Libra Season Mixtape 2020
What do Cardi B and Bruce Springsteen have in common?
A signature sense of style, for one: Bruce's timeless jeans-and-tee combo and “those Balenciagas” for Cardi. Political streaks, too, from the actually-subversive lyrics of “Born in the USA” to chatting with Bernie Sanders on IG live. But none of that is really surprising when you consider they're both Libras, a sign associated with both excellent taste and a penchant for justice.
Intellectual, indecisive, flighty, flirty, fashionable, frivolous—that's what little Libras are made of. Take the classic overthinking ways of air signs, combine it with the aesthetic inclination of their ruling planet Venus, and you'll begin to get an idea of what The Scales are all about.
This mix also includes famous Libra musicians St. Vincent, John Mayer, Thom Yorke (with Radiohead), Nico and Paul Simon.
Anyway, I usually tell you to listen to these playlists in order, and I spent a LOT of time on the transitions, but this one works just as well on shuffle. In true Libra fashion (five placements baybeee), I just couldn't decide.
Liner notes below the playlist if you want to know why certain songs were chosen and/or find out what, exactly, Carrie Fisher has to do with this playlist:
Liner notes:
* indicates a Libra musician
“Venus” by Lady Gaga: Libras are ruled by the planet Venus. It’s that simple—plus this is an underrated Art Pop gem that’s just a fun way to kick off a playlist.
“Crazy Love, Vol. II” by Paul Simon*: I think about Paul Simon’s ill-fated one year marriage to fellow Libra Carrie Fisher a lot, which was apparently the inspiration for this song. That’s why it edged out “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes,” which also has Big Libra Energy.
“I Like It” by Cardi B*: This might as well be The Libra National Anthem. Cardi isn’t just rattling off all the glam things she likes: “texts from my exes when they want a second chance” also makes the list, a truly iconic Libra line.
“Baby I’m a Star” by Prince
“sound of silver - live at madison square garden” by LCD Soundsystem: I’m determined to include an LCD Soundsystem song for every sign, because I love James Murphy and co. This one is super nostalgic; not necessarily a trait Libras will reveal at first but ohhh, it’s there. Being dissuaded from said nostalgia due to fear of emotions? Very, very Libra. Also, the live version is just great.
“Bizarre Love Triangle” by New Order: Ugh first of all, this song is such a BOP. Sometimes I wish I were a club kid in the ‘80s and it’s entirely New Order’s fault. In some ways, Libras might be the most hopelessly romantic sign of the zodiac (sorry Pisces) and this is, very much, a love song.
“Modern Love” by David Bowie: Ahem. Speaking of love songs. Also, my obsession with Bowie runs deep and true, so much like LCD Soundsystem, I want him on every playlist. “Queen Bitch” was also a contender.
“Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen*: This song is literally about how frustrated Bruce Springsteen is by trying to please everyone. A poppy, danceable tune about the dread of living? Classic Libra.
“This Charming Man” by The Smiths: The Smiths may be comprised of two Geminis, a Scorpio and a Capricorn, but “I would go out tonight, but I haven’t got a stitch to wear” is one of the most Libra lyrics I’ve ever heard.
“There Will Be Time” by Mumford & Sons* featuring Baaba Maal: Founding Mumford & Sons member Ben Lovett is a Libra, so this gets an asterisk.
“Material Girl” by Madonna: I mean. Come on.
“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell
“Carry Me Away” by John Mayer*: We’re in the sappy love songs section of the playlist now, boys and girls! John’s not just looking for a fling, here, he’s looking for a fling that will change him. And Libras are often accused of changing their personality based on the situation and/or their latest infatuation. Not helping, John.
“Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” by Vampire Weekend: Libras are concerned with aesthetics. Louis Vuitton. Benetton. But they also want to fuck. (Also, the Genius.com listing for this song is home to one of my favorite annotations of all time: “Louis Vuitton used to connote high-end class…until it became gauche nouveau riche material.” Gauche nouveau riche material! We love to see it!)
“The Bends” by Radiohead*
“New York” by St. Vincent*: A romantic love letter to both a city and a past relationship is peak Libra nostalgia, from a Libra musician who typically leans more into her intellectual, clever side in her work.
“Primadonna” by MARINA: See “Material Girl.”
“These Days” by Nico*
