This week on v/m, we’ve got five songs to get into the musical vibes.
As the weather gets colder and the nights get longer, get in the mood to watch these musical films by giving this playlist a listen.
Bundle up, cuddle up and get cozy, Fall is here and Winter is coming.
New to varied/mix?
v/m is a newsletter designed around themed playlists & short-form writing.
We gather five songs and organize them to mirror the progression of a day: morning, noon, afternoon, evening, and late night.
We provide background and lyrical insights to enhance your listening experience and highlight moments that can be elevated with the music.
Subscribe for hours of music!
To receive access to more playlists & in-depth writings become a free or paid subscriber.
Faust
Paul Williams
Phantom of the Paradise (1974)
Hard to choose a single song from one of our favorite musicals, Phantom of the Paradise. Beloved by many artists including Daft Punk who has acknowledged De Palma’s classic as being the inspiration behind their iconic masks.
This is a bifurcated tune of tragedy and understanding. A faustian tale of selling oneself to the devil for a chance at what you love. A dream within a dream. How about we step out of the dream with this tune? Enjoy.
Hushabye Mountain (from ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’)
Julie London
Yummy, Yummy, Yummy (1968)
We chose a much more succinct rendition of this musical number from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a version we keep in the rotation—especially for this time of year.
Covered by Julie London, we are serenaded with visions of a faraway place. All ofourwishes come true and fall apart all at once. We can only sit and listen and she guides us to the foggy landscape of our worries and hopes and fantasies.
Julie’s tone is whimsical but certain, we trust her completely. Trust her and she will take your hand to Hushabye Mountain.
Although this is a lullaby, sung by a parent at a child’s bedside, and typically best played at night, let this song be a beacon for the earlier part of your day.
Sally’s Song
Danny Elfman & Catherine O’Hara
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Perfect for the fall. This song is how we feel about the oncoming change of the seasons. Although we thoroughly enjoy autumn in New York and the end of the year festivities, we are not so excited for the winter and the cold and the snow.
“Can’t shake this feeling that I have / The worst is just around the corner”
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of those forever films and art sources–one of three on this list selected to be preserved by the Library of Congress for its cultural significance. And it happens to also be a great musical. Shout out to Disney for this fun banger, they certainly don't make them like this anymore.
A Man Has Dreams
David Tomlinson, Dick Van Dyke
Mary Poppins (1964)
We have completed the day. The sun has set.
Dick van Dyke turns 99 on December 13th. An American icon, he has led a life doing what he loved, playing and being silly. We can be certain now that the secret to longevity is laughter.
This is a forgotten tune from the magic that is Mary Poppins, a tune that reflects on age, a medley of the best times and the worst times. It also reminds us to be aware and be grateful for the things that matter like family and in particular the early years of life of the children in our lives.
It is the second of the three musicals on this list to be preserved in and by the Library of Congress. Enjoy this fun little tune from one of the more popular and well known American musicals. Great way to ease into the evening and begin the night.
What Would I Do If I Could Feel?
Nipsey Russell
The Wiz (1978)
Last but certainly not least, is this great song from the cult classic The Wiz – a film adaptation of one of the best American musicals of all time, which itself is an adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. Forever, in the words of the Library of Congress, "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
Perfect tune to end the day and wind down for the night. As busy as we all are these days, we can sometimes be monotonously absorbed by our daily routines, the wear-and-tear of the day. This tune is a good little reminder to be present, and reminds us to be mindful and to feel: states of mind and being that we shouldn't take for granted.
We are continually thankful to all the great tunes that make us, that have filled our hearts with love and emotion, that have enlightened our lives and that inspired us. And grateful still, to all the great tunes we have yet to listen to.
Thanks for reading & listening!
We appreciate you taking the time to listen, read, and explore with us. Music is a journey, and we’re glad to have you along for the ride. We hope today’s playlist not only adds a little rhythm to your day but also sparks a few new discoveries along the way.
Keep your mind and ears open and that curiosity alive. Until next time!
With a paid subscription you get access to ExtendedPlay, our deep cut playlist. Each EP edition contains handpicked tracks that go beyond the chosen theme for hours of immersive listening.
