I left New York in 2011 and relocated my band Big Eyes to Seattle for three years. I tried giving the West Coast “everything’s cool, man” mentality a shot, and it really just didn’t work for me. Toward the end of my stay in Seattle, I felt ragged and confused. I had become really unhappy with my life and was having a hard time figuring out the causes, along with having a bit of writer’s block. It isn’t healthy to wallow, but I think there can be value in immersing yourself in what you’re feeling. All emotions can have their place. This playlist is all about the process of “getting my groove back” after being in a funky state of mind for a while. These songs all helped me out along the way.
–Kait Eldridge, Big Eyes
The Bee Gees — “Edge of the Universe”
For when you’re feeling like an outsider watching the world go on around you. You really can’t beat the vocal harmonies on this song. I also love that time signature change in the chorus.
Squeeze — “Is That Love”
Sometimes you have to question the things that you love. And those chord progressions are so damn clever.
R.E.M. — “Imitation of Life”
For when you’re just going through the motions and pretending that everything is all right. I am such a sucker for a ballad.
The Glitter Band — “Goodbye My Love”
It’s never easy to say goodbye. This one always makes me feel so sappy. I love how they made the bass sound like it’s crying :’-(
Dr. Feelgood — “That’s it, I Quit”
For when ya just gotta move on! I love how pissed off Lee Brilleaux sounds when he sings.
Iron Maiden — “Murders in the Rue Morgue”
I spent a good amount of time in my room brooding and trying my best to play along to Iron Maiden’s Killers. I think that’s a major reason I’ve gotten a lot better at guitar the past few years, and why we get the occasional write up for being “borderline metal.”
XTC — “Mayor of Simpleton”
I dropped out of college to play in touring bands, and every once in a while I feel guilty about it. Should I have stayed in school? Probably not. I’m doing what I love, so I think I did the right thing. The drums and bass are so perfectly in sync on this song. It just perks me up every single time I hear it.
Liz Phair — “Supernova”
I (FINALLY) got into Liz Phair in the summer of 2014. I have always been the only “girl in the band,” but instead of embracing and owning it, I often used to feel self-conscious and outnumbered. Liz Phair is a badass and I am inspired by her confidence and style. Her lyrics are sharp as hell. This song makes me feel POWERFUL!!!
Genesis — “Anything She Does”
Man, I love this song. The chords, the drums, the backup vocals…it’s a perfect song. It just makes me feel good.
Cheap Trick — “Borderline”
This is one of my all time favorite songs. That bridge into that drum fill into that guitar solo…god damn!!! I know I’ll never write a song this good, but listening to it motivates me to at least try!
Joan Jett — “Jezebel”
Joan Jett lives in my hometown (Long Beach, NY), but I surprisingly didn’t get into her music until I started Big Eyes and started getting compared to her. She has since become one of my favorites! Her attitude and fearlessness have been a major influence on me in the past few years. This song is all about sticking up for yourself!
