New pole dance song recs
October 17, 2019 2:18 PM Subscribe
I pole dance and I've been trying to find songs that inspire me to move when I'm dancing alone (without an audience- which I specify because whether it will go over well for an audience or in a club isn't a consideration here). I've totally played out all of my favorite songs and I'm looking for new recommendations. They should be moody, rhythmic, and usually slow-ish without having that overproduced pop feel that's common to a lot of "sexy" songs. Examples of what I like are inside.
Some favorites:
Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)- Nancy Sinatra
Mysterons (or anything else from Dummy)- Portishead
Mount Everest- Labrinth
NFWMB- Hozier
Nude- Radiohead
You And Whose Army?- Radiohead
Crack Baby- Mitski
Dead of Night- Orville Peck
Keep the Streets Empty for Me- Fever Ray
Pleasure is All Mine- Bjork
Escalate- Tsar B
Tessellate- alt-J
Work- Charlotte Day Wilson
Far From Any Road- The Handsome Family
Some that might not seem like obvious pole songs but are moody enough to work:
Werewolf- Cat Power
Cellophane- FKA Twigs
Last Words of a Shooting Star- Mitski
You Belong to Me- Patsy Cline
You Want it Darker- Leonard Cohen
Some faster ones that I like:
Black Tongue- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Fukk Sleep- A$AP Rocky and FKA Twigs
Elastic Heart- Sia
Most "sexy" songs by top 40 artists--think The Weeknd, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Beyonce, etc.--just really don't speak to me for pole even though they get a lot of play in my pole community. I follow a lot of pole dancers on social media and keep an eye out for songs that inspire me, but usually I don't like their song choices for myself. And most of the music I like in other settings isn't rhythmic/moody enough to inspire the kind of dance I like to do.
Some favorites:
Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)- Nancy Sinatra
Mysterons (or anything else from Dummy)- Portishead
Mount Everest- Labrinth
NFWMB- Hozier
Nude- Radiohead
You And Whose Army?- Radiohead
Crack Baby- Mitski
Dead of Night- Orville Peck
Keep the Streets Empty for Me- Fever Ray
Pleasure is All Mine- Bjork
Escalate- Tsar B
Tessellate- alt-J
Work- Charlotte Day Wilson
Far From Any Road- The Handsome Family
Some that might not seem like obvious pole songs but are moody enough to work:
Werewolf- Cat Power
Cellophane- FKA Twigs
Last Words of a Shooting Star- Mitski
You Belong to Me- Patsy Cline
You Want it Darker- Leonard Cohen
Some faster ones that I like:
Black Tongue- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Fukk Sleep- A$AP Rocky and FKA Twigs
Elastic Heart- Sia
Most "sexy" songs by top 40 artists--think The Weeknd, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Beyonce, etc.--just really don't speak to me for pole even though they get a lot of play in my pole community. I follow a lot of pole dancers on social media and keep an eye out for songs that inspire me, but usually I don't like their song choices for myself. And most of the music I like in other settings isn't rhythmic/moody enough to inspire the kind of dance I like to do.
BANKS - Goddess, Drowning, and really any track off of Goddess.
posted by sacrifix at 2:29 PM on October 17, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by sacrifix at 2:29 PM on October 17, 2019 [2 favorites]
Closer-corinne bailey are
Mess Around-Indiana
Better off dead- ZZ ward
O Fortuna -Carl Orff
Big bad wolf- in this moment
Fame "90- David Bowie
Those Shoes- Eagles
My Love is Alive- Gary Wright
Dancing in the Night- Heavy D
Love on the Brain- Rihanna
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 2:31 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
Mess Around-Indiana
Better off dead- ZZ ward
O Fortuna -Carl Orff
Big bad wolf- in this moment
Fame "90- David Bowie
Those Shoes- Eagles
My Love is Alive- Gary Wright
Dancing in the Night- Heavy D
Love on the Brain- Rihanna
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 2:31 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
Chopsticks, Liz Phair
I think either her "6'1" or "Fuck and Run" might work for you, too, but I'm struggling to find them on YouTube.
posted by hanov3r at 2:43 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
I think either her "6'1" or "Fuck and Run" might work for you, too, but I'm struggling to find them on YouTube.
posted by hanov3r at 2:43 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
You Don’t Own Me - Leslie Gore (not the remix)
Sway - Julie London
posted by Weeping_angel at 2:47 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
Sway - Julie London
posted by Weeping_angel at 2:47 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
Teardrop - Massive Attack
Pleasure - Benga
You Don’t Own Me - Lesley Gore
Fly Me Away - Goldfrapp
Burning Up - Ladytron
Silver - Caribou
If you like these, let me know. Moody atmospheric electronica is my jam.
posted by curtains at 2:49 PM on October 17, 2019 [3 favorites]
Pleasure - Benga
You Don’t Own Me - Lesley Gore
Fly Me Away - Goldfrapp
Burning Up - Ladytron
Silver - Caribou
If you like these, let me know. Moody atmospheric electronica is my jam.
posted by curtains at 2:49 PM on October 17, 2019 [3 favorites]
Imelda May's Wicked Way.
Glass Animals have a spooky, minimal sound: Black Mambo, Toes, and Gooey.
Jewel's "Serve the Ego" is surreal.
Hot Dreams by Timber Timbre.
Seconding "Those Shoes" by the Eagles! And Sway -- I like Pink Martini's version, but they're all good.
posted by miniraptor at 2:49 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
Glass Animals have a spooky, minimal sound: Black Mambo, Toes, and Gooey.
Jewel's "Serve the Ego" is surreal.
Hot Dreams by Timber Timbre.
Seconding "Those Shoes" by the Eagles! And Sway -- I like Pink Martini's version, but they're all good.
posted by miniraptor at 2:49 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
At the one class I went to (dance just isn’t my thing) the instructors played Location by Khalid, it seems to satisfy your requirements
posted by phoenixy at 3:06 PM on October 17, 2019
posted by phoenixy at 3:06 PM on October 17, 2019
The White Stripes did a great cover of I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself. The video was directed by Sofia Coppola and featured Kate Moss poledancing to it (I cant find it on YouTube although the video is there with another song over it). Anyway I think the song is cool and sexy. YMMV
posted by billiebee at 3:07 PM on October 17, 2019
posted by billiebee at 3:07 PM on October 17, 2019
Yael Naim's acoustic cover of Britney Spears' Toxic is incredible
Also, check out Lhasa de Sela, maybe Pajaro
posted by nouvelle-personne at 3:08 PM on October 17, 2019
Also, check out Lhasa de Sela, maybe Pajaro
posted by nouvelle-personne at 3:08 PM on October 17, 2019
This is from way out of left field, but Nina Simone’s Sugar in My Bowl seems appropriate for a nice, languid session on the pole.
posted by Thorzdad at 3:14 PM on October 17, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by Thorzdad at 3:14 PM on October 17, 2019 [3 favorites]
Is it too obvious to suggest Fiona Apple’s "Criminal" after its inclusion in Hustlers?
posted by bcwinters at 3:14 PM on October 17, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by bcwinters at 3:14 PM on October 17, 2019 [2 favorites]
Duele -- Bomba Estéreo
Cornflake Girl, either the Tori Amos or (heresy, I know, but I think it'll be even better) the Florence and the Machine
Waiting Around to Die -- the Be Good Tanyas
Red Tide -- Neko Case
This absurdly good live cover of Satisfaction by PJ Harvey and Bjork probably starts too low-key, but it gets there
posted by nebulawindphone at 3:17 PM on October 17, 2019 [3 favorites]
Cornflake Girl, either the Tori Amos or (heresy, I know, but I think it'll be even better) the Florence and the Machine
Waiting Around to Die -- the Be Good Tanyas
Red Tide -- Neko Case
This absurdly good live cover of Satisfaction by PJ Harvey and Bjork probably starts too low-key, but it gets there
posted by nebulawindphone at 3:17 PM on October 17, 2019 [3 favorites]
David Bowie - I'm Deranged (Reprise) any version is fine, but I like the a capella start to this
Air - Sexy Boy
Blur - The Universal
Lots of Chris Isaak would probably work well
Cibo Matto - Sugar Water
Tricky - Evolution Revolution Love
Lot os Dead Can Dance songs! Here's Children of the Sun
posted by acidnova at 3:21 PM on October 17, 2019
Air - Sexy Boy
Blur - The Universal
Lots of Chris Isaak would probably work well
Cibo Matto - Sugar Water
Tricky - Evolution Revolution Love
Lot os Dead Can Dance songs! Here's Children of the Sun
posted by acidnova at 3:21 PM on October 17, 2019
NIN, Closer?
posted by Beardman at 3:47 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Beardman at 3:47 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
James Blake might have some music up your alley. CMYK seems like the vibe you're looking for.
Songs by The National with a beat might also do. Sorrow is along the lines I'm thinking, or Terrible Love.
posted by lhputtgrass at 3:59 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
Songs by The National with a beat might also do. Sorrow is along the lines I'm thinking, or Terrible Love.
posted by lhputtgrass at 3:59 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
Rickie Lee Jones (cover of Steely Dan's) Show Biz Kids
SOHN Hard Liquor
Cassandra Wilson Run the Voodoo Down
Bob Moses Tearing Me Up
Jim White Combing My Hair in a Brand New Style
Spiritualized I Think I'm In Love (note that this one shifts gears at two and a half minutes, then the lyrics don't come back in til the four minute mark)
posted by juliplease at 4:23 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
SOHN Hard Liquor
Cassandra Wilson Run the Voodoo Down
Bob Moses Tearing Me Up
Jim White Combing My Hair in a Brand New Style
Spiritualized I Think I'm In Love (note that this one shifts gears at two and a half minutes, then the lyrics don't come back in til the four minute mark)
posted by juliplease at 4:23 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
Moody, slow-ish, sexy songs? Sounds like Lana to me.
Lana Del Rey - Young and Beautiful
Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans
Lana Del Rey - Video Games
posted by mhum at 4:44 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
Lana Del Rey - Young and Beautiful
Lana Del Rey - Blue Jeans
Lana Del Rey - Video Games
posted by mhum at 4:44 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
First thought was Lana Del Rey’s (cover?) “Doin’ Time,” a song I first heard this afternoon.
posted by baseballpajamas at 5:11 PM on October 17, 2019
posted by baseballpajamas at 5:11 PM on October 17, 2019
Based on the Portishead I bet you’d like some Massive Attack or solo work by Tricky of that era. Lots of trip hop is sort of slow and languidly sexy with a slight edge. Teardrop may remind you of one of the many movies/trailers it was used in, but it’s a solid song. Maybe Risingson or You don’t wanna, which sort of thumps along and oozes sultriness.
posted by SaltySalticid at 5:16 PM on October 17, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by SaltySalticid at 5:16 PM on October 17, 2019 [3 favorites]
And Angel is another Massive Attack hit from that time as well
posted by acidnova at 5:34 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by acidnova at 5:34 PM on October 17, 2019 [1 favorite]
Smooth Operator (among others) - Sade
Hurt - Johnny Cash
Bonnie Raitt - Something to Talk About
Let's Get it On - Marvin Gaye
posted by carmicha at 5:37 PM on October 17, 2019
Hurt - Johnny Cash
Bonnie Raitt - Something to Talk About
Let's Get it On - Marvin Gaye
posted by carmicha at 5:37 PM on October 17, 2019
Allie X - Science
... and so many other Allie X songs!
posted by caitcadieux at 6:21 PM on October 17, 2019
... and so many other Allie X songs!
posted by caitcadieux at 6:21 PM on October 17, 2019
Drumming Song and Howl, both by Florence and the Machine, are two songs I've always wanted to come up with a dance routine for!
posted by space snail at 6:53 PM on October 17, 2019
posted by space snail at 6:53 PM on October 17, 2019
Fire In The Night or Land Of The Innocent by Feathers.
posted by 41swans at 7:18 PM on October 17, 2019
posted by 41swans at 7:18 PM on October 17, 2019
A lot of Leonard Cohen seems like it might work, especially (in my opinion) his later recordings.
posted by uncaken at 10:10 PM on October 17, 2019
posted by uncaken at 10:10 PM on October 17, 2019
Pour It Up, Rihanna
I Can’t Stand the Rain, the original Ann Peebles version or the Tina Turner or even the Missy Elliott
The Beautiful Ones, Prince
Doo Wop (That Thing), Lauryn Hill
posted by Lawn Beaver at 10:16 PM on October 17, 2019
I Can’t Stand the Rain, the original Ann Peebles version or the Tina Turner or even the Missy Elliott
The Beautiful Ones, Prince
Doo Wop (That Thing), Lauryn Hill
posted by Lawn Beaver at 10:16 PM on October 17, 2019
Lovage - music to make love to your old lady by is a good album for this, I think, particularly To Catch a Thief, Strangers on a train, and Stroker Ace.
posted by Illuminated Clocks at 12:40 AM on October 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Illuminated Clocks at 12:40 AM on October 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Bela Lugosi's Dead, the cover version by Nouveau Vague
Rogue Wave's cover of Under The Milky Way
Some Velvet Morning by Nancy and Lee (Nancy's part might be weird, but you might be able to make something interesting out of the contrast)
Seconding Hot Dreams by Timber Timbre - Orville Peck reminds me of him a bit!
posted by Paper rabies at 12:42 AM on October 18, 2019
Rogue Wave's cover of Under The Milky Way
Some Velvet Morning by Nancy and Lee (Nancy's part might be weird, but you might be able to make something interesting out of the contrast)
Seconding Hot Dreams by Timber Timbre - Orville Peck reminds me of him a bit!
posted by Paper rabies at 12:42 AM on October 18, 2019
Man in the Box by Alice in Chains would be kinda perfect I think.
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 2:25 AM on October 18, 2019
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 2:25 AM on October 18, 2019
Nick Cave - Nobody's Baby Now
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Spread Your Love
Carla Bruni - Le plus beau du quartier
Tim Buckley - Buzzin' Fly
Kate Bush - Feel It
Cher - Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You
Leonard Cohen - I Can't Forget
David Sylvian - Forbidden Colours
Naïve derviche - Arthur H
Down by the Water - PJ Harvey
Ren Harvieu - Through The Night
Heart - Crazy on You
The Jesus and Mary Chain - Sometimes Always
Mavis John - Use my Body
The Longpigs - I've Lost Myself
Love and Rockets - So Alive
Hazel O Connor - Will You?
Mazzy Star - Give you my Lovin
Martina Topley-Bird - Soul Food.
posted by rongorongo at 4:34 AM on October 18, 2019
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Spread Your Love
Carla Bruni - Le plus beau du quartier
Tim Buckley - Buzzin' Fly
Kate Bush - Feel It
Cher - Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You
Leonard Cohen - I Can't Forget
David Sylvian - Forbidden Colours
Naïve derviche - Arthur H
Down by the Water - PJ Harvey
Ren Harvieu - Through The Night
Heart - Crazy on You
The Jesus and Mary Chain - Sometimes Always
Mavis John - Use my Body
The Longpigs - I've Lost Myself
Love and Rockets - So Alive
Hazel O Connor - Will You?
Mazzy Star - Give you my Lovin
Martina Topley-Bird - Soul Food.
posted by rongorongo at 4:34 AM on October 18, 2019
Slow and sultry is Lucinda Williams Fruits of my Labour
posted by bonobothegreat at 5:39 AM on October 18, 2019
posted by bonobothegreat at 5:39 AM on October 18, 2019
Me'Shell NdegéOcello, Who Is He and What Is He to You
Betty Davis, I Will Take That Ride
Can, She Brings the Rain
Sleater-Kinney, Buy Her Candy
Pixies, Cactus
Willie West, Fairchild
Elvis Costello & The Roots, Walk Us Uptown
(and nthing all the PJ Harvey if not too dark--Come On Billy and Legs are both moody & rhythmic)
posted by miles per flower at 6:04 AM on October 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Betty Davis, I Will Take That Ride
Can, She Brings the Rain
Sleater-Kinney, Buy Her Candy
Pixies, Cactus
Willie West, Fairchild
Elvis Costello & The Roots, Walk Us Uptown
(and nthing all the PJ Harvey if not too dark--Come On Billy and Legs are both moody & rhythmic)
posted by miles per flower at 6:04 AM on October 18, 2019 [2 favorites]
Son Little - Your Love Will Blow Me Away
Ibeyi - Oya
Hozier - To Be Alone
The Heavy - Coleen
Black Keys - Strange Desire
Also Maybe check out Tash Sultana or The Peach Kings?
posted by somanyamys at 6:21 AM on October 18, 2019
Ibeyi - Oya
Hozier - To Be Alone
The Heavy - Coleen
Black Keys - Strange Desire
Also Maybe check out Tash Sultana or The Peach Kings?
posted by somanyamys at 6:21 AM on October 18, 2019
Rickie Lee Jones (cover of Steely Dan's) Show Biz Kids
Hell yes, and furthermore her (cover of Traffic's) Low Spark of High Heeled Boys from the same album.
posted by nebulawindphone at 1:38 PM on October 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Hell yes, and furthermore her (cover of Traffic's) Low Spark of High Heeled Boys from the same album.
posted by nebulawindphone at 1:38 PM on October 18, 2019 [1 favorite]
Ooh, this screams out for Running--Jessie Ware. Big Sade vibes.
posted by zeusianfog at 2:29 PM on October 18, 2019
posted by zeusianfog at 2:29 PM on October 18, 2019
It’s A Dirty World, Pulp (YouTube link)
Moody, atmospheric, sexy, slow but with interesting tempo changes, sections which can call for dramatic artistic license, kind of a subversive message but with a maybe weirdly sweetly upbeat ending, and works in some dance environments as a bonus. (It’s on the extended rereleased edition of This Is Hardcore.)
posted by rallumer at 4:25 AM on October 19, 2019
Moody, atmospheric, sexy, slow but with interesting tempo changes, sections which can call for dramatic artistic license, kind of a subversive message but with a maybe weirdly sweetly upbeat ending, and works in some dance environments as a bonus. (It’s on the extended rereleased edition of This Is Hardcore.)
posted by rallumer at 4:25 AM on October 19, 2019
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