In my last post, I mentioned one of the reasons I started craving Gilmore was from listening to a mix I made a few years back. For the past couple of weeks, I’ve listened to it at least once a day. It’s pretty darn good, if I do say so myself, so I thought I’d share it with you all.

When I first put the mix together, I had an explanation for every song. Now that it’s been a few years, I don’t remember my exact reasoning for all of them. (Or, in some cases I do, but my reasons are way too dorky, even for this blog.) Explanations will be given when appropriate. The theme is music inspired by Lorelai Gilmore, so sometimes, I just think – were she real, she’d dig the song.

Without further adieu: Lorelai (Inspired) Music

1.) “This Town”, James Marsters

Say what you will about the guy – this song is awesome. Story songs are always fun, and while “This Town” isn’t in the same league as anything from the Billy Joel or Ben Folds category, it’s a good little ditty. Also, I have a conspiracy theory that James actually wrote this song about Gilmore Girls. I mean, listen to the lyrics. Rumor has it that James dated Lauren Graham at some point (which blows my mind) so who knows, maybe my theory is correct.

2.) “Birdhouse in Your Soul”, They Might Be Giants

Obviously, Lorelai would love this song. Obviously. (Quick story: I went to a wedding a few years ago, and requested this song. The DJ didn’t know it. What self-respecting DJ doesn’t know “Birdhouse In Your Soul”? What person over the age of 26 doesn’t know it?)

3.) “First Day of My Life”, Bright Eyes

Let me give you a moment to wipe your eyes. ….. Ready? Ok. How awesome is that video, BTW? Favorite verse is the last one: “Remember the time I drove all night just to meet you in the morning? And I thought it was strange, you said everything changed. You felt as if you just woke up. And you said, this is the first day of my life. I’m glad I didn’t die before I met you. But now I don’t care I could go anywhere with you, and probably be happy. But if you want to be with me, these things there’s no telling, we’ll just have to wait and see. But I’d rather be working for a paycheck than waiting to win the lottery. Besides, maybe this time it’s different, I mean I really think you like me.” So, this is where I am a little dorky, because I definitely think of this a song for Luke and Lorelai. Not early on, but more toward the end of the series. They’re back together (finally), and this song sums it up. (It also sums up any romantic relationship, really. See above, the video. I’ll wait. Wipe your eyes again.)

4.) “Say Something”, James

Mostly this is on here because it’s also the title of one of my favorite episodes. (Told you it got dorky.) Also, why is a monkey playing the accordion? Music videos are so weird.

5.) “Life on Mars”, David Bowie

Lorelai Gilmore loves her Bowie, we all know that.

6.) “The Blues are Still Blue”, Belle and Sebastian

Belle and Sebastian were on this show a lot – probably more than they should have been, really. (Though I’m a big fan.) I can think of three episodes that featured their music. So, it seems only natural to put one of their songs on the mix. This song is just fun. And it has a cowbell. Anything with a cowbell is Lorelai-mix worthy.

7.) “The Luckiest”, Ben Folds

Before we get into why this is on the mix — how awesome is that performance? Ben Folds is in a league of his own. How he has so many stories in him, I’ll never know. Anyway. So, obviously, this is a Luke and Lorelai song. I think that, in his own quiet way, this is how Luke feels about Lorelai, and really about Stars Hollow in general. (At least, he would if he were real.) Side note: If you ever get a chance to see Ben Folds live, do it. He’s amazing, and so, so smart.

8.) “To Make You Feel My Love”, Bob Dylan: So, there are about a million covers of this on the Internets, but no version of the original. The original is on the mix, and it cannot be beat. If you’ve never heard it, get it off Itunes. You won’t be sorry. In the meantime, enjoy this rendition from Kris Allen. It doesn’t measure up, but it’s pretty darn good. (I miss season 8 of Idol. It’s time we all just admit that Idol has peaked, and will never be as good as the triumvirate of Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Alison Iraheta.)

9.) “Mint Car”, The Cure

This song is so fun. And, between you and me: one of the best songs to belt out in the car. Favorite part: the bridge breakdown, “And it will always be like this, the two of us together. It will always be like this, forever and ever.” Kind of reminds me of Lorelai and Rory. (Even though I know the song is about…well, you know.)

10.) “Eternal Flame”, The Bangles

“Do you picture her more with a Lorelai Gilmore kind of pretty?” Anyone who is a fan of Gilmore knows why Eternal Flame is on this mix. But not only is the Bangles concert a moment of revelation for Lorelai, it is also when I knew I loved Paris Gellar. The first time I saw her turn to Rory and say, “You know, I really like this band”, my heart melted. Also, I maintain that this song is beautiful and romantic, even though a former coworker once told me he always thought it was about getting an STD.

11.) “Transatlanticism”, Death Cab for Cutie

Another song for Luke and Lorelai’s break up(s). Also, it’s a very sexy song, wouldn’t you agree? Death Cab is very hit or miss for me, but I LURVE this song.

12.) “Hear Me Out”, Frou Frou

See above, minus the sexy, from Lorelai’s point of view. I always think this song is just so-so, until the awesome breakdown about halfway through.

13.) “Banana Pancakes”, Jack Johnson

This song is very Stars Hollow. It’s chill, kinda quirky, and easy-going. Also, who knew Jack Johnson had real talent? He’s pretty good live, no?

14.) “Flowers in the Window”, Travis

“Flowers in the Window” is  like, the happiest song in the world. It’s about loving your life and the people in it. It’s incredibly cheesy, and yet, it totally works. Listening to this song gives me the same nostalgic, happy feeling I get watching Gilmore.

15.) “Reflecting Light”, Sam Phillips

“Um..ok, yeah, let’s dance.” “Reflecting Light” shouldn’t need any explanation — it’s THE DANCE song. (And yes, THE DANCE needs to be referred to in all caps.) It’s also my favorite moment ever on Gilmore. It always, always makes me happy, makes me smile from ear to ear. What? You’ve never seen it? Gosh, I guess I could post it here.

(For what it’s worth, my favorite part of my favorite part is when Lorelai throws her head back laughing. So sweet. So squee-worthy. Also, I covet Lorelai’s dress.)

16.) “We Might As Well Be Strangers”, Keane

Did you know Keane could do that? I didn’t know they could do that. Why aren’t they a bigger band? (Or, maybe they are big, and I just don’t listen to the radio, or really know anything about today’s music.) Anyway, this is another break-up song. I’m pretty sure it was also the fodder for many a Gilmore video back in the day, which is probably why it’s on the mix. (Seriously, if every Keane song were this good, I’d have all their albums. Or do they just have the one? I don’t know. So gut-wrenching! But, in a really good way.)

17.) My Phone’s On Vibrate For You, Rufus Wainwright

“Do you want me to put it on vibrate for you?” – Lorelai Gilmore

I love this song. It’s so fun. It’s a love song for the digital age. And,  once again, if you ever have the chance to see Rufus life, DO IT. Guy is a genius, as well as a great showman. If you don’t believe me, watch this performance of the best Rufus song ever. Incredible. (Season 9 Idol contestants: This is what your mentors mean when they say “connect with your audience.” )

18.) “Heavy Metal Drummer”, Wilco

Let’s all give a moment of silence for the awesomeness that is Jeff Tweedy and his adorable kid. Obviously, this track is for Lane Kim. As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure this song is playing in the background when Lane first sees her drum set.

19.) “Chasing Cars”, Snow Patrol

This is probably one of the most overused songs for music mixes, and even more over-played when it comes to fandom. But people, there is a reason. It’s a beautiful, beautiful song. (And also one that is great to belt out in the car.) Snow Patrol may be filled with cheese, but at least they own it. I mean c’mon, “Those three words, I said too much, and not enough.” I retch and swoon at the same time.

20.) “My Little Corner of the World”, Yo La Tengo

Obviously. There’s a reason this closed out the pilot episode – sort of sums up the show, doesn’t it? Sometimes I try to sing this song in the car, but my emotions get the best of me. Words cannot express how much I love this song.

If anyone reading this doesn’t have a copy of Lorelai (Inspired) Music and wants one, leave a comment and I’ll hook you up. Not to be cocky, but it’s really one of my best.