sacrificing everything just to have me near. I want to weep. And you will, too, when you listen to it LOUD.

3. Michael Buble and Sharon Jones / Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes): This was first done as a duet with Brook Benton and Dinah Washington, and Michael and Sharon do a fabulous job following in those awesome footsteps. Michael is married to an actress, btw, and says that, since they are apart so much, they have many dates via skype. Oh, to be a fly on the wall…

4. Peggy Lee / Fever: Often imitated, never duplicated…this is the real thing, baby. You will need some water for yourself and your guests to cool down while listening to Miss Peggy. Reese Witherspoon is playing her in an upcoming biopic.

5. Michael Feinstein / Begin The Beguine: Michael recorded this song as part of The Sinatra Project in 2008. While the album is a tribute to Frank, Michael interpreted the songs a little differently than The Chairman did, and the result is beautiful and brilliant.

6. Dean Martin / Ain’t That A Kick In The Head: “Live, direct from the bar – Dean Martin!” The most lovable drunk ever…who wasn’t really a drunk. Was it Ginger Ale in his ever-present glass?

7. Joseph Leo Bwarie / Umbrella / A Fella With An Umbrella: What happens when you combine an Irving Berlin tune from Easter Parade…with Rihanna? MAGIC…ella ella eh eh eh!

8. Ella Fitzgerald / The Lady Is A Tramp: The first lady of song. Need I say more?

9. Seth MacFarlane and Sara Bareilles / Love Won’t Let You Get Away: That’s right, the Family Guy guy can also sing. Is there anything this man cannot do? I wish I could be there to see your jaw hit the floor when you hear him—he has an amazing style and sound in the tradition of Frank and Dino. This is a cute song originally done by Bing Crosby and George Clooney’s Aunt Rosemary.

10. Nina Simone / My Baby Just Cares For Me: It was written in 1930, Nina recorded it in 1958 for her debut album, and it became a huge hit in 1987 when Chanel used it in a perfume commercial. It became Nina's signature song.

11. Steve Tyrell / The Way You Look Tonight: Yes, Steve Martin was hi-larious in Father of the Bride, but I think Steve Tyrell’s version of this classic stole the show. It never, ever gets old. If you want your woman to do anything for you, play her this song while gazing into her eyes.

12. Sammy Davis Jr. / Come Rain Or Come Shine: At some point, I am going to put together a baby making music playlist, and Come Rain Or Come Shine is probably going to be at the top of this list. This is a great one for weddings, too.

13. Bobby Darin / Mack The Knife (live version from his tv show): I’m still not sure exactly what this song is about (does someone die?), or who Ol’ Lucy Brown is, but just try to resist belting it out while snapping your fingers Darin-style.

14. Nikki Yanofsky / Sunny Side Of The Street / Fool In The Rain: Nikki was only 15 (she’s 18 now) when she came up with the idea to put a Jimmy McHugh song together with a Led Zeppelin tune. Thank you, Ma and Pa Yanofsky, for being classic rock fans.

15. Ray Charles / Hallelujah I Love Her So: Blues, gospel, and jazz—Ray combined them all and shook up pop music with a unique sound in the mid-50s.

16. Rod Stewart / Moon River: Rod the Bod had lots of pop hits (who can forget Love Touch from the movie Legal Eagles? Not me!), but his greatest success has come with recording The Great American Songbook. His cover of Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer’s tearjerker is on Volume V!!!!

17. Kevin Spacey / Hello, Young Lovers: Ever since he did the movie Beyond the Sea, all I see is Bobby Darin when I look at Kevin Spacey. And when I see Bobby Darin, I think it is Kevin Spacey.  This version MOVES!

18. Carly Simon / Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye: Carly is so sultry on this Cole Porter tune, I am wondering why anyone (Warren Beatty?) has ever said goodbye to her. There’s no love song finer…but how how strange the change from major to minor…

19. Chris Isaak / Besame Mucho: The title roughly translates to “Kiss Me A Lot,” which is what one of my friends who dated Chris back in the day got to do. My favorite story she told me about him is this one: One day when they were hanging out at his house, Chris came up to her and said, “I’m the thinkin’ police. Whatcha thinkin’?” Hopefully, her answer was, "Besame mucho."

20. Tony Bennett / Don’t Get Around Much Anymore: Tony is 86 with a HOT career! He’s going to be doing a third Duets album, and this time he’ll be paired with Latin artists. Gloria Estefan, that means YOU. Hey, maybe they’ll do a lounge version of Conga?

21. Chris Botti and Steven Tyler / Smile: Take a trumpet player who has been called the hardest working man in the jazz business and team him up with the surprisingly sweet (as we found out on American Idol) lead singer of Aersosmith and you have tender, beautiful tune.  I’ve heard that Smile was Michael Jackson’s favorite song. 

22. Judy Garland / Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart: If all you know of Judy Garland is Toto, Ruby Red Slippers, and Over the Rainbow, you are missing out, sister. She sang this in a film called Listen, Darling (1938), which actually came out a year before The Wizard of Oz.

23. Frank Sinatra / Summer Wind: If you have ever loved and lost (and as they say, the only love that lasts is the one that’s not returned), this song will haunt you. I always wonder if maybe he was thinking about Ava Gardner as he sang? Surprisingly, Wayne Newton recorded this first, but Frank’s version (1966) was the bigger hit. I look for this on every jukebox I come across—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

24. Jane Monheit  / The Rainbow Connection: You cried when Kermit sang it as a child, and now prepare for tears as you hear Jane’s gorgeous grown up version. Something tells me she has always loved this song, as she got the title of the album it’s on from a lyric: The Lovers, The Dreamers, and Me.