Mrs. Brown and I love to entertain. There is nothing we like to see more than a house or yard full of friends, acquaintances, or passers-by who managed to jump the gate. A good party requires good food, good drinks, and of course, a killer playlist. I'll save the wine suggestions for the Weekend Parting Shot, and maybe I'll recommend the booze another time. Hint: it has something to do with single malt.
I like to think of myself as eclectic. Other people would probably use the term "weird." Be that as it may, I think an eclectic playlist makes for a good party. So does a weird one.
In no particular order:
Van Halen, “Dance the Night Away”
From the days when Van Halen was a rock legend and David Lee Roth was David Lee Roth and not whatever it is that he turned into. This is a good song for right around sundown when everyone is feeling mellow, but your guests are still ready for a good time. It works as an opener or to slow things down at the end of the night.Bobby Bland & BB King, “Let the Good Times Roll (Live at the Coconut Grove)”
As they say in New Orleans, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” You can never go wrong with BB King, ever. This is the perfect song to turn things up just a notch.Archie Bell and the Drells, “Tighten Up”
A fun song from a group that sadly seemed to vanish into the annals of music history. Perfect for getting people up to dance, or paradoxically, loosen up.The Temptations, “My Girl”
Let's be honest: everyone likes this song, and everyone can't help but sing along with the chorus. Trivia: This was the first song Mrs. Brown and I danced to at our wedding.Van Morrison, “Brown Eyed Girl” “Wild Night,” “Did Ye Get Healed?” “Dangerous”
"Brown Eyed Girl" screams summer, and it was the last song Mrs. Brown and I danced to at our reception. "Wild Night" sets a fun tone. "Did Ye Get Healed" is perfect for a more relaxed atmosphere or to mellow the evening out. "Dangerous" is eminently danceable, and it's a recent Morrison release in which he cheerfully flips the bird at all of the COVID-19 disciples.Sanford Townsend Band, “Smoke From a Distant Fire”
Despite the rather gloomy subject matter of infidelity, this song adds an upbeat, mood to an afternoon or evening. As long as no one listens to the lyrics too closely you should be fine.Santana, “Samba Pa Ti”
You can never lose with Santana, but the version is key here. In this case, what you are looking for is the 1974 live version from the album "Lotus," which was recorded in Osaka, Japan, in July of 1973. If you listen carefully, you can hear a tribute to the Jackson Five's "Never Can Say Goodbye."Ace, “How Long”
This is a nice song to play right around sundown. Enough said.Dexter Gordon, “The Hunt”
Robert has already done the jazz playlist justice, but this has always been a favorite of mine. It got some early attention from Jack Kerouac in "On the Road," but it really is a jazz masterpiece. It makes for a great mood-setter and helps people relax and circulate.Clint Black & Steve Wariner, “Been There”
This is a little-known country collaboration. If you weren't paying close attention to country music back in 2000 you would have missed it entirely. It's a terrific mix of harmonica and guitar and will go perfectly with your bonfire.Keb' Mo', “Everything I Need”
At one time, I considered myself a blues aficionado. Then, Mrs. Brown introduced me to the music of Keb' Mo' when we were dating. Keb Mo has echoes of Robert Johnson and the Delta Blues in his music, and this is a relaxed tune that is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser.Boz Scaggs, “Lowdown”
Another '70s classic with a good bass line. It doubles as a good party tune and a great song for night driving.Muddy Waters “Got My Mojo Workin”
If you have never heard this song, trust me and just add it to the playlist. You'll thank me later.Howlin’ Wolf, “Wang Dang Doodle”
If you're going to have a kick-a** party, you need to have a song about a kick-a** party and this is it. "Wang Dang Doodle" has been covered by multiple blues artists, and the Howlin' Wolf version is perfect. Also, Koko Taylor does an outstanding, sultry rendition. I'm not sure which one is better. Take your pick, you can't go wrong.The Mavericks, “Here Comes My Baby”
Originally a song by the British group The Tremeloes, The Mavericks bring a fun, mariachi-flavored note to this song about a lovelorn man. Sure, the guy in the song lost the girl, but you can't help but smile and throw out a few dance moves.Robert Cray, “Nothin’ But a Woman”
There is a reason why Robert Cray is known as a Master of the Stratocaster, and frankly, he is all too often overlooked by the public as a blues artist. This is a good, upbeat couple's song, or to play just for the heck of it. Sharp-eyed viewers will spot Cray as a member of Otis Day and the Knights in "Animal House."Tab Benoit, “Bayou Boogie”
This Louisiana bluesman made a name for himself through hard work, including songwriting and exhausting touring schedules. If this song doesn't get your guests up and moving, maybe you should stop having your parties at the local mortuary.The Impressions, “It’s All Right”
A classic offering courtesy of Curtis Mayfield. This is the perfect song for getting together with old friends or just reminding yourself that despite the reports of doom and gloom you read every day, it really is all right to have a good time.Heatwave, “The Groove Line”
This song made its debut when funk was in its ascendancy, and disco had not yet darkened the horizon. I admit to a little bias here. My hometown was one of the epicenters of funk, and the band members lived there. That aside, if this does not get people up and dancing, nothing will, short of threats of bodily harm.Sam Cooke, “Twistin’ the Night Away (Live at the Harlem Square Club)”
Sam Cooke was taken from us way too soon. He was a phenomenal talent and everyone should own a copy of his greatest hits album. "A Change is Gonna Come" is absolutely heartbreaking, poignant and beautiful. I could make a whole playlist out of Sam Cooke's songs. The man also knew how to light up a room. This live version of "Twistin' The Night Away should be a party staple. And your life will be exponentially better if you play this version first thing every morning.Jr. Walker & The All-Stars, “Shotgun”
At some point, your gathering may lag and the energy might start to ebb. Or, you may have "that one friend" who habitually has 12 drinks too many and begins to depress everyone with the story of how his girlfriend left him for a non-binary trapeze artist/otter trainer. If that happens, and God willing, it does not; play this song. Don't ask any questions. Just. Play. This. Song.What more can I add? Have a great summer, and remember to spend it with people you love — or at least like.
