Romantic music is every bit of a Valentine’s Day staple as tiny chocolates in heart-shaped boxes. So, we looked back over some of the bands featured in Press Pass to find some sweet serenades that will put the “oo” in woo. Share a few of these with your sweetheart and she’ll know exactly how special she is. Boom box, beige trench coat and other John Hughes-endorsed relationship tactics are optional. 
Romantic music is every bit of a Valentine’s Day staple as tiny chocolates in heart-shaped boxes. So, we looked back over some of the bands featured in Press Pass to find some sweet serenades that will put the “oo” in woo. Share a few of these with your sweetheart and she’ll know exactly how special she is. Boom box, beige trench coat and other John Hughes-endorsed relationship tactics are optional.
And for those that aren’t quite as enthusiastic about this Hallmark holiday, for whatever reason, we’ve also added a few ballads. If your destination is a used-tissue strewn bed, or your date is with a certain gentleman by the name of Johnny Walker, these tracks may be more your speed.
“Kathleen” — John Ritter: Want to impress upon your special lady friend how she makes you feel? Kick off the night with this track that begins with the lyrics “All the other girls here are stars, you are the Northern lights.” Big-time bonus points if your special lady friend’s name is actually Kathleen. Negative bonus points if your special lady friend is the jealous type and the name of your ex-special lady friend is Kathleen.
“Sweet Dream” — Greg Laswell: This track is all of one minute and eight seconds long, but that may be all the time you need once it hits your date’s ears. If you’re not exactly Don Juan, just let the album, Three Flights to Alto Nido, ride. There is the potential hazard that your date will fall in love with Greg Laswell instead of you though.
“The Saltwater Room” — Owl City: This track’s music is as sweet as its lyrics. For fans of Postal Service and similar outfits, indulge in this electro-pop puppy love story about a night of wonder in a series of coastal sea caves. If you dig it, maybe you two love birds can relive the track in a sea-cave near you. Note of caution: Check the time for high tide before you go. There is nothing romantic about being pulled, bedraggled, from a sea cave by the Coast Guard.
“So Are You To Me” — Peter Bradley Adams: A folksy appreciation of your love, Adams told us during our interview that he’s had fans use this track as the first dance at their wedding. It’s only 2:26 long, which also makes it ideal for newly-weds with two left feet.
“Told You So” — The Guggenheim Grotto: Not all love songs have to be super-serious declarations of devotion. This whimsical tune would be great for lovebirds in their first flush. It’s just weighty enough to let your date know, hey, you’re like super rad and I like hanging out and doing fun stuff, but like, if you want to take this to the next level, like, I’d be down for that.
“Habit” — Charlotte Martin: Time to grab the tissues. This B-side off her album, Stromata, documents a break up in heart-rending detail. “Stand there, like that / keep your eyes on me / for one more minute / before our habit becomes small.” Now we’re verklempt. Discuss amongst yourselves.
“No One’s Gonna Love You More Than I Do” — Band of Horses: The title sort of says it all on this one. What’s really sad is that writer Ben Bridwell has gone through a lot of hard times over his life, including sleeping on church steps when he first moved to Seattle. You just kind of wish the guy would catch a break. What’s that? He’s the frontman for an astonishingly successful rock band? Okay, now I feel a little better.
“He Came to Meet Me” — Hem: We can’t end on a downer can we? You’ve got to have hope! This track documents the return of a former love into a woman’s life and their amorous afternoon spent together. We recognize that not everyone is going to be into this new-fangled rock music we often profile here, so here’s a nod to the folk-lovers out there. Plus, Sally Ellyson’s voice will win over even hardened criminals so just imagine what she can do for you and your sweetheart.
