Brooklyn-based Cigarettes After Sex are destined to become your new addiction. With their magnificently melancholic ambient pop, the four piece has been breaking hearts as their marvellously morbid melodies sink into souls around the world. Now getting ready to release their highly anticipated self-titled debut album, we asked the guys to tell us about the songs that have influenced their journey so far.
Wonderland.
Playlist: Cigarettes After Sex
In the run up to their debut album, the quartet tell us about the songs that inspire them.
Arvo Pärt – “Cantus In Memory of Benjamin Britten”
The night before we went in to do the sessions for the LP I sent everyone in the band the album Tabula Rasa to listen to for preparation…
The Flamingos – “I Only Have Eyes For You”
I also sent them the American Graffiti soundtrack.
Aphex Twin – “Blue Calx”
There’s a sense of place I’ve always wanted in the music I create. Sometimes it’s a place maybe only half remembered in a dream or sometimes it’s a vivid memory of a place you know very well. This song has that half remembered quality I love so much…
The Moody Blues – “Nights In White Satin”
A perfect mood. That mellotron sound could bring tears to your eyes.
Neil Young – “Unknown Legend”
Going back to a sense of place in music, this reminds me of some of the places I know well near my hometown… the desert, the woods & nearby lakes.
Pale Saints – “Fine Friend”
This song just has such a beautiful serenity to it.
Leonard Cohen – “Famous Blue Raincoat”
A gold standard for lyrics…
Mozart – “Elvira Madigan”
Hauntingly beautiful & still basically a pop song at its core.
Jo Stafford – “No Other Love”
Some of the sweetest lyrics set to a melody by Chopin. Perfect.
Cocteau Twins – “Ella Megalast Burls Forever”
Their greatest song. There’s really nothing else that sounds like this.
Playlist: Cigarettes After Sex
