The Sounds of Libra Season
In The Cut’s Guide to Libra Season, astrologer Claire Comstock-Gay (aka Madame Clairvoyant) writes that “Libra offers a surprising kind of magic … through generosity of spirit [and] an unwavering belief that justice and beauty still matter.”
A coworker told me recently that, no offense, but she finds Libras are often the sign most obsessed with being a Libra. Despite my five (5) Libra placements, I did not take offense, because she is not wrong—only Leo springs to mind as another contender for this dubious honor. My theory is that, while there’s an ego to Leo’s pride, Libras love being Libras because there’s a certain external validation in it. It’s not like telling someone you’re a Gemini (unfairly maligned and I stand by that!).
I think Libras have a reputation for being soft, but they are not soft the way a Pisces is soft. Libra is, after all, an air sign, like its sharp sisters Gemini and Aquarius, concerned with matters of the mind and rationality. They’re also a cardinal sign, kicking off the fall season and possessed of a certain initiating drive and energy that borders on the bossy. Symbolized by the scales, Libras are the only inanimate object in the entire zodiac wheel—and zodiac literally means “circle of animals.”
Libra just couches that sharp, analytical mind in a concern for relationships, justice, the other and, yes, nice things. Look, we’re not ruled by Venus, the planet of Love and Beauty, for nothing. Kim Kardashian is perhaps the ultimate Libra in popular consciousness, but Oscar Wilde is our patron saint. Stylish, witty, bitingly perceptive yet endlessly charming; “You can never be overdressed or overeducated” are Libra words to live by, indeed.
Liner notes:
“I Like It” by Cardi B: If you have been following since the start of these playlists, you’ll start to see some songs repeat across seasons. This is one of those repeats, because it is a brilliant encapsulation of a modern Libra.
“Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” by Paul Simon: And here we have the in-his-head, analytical Libra Paul Simon, describing a woman who sounds a heck of a lot like another Libra.
“Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac: Lindsey Buckingham is, unfortunately, a Libra. Libra/Gemini can be beautiful or it can be a disaster. Lindsey and Stevie were very clearly the latter by the end.
“Masseduction” by St. Vincent: St. Vincent/Annie Clark recently released a mockumentary with her friend and fellow Libra Carrie Brownstein. I saw it, and I don’t think I particularly cared for it. It was, appropriately enough, too self aware and in its own head. Despite all of that, I still like a lot of St. Vincent’s music.
“Help!” by The Beatles: John Lennon, of course.
“F**kin’ Problems” by A$AP Rocky
“Me and My Husband” by Mitski
“Fame” by David Bowie: I KNOW, not a Libra. It’s the only song by a non-Libra musician on this playlist, but John Lennon did write it …
“Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen
“Sit Down” by James
“The Bends” by Radiohead
“The Carnival of the Animals, R. 125: XIII. The Swan” by Camille Saint-Saëns as performed by Yo-Yo Ma: Both Libras! Also, one time Yo-Yo Ma was on Arthur, and D.W. Read kept calling him “Yo Mama.”
“You Make My Dreams (Come True")” by Daryl Hall & John Oates
“I’ve Got a Woman” by Ray Charles
“You Can Call Me Al” by Paul Simon: Look, Graceland is a perfect album, and at one point “Crazy Love, Vol. II” was ALSO on this playlist. (I think about Paul Simon’s short-lived marriage to fellow Libra Carrie Fisher a lot.)
“Jack & Diane” by John Mellencamp
“Lose Yourself” by Eminem: I do not necessarily like it, but Marshall Mathers and I share a birthday, and therefore I feel obligated to include him. Mom’s spaghetti.
“20th Century Boy” by T.Rex
“Love in This Club” by Usher
“Life’s Incredible Again” by Michael Giacchino: You’re welcome for not including Giacchino’s Space Mountain soundtrack. Yes, the theme park attraction. Or maybe I’m actually sorry I didn’t include it.
“Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry
“Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Tom Petty
“Black Suits Comin’ (Nod Ya Head")” by Will Smith: I see your “Men in Black” and your “Wild Wild West” and I raise you this underrated gem from Men in Black II.
“Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” by The Police
“The Fairest of the Seasons” by Nico
