Over the years, Wax Trax has wormed its way into the hearts of many of Denver’s lovers. Whether it be the soigné fiances bonding quietly in the Radiohead section, or the troglodyte sweethearts who beeline for the Oddball section, the store often serves as the setting of a genre romance.
Almost every day I watch nervous first date fingers flip through racks, the enamored crooning their favorite songs towards each other. Sometimes I’ve seen couples who’ve been together for longer than the store has been around – so much time between them that they hardly need speech to be heard. A joint checking account is foolsplay; sharing a record collection is how you know it’s love. There are teenagers who bring each other wilting handfuls of daisies, and new parents, eyes bleary with devotion, cautiously pushing a stroller through the aisles. Yes – a romance film indeed. But what is a film without its soundtrack?
To amplify the mood on this holiday I’ve compiled a list of love songs, many of which I play regularly around the shop when I see those sideways glances across our aisles.
Perhaps the most erotic love song of all time, this 17 minute disco track written by the genius Giorgio Moroder has well over its fair share of shop air time. Complete with 23 orgasms from Summer herself, this song has the uncanny ability to make the hedonists move and the prudes prune.
- I Wanna Be Yours – John Cooper Clarke
The synthy singsong version of one of the most famous love poems of our time, this track is pure domestic bliss. Love in the most generous and utilitarian sense, JCC goes beyond the realm of adoration and into one of necessity.
- Floating – Julee Cruise
Produced and written by dream team Angelo Badalamenti and David Lynch. Elizabeth Fraser meets Laura Palmer perfection! This song is as cinematic as it is sweet. This one is for the lovers mourning the loss of Lynch. (I’m still grieving for Cruise and Badalamenti as well.)
What could even be said about this track? Probably my personal favorite on this list. The perfect song for tender moments – looking longingly into your lover’s eyes or weeping softly into their chest. I will never get over this song.
- Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear To Tread) – Bow Wow Wow
There is simply nothing more romantic than a fucked up cover of a swing standard based off an Alexander Pope quote, and there a few more lovely than Annabella Lwin.
“You’re the measure of my dreams.” This was my mom and dad’s first dance at their wedding, and will forever be the standard that I hold love to.
DEVASTATING! From Sofia Coppola’s directorial debut comes one of the most amorous and desperate instrumentals I’ve ever heard. Listeners be warned.
It was incredibly challenging to pick a single track off the magnanimous 69 Love Songs, but this one has a special place in my heart. A charming reminder that love can be absurd, playful, and animalistic.
- Bewitched – Beat Happening
This is a song for those who love the soul softening gut punch of having a crush. Childlike and grating, tailor-made for a teenager in love.
- Apple Juice Kissing – Deee-Lite
Love-making music at its finest. Meowww…
This Valentine’s Day, whether you find yourself wrapped in the arms of another, commiserating with your friends, or alone (may we suggest meeting someone at the monthly Second(hand) Friday party at our Broadway shop tomorrow), know that a little love can sometimes be found among our record racks.
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