10 Songs I Can’t Live Without, Vol. 6

Like all my “10 Songs” playlists, Vol. 6 is a mess of moods, genres and textures. I love every one of these songs…

I particularly love Marilyn Manson when he does a ripping cover, like “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” “I Put a Spell on You” or Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus.” His 2012 release Born Villain includes a great cover of Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain,” featuring Johnny Depp. It’s fun rock & roll.

“Rhinestone Cowboy” re-entered my consciousness at this year’s Grammys tribute to Glenn Campbell. For a born extrovert and performer who lives to make his father proud, the song’s Midnight Cowboy/It Never Rains In Southern California themes of big city dreams and failures particularly touch me. It also happened to be one of my dad’s favorite songs.

I first heard of Michael Kiwanuka at the recommendation of Janis Siegel. His whole album (Home Again) is wonderful. Pearl Dhango’s “Avalon” makes me feel like I’m in a Woody Allen movie; “Au Cinema” by Lianne La Havas is an absolutely groovy tune with a great build; and “Run Run Run” by The Explorers Club is a fun pop tune about longing with an unapologetically bubblegum 1960s/Beach Boys vibe.

“Am I Forgiven?” comes from the debut record Seasons of My Soul from the UK’s Rumer. When I first heard the song, it immediately made me think of a Dusty Springfield/Burt Bacharach collaboration. My friend Steve Lippman directed a gorgeous video for the song. You can watch it here:

“Am I Forgiven?” video…