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 Playlist Of Modern Singers Singing The Great American Songbook

First of all, we have to give some love to Michael Buble for bringing a lot of attention to The Great American Songbook , which is a group of American songs written roughly between 1920 and 1960. Here was this young, handsome kid belting out songs like “The Way You Look Tonight” and “Come Fly With Me” with classic arrangements, yet making them sound fresh (and thank you David Foster for the fabulous production). In my (lara’s) opinion, Michael’s success definitely has opened doors for many other artists who are also singing this music, and it is my pleasure to tell you about a few of them here. If you have a favorite who is not mentioned, let us know about them in the Comments. Happy Listening!

I have not listed these in any particular order, but I programmed this just like I would the music on a radio show for a nice variety of sound.

1.    Carol Welsman—“I’ll Be Around”  Carol is a tall, blonde, Canadian vocalist and pianist who has put out seven albums since her debut in 1995, and received five Juno nominations (that’s the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys). As you listen to this song, hear the confidence with which she assures the lover who is jilting her that she’ll be around…after things fall apart with his new love and he realizes Carol is the one for him. Chills!

2.    Tony DeSare—“Get Happy” I was blown away by the energy Tony brought to his set when I saw him live in June. Maybe that has something to do with his left hand piano style?  Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler wrote “Get Happy,” which was was introduced by legendary singer Ruth Etting in 1930; most people probably think of Judy Garland singing it in 1950’s Summer Stock (her last film). Tony’s version will take you to the Promised Land and beyond!

3.    Queen Latifah—“The Lady Is A Tramp” Who knew, back in 1994 when we first saw Queen Latifah (real name: Dana Owens) rapping on “U.N.I.T.Y.” on MTV that she would one day put on red lipstick and pearls and take on the classics? She does it brilliantly, and brings sass and some seriously smooth vocals to “The Lady Is A Tramp,” which is the song Frank Sinatra sang to Rita Hayworth in Pal Joey. Bravo!

4.    Seth MacFarlane—“Laura” When I look at Seth, he reminds me of a more handsome version of Peter Brady. A Peter Brady that can act, host, do voices, write, produce, sing, and direct, to name just a few of Seth’s talents.  When he was young, he trained with some vocal coaches that once worked with Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra (!!!), and has talked about having an attraction to the great American songbook.  “Laura” is on Seth’s album Music Is Better Than Words, and features lyrics by Johnny Mercer that were added to a tune composed by David Raskin for the 1944 Dana Andrews/Gene Tierney film of the same name.

5.    Joseph Leo Bwarie—I Can’t Give You Anything But Love None other than the legendary Garry Marshall described Joseph as “three of the most exciting words in show business.” And he should know; the two often collaborate on productions at Marshall’s Falcon Theatre in Toluca Lake, California. Joe Leo got a huge break when he landed the role of Frankie Valli in the hugely successful musical “Jersey Boys,” and is now breaking out with a solo recording career.  He's also a lot of fun to follow on Twitter (www.twitter.com/JosephLeoBwarie), where he talks about everything from crab cakes in Maryland to upcoming shows.

6.    Renee Olstead—“(I’d Like To Get You On A) Slow Boat To China”  I love this arrangement of Frank Loesser’s 1948 song, which is poppy and features Carol Welsman on background vocals. This song can be found on Renee’s self-titled album of pop and jazz standards that came out in 2004, when Renee was 14 (!!!) yet somehow delivered a performance that is sultry, knowing, and cheeky.  Renee is also an actress, and just wrapped up a run on the television series The Secret Life of the American Teenager.

Listen to Renee here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNocl8cqMDs

7.    Dave Damiani—“Everything Happens To Me” Dave performs regularly around Los Angeles with his small group, his 10-piece orchestra, and his 17-piece orchestra! I saw him recently fronting a big band, and was so impressed; his album is titled “Watch What Happens,” which is perfect since he is definitely a new artist to keep an eye on. Enjoy his mournful crooning about everything from black cats crossing his path to getting the measles in this classic 1940 tune.

8.     Nicole Henry—“Like Someone In Love”  Nicole grew up singing at school and in church, and after doing very well as an actress and voiceover artist she decided to devote herself to a singing career. Yay! Nicole brings her sultry vocals to this jazzy interpretation of a 1944 song by Jimmy van Heusen and Johnny Burke, which was also a hit for artists like Dinah Shore and Bing Crosby. And as a gal who grew up in Florida, I’m happy to say that Nicole lives in Miami…where there are a lot of  beautiful Art Deco buildings.

9.    Jonny Blu—“Mack the Knife” I had the pleasure of seeing Jonny perform at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, and he sang flawlessly in English, Spanish, French, and Chinese! Plus, he performed two songs on the ukulele.  ‘Nuff said.

10. Tamela D’Amico—“One For My Baby”  Tamela has been dubbed “Sinatra in Heels,” and she channels Frank’s emotional delivery in this classic tune. Although, in real life, she is making beautiful music with singer Billy Vera! Tamela is amazingly talented, as she not only sings, but also is an actress and a filmmaker.  In fact, her filmmaking made her a Top 24 finalist in the reality show On The Lot, which was produced by Steven Spielberg and Mark Burnett.

  

Bonus:

Chris Botti and Michael Buble—“”Let There Be Love” I listen to so many Standards that it’s no wonder my young son walked up to a little girl on the playground and introduced himself by saying, “Helloooo, cuckoo!” Five minutes later, they were holding hands and sitting in a swing. Michael sings lines like, “Let there by cuckoos, a lark and a dove,” while Chris plays his trumpet and women swoon.

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 Heartbreak Playlist

Sometimes, you just need a cathartic, mascara-streaming-down-your-face, ugly cry. And sometimes, that moment comes on Valentine’s Day, which one of my friends refers to as S.A.D. (Singles Awareness Day).

Whether it is a love that does not know you exist, a love who does know but does not care, or a love that once was but now can never be (translation: you were dumped), may these ten tunes about heartbreak, loneliness, and revenge cleanse your soul and start you on the path to healing.

And may next Valentine’s Day find you singing L.O.V.E.! xxoo

 

A quick note: I have chosen some of my favorite versions of these songs, but they are classics and have been done brilliantly by many different singers over the years.

1. “One For My Baby” – Frank Sinatra

Fred Astaire introduced this Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer song in the 1943 film The Sky’s The Limit, but it is Frank’s version that most people think of when they hear the title.  Can’t you just picture him in some dingy little joint, tie askew, hat tilted to the side, stubble on his chin, clinking glasses with the bartender for the ninth time that night as he pours his heart out? I hear this song and want to be held as I reach for some whiskey to drink along with him.

Shameless Plug: I am hosting a new love songs show on www.MartiniInTheMorning.com called One For My Baby! It premieres on 2/14 just after 6p PST, and then moves to its regular night and time of Sundays 6-9p PST.

2. “I Wanna Be Around” – Tony Bennett

When you have been dumped, this would be the song to play down the phone as you call your ex at 3 a.m. to let them know that you wanna be around when they get their heart stomped into a million pieces. The best revenge really is looking fabulous and having a hit song, isn’t it? Johnny Mercer received the idea for the song and the opening line in the mail from a grandmother/housewife/beautician (depending on who you ask) who was inspired by Sinatra leaving his wife for Ava Gardner, and then Ava leaving Frank.

3. “In The Wee Small Hours” – Carly Simon

To paraphrase Ernest Hemingway, it is a lot easier to be hard-boiled about things in the daylight. But in the wee small hours of the morning it is a different story, as you long for the one you love while clutching the phone to your chest, willing it to ring (or even just buzz with a text).  Is there a happy reunion? People have wondered about that since Sinatra sang the song in 1955; the lyrics don’t give us any clues, and we are left with the loneliest early morning mood of all time, made especially poignant by the emotion in Carly’s voice.

 4. “You Don’t Know Me” – Ray Charles
 If you have ever felt invisible to your crush, this song is for you, as the woman Ray is crooning about is completely oblivious to the fact that he is smitten with her. He has an encounter with her and her man where Ray takes her hand for a moment, heart just about beating out of his chest, and thinks, I dream of you at night and long to kiss your lips. And she is perhaps thinking something like, this guy is staring at me a little too long and squeezing my hand a little too hard. So she walks away with her guy as Ray watches with an aching heart, the chorus in his head singing, “You don’t love me, you don’t know me.”

 5. “These Foolish Things” – Michael Buble
If you have ever lost a love, you know how the scent of their cologne or the opening notes of your song can instantly take you back to the time you were together.  In these heartbreaking lyrics, it is everything from a cigarette that bears a lipstick’s traces to a fairground’s painted swings that reminds Mr. Buble of what he has lost. There is a line that says, “Oh, how the ghost of you clings,” and while I do think this song is about a woman who simply left and moved on to someone new, when I really need a good cry I pretend that “ghost” is meant literally and that there is no chance for an earthly reunion. Unless perhaps Whoopi Goldberg shows up.

 6. “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” – Natalie Cole

Don’t feel bad about staying home alone on Valentine’s Day, or even every weekend. Natalie missed the Saturday Dance, even though she tried to go and got as far as the door—it was the thought of everyone asking about her ex that (I’m guessing) had her making a beeline for her couch with some ice cream and a few episodes of Downtown Abbey. I have heard that it can take up to two years for every one year you were together to completely get over a breakup, so don’t be surprised if you skip quite a few Saturday Dances as you try not to stir up old memories.

 7. “But Not For Me” – Elton John

This song is such a perfect example of the genius that was (and continues to be, because their songs are timeless) The Gershwins, with music by George and lyrics by Ira. “But Not For Me” was introduced by the lovely Ginger Rogers (who was married and divorced five times, so she knew a little something about heartbreak) in the 1930 musical Girl Crazy. If you have been feeling like love songs were meant for other people, lucky stars are only lucky for other people, and every other person you see is tying the knot (but there is no knot for you), this is for you. And Elton, who made us all cry in the 80s with some of his fashion choices and “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues,” has such a wistful tone that you want love to find a way and all of his dreams to come true.

 8. “Stormy Weather” – Lena Horne

The lyrics of this song remind me of living in the Pacific Northwest in the month of February; it has been gray and drizzly for months at that point, and will continue to be gray and drizzly for a few more months, and you are weary (so weary!) from the gloom and the pitter, patter, and spatter of raindrops. When you feel that you can’t go on, because everything you had is gone, Lena’s gorgeous song will add a little company to your misery and perhaps give your heavy heart a lift. And if you actually do live in the Northwest, you can look forward to some sunny and bright days in August.

 9. “After You’ve Gone” – Bobby Darin

First recorded in 1918 by Marion Harris, “After You’ve Gone” has stood the test of time and been recorded by about a bazillion other singers because the someday-you’ll-regret-leaving-me message never, ever gets old. And many times is true, as the dumper didn’t know what they had ‘til they dumped it. But until that day when your ex returns to you in tears, disheveled from nights of weeping over what they threw away and begging for a second chance, which you may or may not give them, gather strength from this song and the knowledge that you were the best thing that ever happened to them.

 10. “Body And Soul” – Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse

“Body And Soul” is the most recorded jazz standard to date, boasting Louis Armstrong as the first jazz musician to record it. This version with Tony and Amy (from his Duets II cd) is especially poignant, as it was the final recording Amy made before her death in 2011. The lyrics speak of being sad, lonely, and full of sighs while offering yourself up on a platter to someone who is turning you down. Although the narrator/singer’s life is a wreck, there is hope that one day they will get a chance to surrender themselves, body and soul, to the oblivious one. And then perhaps dump them.

 

A Vintage Wedding Playlist

Pretty much all of us have been to a wedding where The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” has been played, and maybe you had the same thought I had while watching the newlyweds dance to it: This song is about stalking. Or maybe you have heard Frank Sinatra’s “These Foolish Things” and wondered if the lovebirds realized that the “cigarette that bears a lipstick’s traces” was reminding Frank that he was now alone. Alone. Alone. Alone. So, sidestep any kind of musical faux pas (whether it is your first wedding or fifth) and go with this playlist of romantic songs that are guaranteed to melt even the coldest heart. And even if your wedding is at the courthouse and you are toasting your new union at home with just the two of you, these songs on your iPhone will take you to the pinnacle of romance. We wish you many years of happiness!

Pro Tip: If you are having a full reception with a cocktail hour and dinner, you can start things off with a soft instrumental mix, and then work in songs with lyrics as you get closer to the dancing portion of the evening.

1. The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra

Fred Astaire charmed millions of women when he sang this in the movie Swing Time as Ginger Rogers was washing her hair nearby and feeling less than gorgeous. Dorothy Fields (who wrote the lyrics) said that when Jerome Kern played her the melody he had written, she “went out and started to cry…I couldn’t stop, it was so beautiful.” I am tearing up right now and feeling a glow just thinking of Frank’s lovely 1964 version.

2. Come Rain Or Come Shine – Ray Charles

Written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, Ray had a hit with this in both 1960 and 1968. You may have heard the line, “We’ll be happy together, unhappy together” and wondered why the heck anyone would stick around to be unhappy together. At some point, though, you will discover that being unhappy with the right person is better than being happy with the wrong one. This is a wonderful song and tribute to a love that lasts through the ups and downs of life.

3. How I Will Say I Love You – Tony DeSare

“Call My Name

I’ll be at your door

Cry out loud

-->

I’ll hold you till it’s over

And that’s how I will say

I love you.”

Need I say more?!

4. Love Is Here To Stay – Dinah Washington

Written by George and Ira Gershwin in the 1930s (and sometimes referred to as Our Love Is Here To Stay), you may have first heard it as the main theme for the 1951 Gene Kelly movie An American In Paris. Dinah’s version is so romantic, and I love the “thing” in her voice (Is it a growl? A purr?) that just completely pulls you in.

5. That's All – Steve Tyrell

If all you can give me is country walks in springtime, a love that lasts forever, your heart to own, a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall, and arms to enfold me…the answer is “Si!”

6. At Last – Etta James

When you listen to this classic from Etta (born Jamesetta Hawkins), you will understand why she has influenced everyone from Christina Aguilera to Diana Ross to Rod Stewart. Hello, blue skies, and goodbye, loneliness!

7. I Get A Kick Out Of You – Rod Stewart

Don’t we all want to be the one person to thrill the guy or gal who is thrilled by nothing? Although if champagne is not giving you a kick, you might try a different brand (or switch to tequila). Rod’s fun version will liven up your reception, and you can use the opportunity to share a naughty detail you learned about him in his book, Rod: The Autobiography.

8. My One And Only Love – Chris Botti with Paula Cole

When you pair a handsome trumpet player with the lovely vocals of the gal who did the Dawson’s Creek theme, the result is swoon-worthy. Plus, you can get this as a ring tone for your cell to play when your new spouse calls you.

9. Unforgettable - Nat King Cole

This one was almost called Uncomparable (“Uncomparable…that’s what you are…), which I don’t think has quite the charm of Unforgettable. Nat’s version, with the awesome Nelson Riddle arrangement, was recorded in 1951 and is still the most popular one, though we do love the David Foster remix of Nat’s 1961 recording that turns it into a duet with his daughter, Natalie.

10. Orange Colored Sky - Natalie Cole

“Flash, bam, alacazam, Wonderful you came by.” That is about as good of a way to describe being struck by one of Cupid’s arrows as I have ever heard. Lady Gaga has performed this song numerous times, including once while wearing a dress made of hair. Do you use conditioner on that?

A bonus tune that you can bust out that is pretty much guaranteed to get Grandma out on the floor and shakin’ what her mama gave her is Glenn Miller’s In The Mood. You can never, ever go wrong with that one to liven things up.

And, if you are feeling a little cheeky, here is one you can play for all the singles: Toni Tennille’s version of Cole Porter’s Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall In Love. Seriously, even educated fleas do it, so there is a good chance someone at your wedding will at least fall in like.

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

-->

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.