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The 20 Queer Songs You Have To Hear
A homo-primer

8. Death Cab For Cutie, "Brothers on a Hotel Bed" (2005)



One of the major perks of running Queerics--and hopefully of visiting it, too--is that it forces me to listen to things I would never seek out otherwise. Or like, would actively avoid otherwise. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest; try coming out of that experience not hating Death Cab For Cutie.

But I did completely fall in love with this song. The delicate piano and the fabulous drums! From a lyrical standpoint, I know a lot of people think it's kind of a downer, but I disagree. Self-deprecating and wistful, yes, but the ultimate sentiment is very romantic.

Why you really need to hear it: Growing old together despite everything isn't even something you encounter in straight love songs that often, let alone gay ones. Win!


7. The Decemberists, "On The Bus Mall" (2005)



I think "The Soldiering LIfe" has a much more intriguing premise, but "On The Bus Mall" is a better song all around: the rhythm of the words is beautiful, the music sounds like autumn rain, and miraculously, Colin Meloy doesn't sound quite as much like a Muppet as usual. It's a track I can see appealing to fans of a lot of different genres, not just filthy indie rockers who go to liberal arts colleges.

Why you really need to hear it: I know my audience; you slashwhores are gonna love the content of this one.


6. Placebo feat. Michael Stipe, "Broken Promise" (2006)



Placebo Placebo Placebo. I could have picked "Nancy Boy" for cultural relevance, but it's not exactly breaking new ground with the homoerotic party boy stuff. "My Sweet Prince" would have been fun for the double meaning, but some bitch is always going to come up whining about how it's ooonly aabooout heeeroin, waaahhh. But then we have this one with its music box piano and earthquake drums and simmering fury, and hey, why not?

Why you really need to hear it: Normally, when adultery is tackled by queer lyricists (which really isn't that common, as far as I can tell), they take a straight-up "I WILL SURVIVE!" point of view. It's interesting to hear the narrator in this one embrace all his hurt and rage and totally rock it.


5. David Bowie, "Lady Stardust" (1972)



There are a ton of faggy Bowie songs--he did start the trend of pretending to like boys until your career really takes off, after all--but a lot of them ring a little false. You can tell he's singing from a character's point of view, which is fine, but sometimes it's nice to hear the musician you're listening to instead of his constructed personality.

Why you really need to hear it: "Lady Stardust" is allegedly a little glimpse into Bowie's relationship with Marc Bolan. What is not to love?


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