Baby Wants A Bad Bad Thing
September 24, 2012 7:11 AM

PlaylistFilter: Help me make an "Unresolved Lust/Forbidden Fruit" mix-CD. Emphasis on lust.

Looking for songs that are all on the general theme of wanting to sleep with someone and it's driving you crazy, or wanting to sleep with someone when you know it'd be a REALLY bad idea. And the more carnal, the better -- this is not unrequited love here, I'm after sheer, carnal, balls-deep, dirty, fuck-your-brains-out lust.

I can only think of three things at present: Sting's Saint Augustine In Hell, the song Hellfire from Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Beatles' I Want You (She's So Heavy). Help me flesh it out a little!
posted by EmpressCallipygos to Media & Arts (92 answers total) 53 users marked this as a favorite
Here's a few that might fit the bill:
Lover I Don't Have to Love, Bettie Serveert.
Nude, Radiohead.
Take Me Out, Franz Ferdinand.
posted by ariel_caliban at 7:23 AM on September 24, 2012


Je T'aime...moi non plus by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin. Put it last on your list.
posted by jquinby at 7:28 AM on September 24, 2012


What Would Happen - Meredith Brooks
posted by Defying Gravity at 7:28 AM on September 24, 2012


This isn't quite where you're coming from, but Somethin' Hot by the Afghan Whigs would probably fit the bill. The lyrics aren't super "crazy" but the song itself fills in the blanks.
posted by Madamina at 7:29 AM on September 24, 2012


Talk Show Host, Radiohead
posted by lakersfan1222 at 7:29 AM on September 24, 2012


More of a warning to not give in to lust but oh how it smolders but Play With Fire (Cobra Verde version)
posted by The Whelk at 7:30 AM on September 24, 2012


Same goes for the Stones' Stray Cat Blues.
posted by scratch at 7:32 AM on September 24, 2012


It would be remiss not to mention KMFDM - Lust.
posted by reptile at 7:32 AM on September 24, 2012


Oh, and maybe Bad Things by Jace Everett
posted by Defying Gravity at 7:33 AM on September 24, 2012


More poppy, but, how about Liz Phair - Why Can't I?
posted by tyllwin at 7:34 AM on September 24, 2012


I've always read P. J. Harvey's "You Said Something" that way. The way I've always imagined it, the "something" that is said is some sort of argument for why they shouldn't follow through on this action that the singer knows is wrong.
posted by Levi Stahl at 7:35 AM on September 24, 2012


Belvedere by Patterson Hood. (First song in the linked video.) It's about dreaming of an underage girl, and is more creepy than sexy.
posted by dortmunder at 7:35 AM on September 24, 2012


Oooh, forgot about "Play With Fire", Whelk; thanks for that. And "Belvedere" has also reminded me of "Don't Stand So Close To Me" as well.

A lot of these other ones are also sounding very promising (lyrically - can't listen just yet while I'm at work). This is gonna be one FUN mix.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:39 AM on September 24, 2012


(oh, keep 'em coming!)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:39 AM on September 24, 2012


Closer by nine inch nails
posted by askmehow at 7:41 AM on September 24, 2012


(marking the ones that I definitely want to use)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:42 AM on September 24, 2012


Maybe Dangerous, by Depeche Mode (link to lyrics there; the vibe is definitely fitting)
posted by yawper at 7:44 AM on September 24, 2012


Well, also, duh -- Bad Romance.

Nightmares by the Sea by Jeff Buckley? (Lyrics)
posted by Madamina at 7:46 AM on September 24, 2012


Not really sure what you're looking for, genre-wise, but:
Principles of Lust by Enigma
She's So Cold by The Rolling Stones
Burnin' Love by Elvis

...as carnal as they can be, I think.
posted by jquinby at 7:47 AM on September 24, 2012


Joan Jett doing Crimson And Clover

Teenage Me will kill me for not including Garbage #1 Crush


posted by The Whelk at 7:48 AM on September 24, 2012


Those of you seeking a bit more guidance: "Principles of Lust" is pinging my "lapsed Catholic who still has a teeny bit of 'sex is naughty' stuck in her psyche" button, which is good. (That's also what got "Saint Augustine" in there.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:51 AM on September 24, 2012


Essence by Lucinda Williams.
posted by Danf at 7:53 AM on September 24, 2012


Rapture - Pedro the Lion
posted by two lights above the sea at 7:54 AM on September 24, 2012


Sigh... Bad Idea by Ben Folds Five would probably be perfect, but the lyrics may give you pause for non-lust-related reasons.

Turds.
posted by Madamina at 7:54 AM on September 24, 2012


Pencil Skirt by Pulp.
posted by dortmunder at 7:57 AM on September 24, 2012


These might be more in the warm-up part of the mix, but Suzanne Vega's My Favorite Plum (ignore the, um, inexplicable video) and Caramel (both on "Nine Objects of Desire") are sultry, kind of bossa and quite alluring songs about being unable to let go of a possibility you know would be a Very Bad Idea.
posted by the brave tetra-pak at 8:01 AM on September 24, 2012


mostly instrumental but has that 'spiraling into obsession' feel

Massive Attack - Angel
posted by The Whelk at 8:04 AM on September 24, 2012


Reptilia by the Strokes (lyrics)

Maybe Conquest by the White Stripes? (Lyrics)

Danger by Jihad Jerry and the Evildoers (no lyrics available)
posted by Madamina at 8:04 AM on September 24, 2012


Sometime around Midnight- the Airborne Toxic Event
posted by Adridne at 8:06 AM on September 24, 2012


Oh, another note for the record:

Not really sure what you're looking for, genre-wise....

I'll give ANYTHING a listen. (Hell, I've got a Disney song in there.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:07 AM on September 24, 2012


Another Jeff Buckley recommendation:
Lover You Should've Come Over

Sometimes a man gets carried away, when he feels like he should be having his fun
And much too blind to see the damage he's done
Sometimes a man must awake to find that really, he has no-one

So i'll wait for you... and i'll burn
Will I ever see your sweet return
Oh will I ever learn
posted by incandissonance at 8:09 AM on September 24, 2012


Two Matt Nathanson recommendations. Run (with Sugarland), and Come on Get Higher.
posted by cgk at 8:11 AM on September 24, 2012




Thanks for reminding me of a perennial favorite: (Feel Like) Breakin' Up Somebody's Home. Ann Peebles version. Etta James version.
posted by Currer Belfry at 8:14 AM on September 24, 2012


Jem - Come On Closer
posted by EndsOfInvention at 8:15 AM on September 24, 2012


undertones teenage kicks
tommy tutone 8675309
posted by brujita at 8:15 AM on September 24, 2012


Death from Above 1979 - Sexy Results (or the NSFW MSTRKRFT remix video)
posted by Paper rabies at 8:24 AM on September 24, 2012


Pretty much anything by Lords of Acid might be a good fit.

I'm also unsure of your personal music tastes, but there are plenty of songs in the Hip Hop/Rap genre that fit your description...so much so they're classified into their own genre as well called Dirty Rap.
posted by samsara at 8:27 AM on September 24, 2012


I've Been Thinking -- Handsome Boy Modeling School feat. Cat Power
posted by neroli at 8:27 AM on September 24, 2012


Actually, "Sexy Results" didn't quite do it from a lyrical read (I'll listen anyway later) - but a comment on the lyrics reminded me of INXS "Need You Tonight."
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:29 AM on September 24, 2012


Tom Waits, Another Man's Vine might fit the bill.
posted by McCoy Pauley at 8:30 AM on September 24, 2012


Samsara, if you can recommend me any particular Dirty Rap song that fits this niche, I'll look into it.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:35 AM on September 24, 2012


I'm on fire by Bruce Springsteen
posted by jquinby at 8:41 AM on September 24, 2012




I can't believe Paula Cole's Feelin' Love hasn't been mentioned. It's dirrrty.
posted by domo at 8:48 AM on September 24, 2012


Okay, I promise the last threadsit here - some songs, like "Pony," are kind of in the vein of "I wanna screw you and yay you want to screw me too so goodie".

I'm looking more for "I wanna screw you but you I don't think you wanna screw me and that makes me NUTS" or "I wanna screw you but it would be A REALLY BAD THING". Or even "I wanna screw you and I DON'T CARE if you do or don't wanna screw me, I'm gonna get what I want".
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:49 AM on September 24, 2012


Jill Scott: Cross My Mind
definitely about how it'd be a bad idea.
posted by stowaway at 8:52 AM on September 24, 2012


Puscifer - 22:20. "She'll suck you dry, and still you'll cry to be back in her bosom" Plus bonus sacrilege!
Hooverphonic - Shake the Disease. From "For the Masses", the Depeche Mode tribute album. Hell, most of that album could apply.
posted by domo at 9:06 AM on September 24, 2012


Or even "I wanna screw you and I DON'T CARE if you do or don't wanna screw me, I'm gonna get what I want".

In that case, PJ Harvey's Rid of Me must surely be the definitive lady stalker's anthem.
posted by Elizabeth the Thirteenth at 9:08 AM on September 24, 2012


I wanna screw you and I DON'T CARE if you do or don't wanna screw me, I'm gonna get what I want.

Sex Type Thing by Stone Temple Pilots. It's pretty much a rape anthem, which is why I've always remembered it. It kinda crosses a line.
posted by dortmunder at 9:14 AM on September 24, 2012


Love You Madly - Cake
Tear You Apart - She Wants Revenge

And possibly (althought kind of specific)...

Don't Stand So Close To Me - The Police

There's quite a bit of these types of songs in musicals too, if you're open to that genre...

Your Love Will Kill Me - Notre Dame De Paris (More Frollo!)
It's A Dangerous Game - Jekyll & Hyde
Don't - Martin Guerre 1999
Tell Me To Go - Martin Guerre 1996
posted by Squee at 9:16 AM on September 24, 2012


Stephen Sondheim's "Losing My Mind," as performed either by Pet Shop Boys or in a collaboration with Liza Minnelli.

The Knife's "Take My Breath Away".
posted by beaucoupkevin at 9:34 AM on September 24, 2012


Another one for the lady stalkers: One Way or Another.

And, kind of obvious, but Macy Gray brings a certain sensuality to Creep that, for all his brilliance, Thom Yorke never quite managed.
posted by Elizabeth the Thirteenth at 9:36 AM on September 24, 2012


Steely Dan - Hey Nineteen
posted by The Gooch at 9:42 AM on September 24, 2012


just one more i promise: I Scare Myself by Thomas Dolby (damn this is fun)
posted by Elizabeth the Thirteenth at 9:54 AM on September 24, 2012


Get Down Make Love - Queen

No One Loves Me (And Neither Do I) - Them Crooked Vultures

Make it Wit Chu - Queens of the Stone Age
posted by usonian at 9:57 AM on September 24, 2012


Personally, the Dave Matthews Band makes me think of awkward 8th grade dances, but they do have a couple of songs like this, specifically from the album Crash:

Crash Into Me
Say Goodbye.
posted by colfax at 10:04 AM on September 24, 2012


Are show tunes okay? Too Darn Hot from Kiss Me Kate would totally fit the bill. Here is an Ella Fitzgerald Version.
posted by ActionPopulated at 10:10 AM on September 24, 2012


Are show tunes okay?

If they're as raunchy as NIN's "Closer," yes.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:11 AM on September 24, 2012


Gavin Friday - Shag Tobacco
posted by prolific at 10:30 AM on September 24, 2012


Gavin Friday is prompting me to make a note to self about U2's An Cat Dubh as well.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:44 AM on September 24, 2012


On The Other Hand by Randy Travis
posted by jquinby at 10:56 AM on September 24, 2012


Wait, what was the Disney song?

Lamb, "All In Your Hands" gets the "I'm so horny I can't think" part, though it's not particularly, uh, nonconsensual. And for the "oh god this is a very bad idea" part, I was actually gonna recommend the original version of "Lover I don't have to love" which is just so damn pissed off and freaked out and desperate. Also basically everything off of Weezer's "Pinkerton" has that "I want you so bad and you probably despise me" vibe, though it's weirdly coy about the sex.
posted by nebulawindphone at 1:31 PM on September 24, 2012


Wait, what was the Disney song?

"Hellfire," thus linked in my original question up top.

Lamb, "All In Your Hands" gets the "I'm so horny I can't think" part, though it's not particularly, uh, nonconsensual.

It doesn't necessarily have to be nonconsensual, but I am looking for either unrequited or obsessive. "I've been so excited since I knew I was gonna be with you" rules that out...
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:36 PM on September 24, 2012


"Anti Love Song" by Betty Davis (the one with a 'fro that was married to Miles, not that other one) is categorically the most raunchy, down-and-dirty sex song EVAR. (But she doesn't wanna love you. Honest.)

Betty Davis is basically the queen of sex-funk, so a number of her other songs may suit your purposes – although generally they are of the 'I am going to sex, and nobody is going to stop me or bring me down' variety, not so much the 'unresolved lust' thing.
posted by koeselitz at 1:47 PM on September 24, 2012


Kinda I Want To by nine inch nails.
posted by jocelmeow at 3:36 PM on September 24, 2012


My first suggestion was going to be She Wants Revenge's "Tear You Apart," but someone's already suggested that one.

Also in heavy rotation on my similar playlist:

Jack Off Jill's "Girlscout" - Pure dark lust to me, and has an obsessive, borderline-nonconsensual feel to it, which may or may not be reflected in the lyrics depending on your interpretation

"Possum Kingdom" by The Toadies - More of a plea to the lust object, though it's clearly about something that's a very bad idea

Liz Phair's "Flower" - aka Theme Song to My Date-Younger-Men-Who-Are-Bad-for-Me Period.
posted by rhiannonstone at 4:03 PM on September 24, 2012


NIN cover of 'Get Down Make Love'

Tom Waits 'Lie To Me'

PJ Harvey 'Harder' - not strictly cheating but raunchy as

PJ Harvey again 'Taut' obsessive and crazy, with a Catholic/Evangelical Baptist feel.

The XX 'Heart Skipped a Beat' - not raunchy, but definitely unrequited/sort of requited/bad timing.
posted by geek anachronism at 4:04 PM on September 24, 2012


Skip Divided – Thom Yorke
posted by to recite so charmingly at 5:14 PM on September 24, 2012


DAMN, y'all. You're introducing me to some good stuff.

I played around with the list some more after getting home and listening to some things rather than just reading lyrics, and got reminded of more things as well -- and I'm coming up with a playlist that actually has a weird sort of thematic arc, even (starting out all slow and subtle and stable, but then getting more and more obsessive as it goes on). I'll play around with the song order and then post what I've got so far as a list.

(And gauging by the number of people who've favorited this, we may be seeing some pretty interesting mixes come the next MeFi swap. Or, other people are having romantic difficulty as well.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:29 PM on September 24, 2012


So -- if someone wants to memail me and explain what Spotify is, I can post the whole playlist thereon. (Warning: I've actually added Kylie Minogue's "Can't Get You Out Of My Head", because even though it's an earworm like whoa, it is thematic, and we need some fluff to leaven the mix here.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:13 PM on September 24, 2012


Jose Nunez -- Bilingual
posted by Confess, Fletch at 7:29 PM on September 24, 2012


Holy SHIT, fletch.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:42 PM on September 24, 2012


NIN Physical and Kinda I Want To.
posted by geek anachronism at 9:01 PM on September 24, 2012


When I did this I used Get Set Go's Fuck You (I Want To). It's pretty straight forward.
posted by teslacoilswoah at 9:41 PM on September 24, 2012




Poe - Hey Pretty
posted by knile at 4:11 AM on September 25, 2012


Goldfrapp -- Black Cherry
posted by *s at 9:24 AM on September 25, 2012


give it to you - NYC UFOS
posted by rog at 11:39 AM on September 25, 2012


Dragonette -- Liar
posted by dizziest at 1:04 PM on September 25, 2012


I'm gonna mark this "resolved" for myself a bit later, as I've made up the bulk of my mix; I'll post the list if anyone's interested. But these new additions may make it on after I listen tonight.

I found 3 more in my own collection, that are definitely a bit more poppy and more the early stages when everyone's clothes are still on:

The Waterboys has a cut off Fisherman's Blues called We Will Not Be Lovers, which is all about "man we have hot chemistry but we aren't gonna go there.

The actress Cote de Pablo once did a cover of Tom Waits' "Temptation", that fit in nicely alongside Tom Dolby and Susanne Vega.

The Irish punk band Flogging Molly's Devil's Dance Floor is all about "man, this chick is messed up and this is probably gonna be trouble, but this is gonna be too hot to say no to."
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:45 PM on September 25, 2012


I have a playlist called "Fucked Up Love Songs.".
It's quite long but here's a few of my favorites:
"Awake" by Letters to Cleo
"Better Than Nothing" by Jen Trynin
"Campus" by Vampire Weekend
"Car Song" by Elastica
"Coin Operated Boy" by the Dresden Dolls
"Down By The Water" by PJ Harvey
"Eyes of A Stranger" by the Payolas
"Fairytale of NY" by the Pogues
"Heartspark Dollarsign" by Everclear
"I Could Be Happy" by Altered Images
"Molly" by Sponge
"Never Say Never" by Romeo Void
"Please Don't" by the Courteeners
"Slit Skirts" by Pete Townsend
"Woman in the Wall" by The Beautiful South
"Fuck and Run" by Liz Phair
posted by jen14221 at 1:46 PM on September 25, 2012


Ooh, please do post the final playlist, either here or on Spotify!
posted by aka burlap at 3:33 PM on September 25, 2012


Late addition! : Lykke Li- Little Bit
posted by Concordia at 3:37 PM on September 25, 2012


Don't know Spotify, so I'll just post the first draft of the list here (warning, this got LONG, 'cos y'all gave me some good shit). I was trying to go for more innocent/mild stuff at the beginning, then degrading ever downward; the songs are also a little poppier at the beginning.

"Don't Stand So Close To Me," The Police
"Can't Get You Out Of My Head," Kylie Minogue (shut up we needed some lighter stuff and okay yes i admit i like it)
"You Know I'm No Good," Amy Winehouse
"Caramel," Suzanne Vega
"Tempation," the cover by Cote De Pablo
"I Scare Myself," Thomas Dolby
"I Want You," Elvis Costello
"Bad Things," Jace Everett
"We Will Not Be Lovers," The Waterboys
"What Would Happen," Meredith Brooks
"Play With Fire," The Rolling Stones
"Devil's Dance Floor," Flogging Molly
"Need You Tonight," INXS
"(I Feel Like) Breaking Up Somebody's Home", Ann Peebles
"Nude", Radiohead
"Pencil Skirt", Pulp
"Anti Love Song", Betty Davis
"Dangerous," Depeche Mode
"Skip Divided", Thom Yorke
"Possum Kingdom", The Toadies
"Flower", Liz Phair
"Another Man's Vine", Tom Waits
"I've Been Thinking", Cat Power
"Rid Of Me," P.J. Harvey
"Rev 22:20", Puscifer
"Henry Lee", Nick Cave & PJ Harvey
"Bilingual", Jose Nunez
"Saint Augustine In Hell", Sting
"I Want You (She's So Heavy)", The Beatles

And ending with "I Want You", because that last final thrum of the bass is the perfect note to end on.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:42 PM on September 25, 2012


One more? Hole in My Heart by Black Lab
posted by JDHarper at 8:08 PM on September 25, 2012


One more that I didn't see: "Shameless" by Ani DiFranco.
posted by bluedaisy at 11:35 PM on September 25, 2012


I may play with the order of the list I posted still, but I think that's the list.

This was awesome. Thanks, all! (And, why do I have a feeling that a lot of y'all are also making your own versions as well?)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:17 AM on September 26, 2012


So – you'd mentioned Spotify. I went through and made a Spotify playlist of all songs on your list above that are available; unfortunately there are six that aren't, but the rest are all there.

(For a few of them, alternate version were available, but I'm kind of a stickler for versions, so I didn't go for them except in the case of Ann Peebles' "Feel Like Breaking Up Somebody's Home" – a pity the original of that tune isn't available, as I'm a huge Ann Peebles fan, but Currer Belfry mentioned the Etta James version too, so I put that one on the list.)

As far as using Spotify goes - it is pretty simple. Download and install the client, then click the link to the playlist above and it should open. (The client is similar to iTunes, although a bit more user-friendly.) Once you've got it open in the client, the playlist should appear in the listing on the left so you can open it any time you'd like. Also, I've set this as a collaborative playlist, so you can add songs to it – when you find a song you'd like to add, just right-click it and select "Add To..." You should also be able to edit it any way you like. MeMail me if you have any questions.
posted by koeselitz at 9:01 AM on September 26, 2012


Well, Spotify isn't letting me sign up for an account, so that's that, I guess. Oh well, I have things on my own computer.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:41 PM on September 26, 2012


EmpressCallpygos, thanks for starting this thread, and koeselitz, thanks for the Spotify list! Y'all are awesome.
posted by bluedaisy at 7:11 PM on September 26, 2012


For the record: koeselitz also sorted me out with spotify and we're all five by five now.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:17 PM on September 26, 2012


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