In Which It Can Be Ten Times Faster Than It Is

the iTunes playlist: James Murphy

"Profile is a transient thing, unless you're Madonna," James Murphy said recently. He's really unsatisfied with how popular he is, and has vowed that This Is Happening will be his last album. The road becomes so tiresome, and he can just spend most of his time scoring Noah Baumbach movies about how depressing it is to be white for the next decade. He's either five years behind or five years ahead of the Eminem plan, depending on your point of view. Here are his favorite songs.

"Paint Work" - The Fall (mp3)

When I first heard this track I asked myself who would sit in the studio and say, 'Yep, this is done' and then just leave? I love this band, and this track especially.

"2nd Thought" - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (mp3)

You can hear the shitty handheld mic being used on the vocals. I love it. It's an amazing vocal performance as well. I was a Dazzle Ships guy growing up - I think because everyone loved 'Enola Gay' so much, and I wanted to be cool or something stupid like that. I kind of slept on this record because I'm an idiot.

"Eisbar" - Grauzone (mp3)

Please just get someone who speaks German to translate this song for you. You will never be the same.

"Sara (live)" - Fleetwood Mac (mp3)

I don't know a better song, really. The live version of this destroys as well. I hate saying crap like this, but, honestly, I think bands were just better players in this era.

"Lovemachine" - Supermax (mp3)

I would like to hereby endorse Supermax in every way. Literally. Cover art as well.

"Every1's a Winner" - Alan Vega (mp3)

Cover of an amazing Hot Chocolate song by the singer of Suicide? Check. Can it be ten times faster? Done.

"The Platform on the Ocean" - Arthur Russell (mp3)

Arthur Russell is one of our American treasures. This is a beautiful and personal performance with cello and delays. That voice!

"Coke and Mirrors" - Six Finger Satellite (mp3)

This could have come out yesterday. I love this band. Very proud to have traveled with them for years doing sound. And now, the Juan MacLean? Genius.

"Nick the Stripper" - The Birthday Party (mp3)

Bought the 12'' of this at the Princeton Record Exchange because of the cover. I felt transported by it; I wanted to be at the show in the picture. Still, it's the thing I see in my head when I think of an awesome show. Oh, and the best guitar solo since "Taxman."

"Local Foreigner" - Planningtorock (mp3)

I love Janine so much it makes me freak out. Listen to anything by her you can.

You can find previous playlists here.

"All My Friends" - Franz Ferdinand (mp3)

"Drunk Girls" - Wooden Shjips (mp3)

"All Talk" - Kid Cudi ft. LCD Soundsystem (mp3)