In the past decade, Peter Makebish has spun records at some of the most VIP events in the social calendar, from nights at Andre Balazs’s Mercer hotel––“when it was like a little speakeasy”––to afterparties for the White Stripes and Depeche Mode. But his favorite-ever gig, he says, was a barmitzvah at which he played with rapper and beatboxer Doug E Fresh, “because he wore jeans with a big cartoon character on. He’s 34, I’m 38… the audience are all 13.” Below is Makebish's summer playlist, created exclusively for NOWNESS and available for download via iTunes.
"Look Into My Eyes" Ray Mang
It reminds me of the movie Risky Business. It’s produced really well and it accelerates in all the right spots.
"Debaser" Pixies
One of the best rock’n’roll tracks ever made. Super sexy. It makes you want to pick up a guitar.
"Miss Lucifer" Primal Scream
Everything I said about the Pixies, turned up a notch. This is probably the sexiest, coolest track I’ve ever heard. I wish it was five times longer.
"A New England" Billy Bragg
An ironic, simple song with English wit and definitive sadness. Like Serge Gainsbourg, but without the breathy French accent and cigarette smoke.
"Mashed Potato Popcorn" Freddie and the Kinfolk
I chose this because it’s old, fun and sort of what everyone is trying to do with music now. It reminds me of summertime, and little boys and girls jumping around with water hoses.
"Tighten Up" Black Keys
A prime example of where we are right now in music: in the middle of going retro, going back to old funk, soul and r’n’b, with a rock sound to it. Danger Mouse, who produced it, can't be touched—he's on a roll, he's unstoppable!
"Ageless Sky" John Wolfington
One of my closest friends, and one of the most talented people I’ve ever heard play. This song is so beautiful, the music sings to me. I can listen to this record over and over.
"Yearning" Black Van
I’m not trying to be Spinal Tap here but… when the synths come in there’s something nostalgic that really hooks me in. The bass is bangin', the low end is thick, the production is amazing and it hits just at the right time.
"Higher Than the Stars (Saint Etienne Visits Lord Spank Remix)" Pains of Being Pure at Heart
I found the original version of this on Amazon and was like, “Wow, this is really good.” I did some research and found this remix. Saint Etienne always brings me back to 1990 or 1991.
"Don't Worry Baby" Beach Boys
Everyone wants to feel like they have that girl, the one you can lean on no matter what. This song is about that. Brian Wilson's way of writing songs is so beautiful.
"Higher Than the Sun" Primal Scream
This probably gives me the most cockiness and swagger I can get aside from listening to Jay-Z.
"Speaking in Tongues" The Eagles of Death Metal
This is where the Misfits left off. Josh Homme rocks! His guitar is nasty, dirty, sexy. The song is like a throwback to early punk, via 1950s Link Wray.
"Maybe I’m Amazed" Paul McCartney
Like Brian Wilson, McCartney is another living legend. At this point he’s just finished the Beatles, he’s living on top of the world, just banging his hands on the piano. It’s a beautiful song, looking at his wife while he’s writing it.