So, my bestest friend in the whole wide world is about to welcome his second daughter into the world. And since I’m going to be hanging out with him next week I decided to put together a mix of songs that feature potential baby names for his upcoming child.
Thus I present Music to Name Babies By
“Maria” – from Westside Story
I’m a sucker for musicals. They aren’t my “kryptonite” but they are my secret shame. I’ve actually seen Westside Story in a movie theatre and I was the youngest person in the theatre. But how can you not consider naming your daughter “Maria?” And an added bonus; my friend is 50% Puerto Rican!
“Iesha” – Another Bad Creation
Ah, the early 90’s. Back when exploiting children was still an acceptable means of entertainment. Back when Michael Bivins seemed to have the golden touch when it came to talent. And these scamps provided an innocent, yet not so innocent ode to elementary school crushes. Added bonus; my friend is 50% Black!
“Layla” – Eric Clapton
Now this song is another secret shame. For those of you who don’t know, up until relatively recently (this millennium) I used to think that the piano coda was a complete distinct song. I remarked to my mom that I thought it was odd how the radio always played the two songs back to back. She broke the news to me gently. But in my defense on the soundtrack to Goodfellas the coda is it’s own track.
“Bernadette” – The Four Tops
This is quietly one of my favorite songs of all time. I’m a sucker for Motown, but this song is such a triumphant statement. I do find it kind of hard to believe that a woman named “Bernadette” would be hot enough to inspire this amount of devotion, but man, those Tops really sell it. Sadly I don’t think she’s going to be named Bernadette.
The Theme to Alice
Couldn’t find this song to share it with you. But man it’s a corker! I’m a huge fan of TV theme songs and this is one of my faves. It’s a shame I can’t share it with you.
“Jamie” – Weezer
My friend and I are fans of Weezer so this song is pretty much has to be here. Plus I’ve only ever known cool Jamies of the female variety (males, not so much.) I actually worked with a Jamie who was a cheerleader for the Baltimore Ravens and she was cool beans, good people. That said I don’t think Jaime’s on the short list.
“Daria” – Cake
I honestly don’t know what to say about this song, other than I can’t see Daria being a name selected.
“Emaline” – Ben Folds Five
My friend and I “discovered” Ben Folds Five at the same time. I bet it was pretty nutty seeing two Black guys across the street from Morgan State University (in Baltimore) rocking out to “One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces”, but we went through our Ben Folds Five phase. And this song honors that point in our life.
“Mary” – Supergrass
Damn, another song that I can’t share with you. I dig this song for it’s sinister kind of lurking beat. But honestly I’d really put money on “Maria” over “Mary” as the name selected.
“Peg” – Steely Dan
This song being her is just weird. I like Steely Dan, but I’ll probably never really get into them because my dad loves them, and I hate my dad. So putting this song on a mix dedicated to my friend’s fatherhood is just odd. But whatever, it’s here.
“Polly” – Nirvana
Jason and I shared an apartment with Marcas and we were like the Three Musketeers. Marcas was probably the biggest Nirvana fan in the world. Well, he was at least the biggest Nirvana fan on campus and definitely the biggest one in the apartment. So this song kind of represents that moment when the three of us were the nexus of the universe. I’ve got to admit that I don’t really see Polly being the name selected.
“Allison” – Elvis Costello
I just dig this song. I like the melody and the lyrics. I like the tone and mood. I’m a big fan of romance. This song doesn’t hold any nostalgia cues, but it’s a darn fine piece of music. I’m thinking that Allison could be a dark horse candidate.
“Jolene” – Cake
There are tons of Jolene’s out there, but since I’m fan of Cake, theirs made the cut.
The Theme to Maude
How dope would it be to have a Black girl, born in the new millennium named Maude? That would be so sick. Sure it doesn’t seem to flow, but if you can, track down a version of this song as the lyrics will sell you on the validity of the name. Plus, who doesn’t love Bea Arthur?
“Suzanne” – Weezer
Pretty much the same thing as the last Weezer track. We were fans of the band and had plenty of good times just rocking out the Blue Album. What more can I say?
“Clementine” – Elliott Smith
How is there not a version of this song to share? I went through a serious Elliott Smith phase last November. I was all about his demos. Anyway, I think that Clementine is a nice ol’ timey name that would catch people off guard and be very distinct. But I’m not holding my breath.
“Debra” – Beck
This song slayed me and Jason the first time we heard it. It was on heavy rotation in the crib. That whole Midnite Vultures album was so sick! And it ended with a bang. This song is definitely a throwback to our golden days of loafing around.
“Angela” – Bob James
Jay and I love Bob James. We love his original compositions and we love when he’s been sampled. And this melancholy track is the perfect way to end the mix. Plus Jay does an excellent impression of Tony Danza saying “Angela”, it’s like a two-fer!
