Peter's Playlist
Attached - his orchestra
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Why?I mostly included this song because the instrumentals sound like Peter to me -- a little pretentious, very "light" (a pun!), and much lighter than the underlying words. Because he can't forge normal human connections, Peter does worry about his ability to truly attach -- and because of how poltergeists function, if he ever does, he'll begin to power down.
I don't like this notion that it's killing me, killing me
Fiery Crash - Andrew Bird
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Why?The song is superficially about a plane crash, but I interpret it to be more closely tied to understanding personal responsibility. Peter has to consider every movement he makes and surface he touches not for his own safety, but the safety of others.
And to save all our lives you've got to envision the fiery crash
It's just a formality
What must I explain?
Just a nod to mortality
Golden Touch - Razorlight
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Why?I mostly chose this song because it sounds like something Peter would listen to and it has "touch" in the title. What can I say?
With A Little Help from My Friends - The Beatles
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Why?In the 2007 movie Across The Universe, there is the most adorable scene of guylove/bromance revelry to this song. That scene, timetraveled forward to 2008 and minus all of the touching, booze, and drugs, is Peter and Sean's relationship in my head. Peter really does get by only with a little help from his friend.
Do you need anybody?
I need somebody to love
Could it be anybody?
I want somebody to love
Move Along - The All-American Rejects
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Why?All of the friends I consulted for help on this playlist suggested this song. Maybe it just screams "fourteen-year-old angsty boy in 2008" to us twentysomething women...
These hands are meant to hold
(Speak to me)
When all you gotta keep is strong
Move along, move along
Like I know you do
And even when your hope is gone
Move along, move along
Just to make it through
Dawn of the Dead - Does It Offend You, Yeah?
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Why?
When I started putting together this playlist, I sat down with my iTunes full of the Jonas Brothers and obscure Detroit girl-groups from the '60s and said, "Shoot. Peter is a burgeoning hipster. And a male."
This was the first song I owned that came to mind.
Today I stood and walked away
I'm never coming back this way
I've got my things, I'm here to stay
I Want to Hold Your Hand - The Beatles
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Why?Peter just wants to be able to hold someone's hand (if hands weren't so violent and scary and full of bones and blood and cartilege).
Electric Hearts - CA$H CA$H
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Why?Given how they pertain to Peter, the lyrics of this song are sort of me having a morbid giggle.
When electric hearts collide
We're gonna to crash around 'til we wake this whole damn town
We're gonna flip the switch and plug it in
and when you lose control...
when your beating heart explodes!
Digital Love - Daft Punk
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Why?The electronic sound of this song made it a given. Plus, like with "Electric Hearts," when I'm in a Peter Borley frame of mind, the lyrics make me go, "Aw... wait... oh."
You're feeling right
You wrap your arms around too
But suddenly I feel the shining sun
Before I knew it this dream was all gone
Human Touch - Bruce Springsteen
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Why?I ain't comin' 'round searchin' for a crutch
I just want someone to talk to
And a little of that human touch
Light A Way - HE IS WE
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Why?This is another song I mostly chose because it sounded like something Peter would listen to if he were in a mood. And it has "light" in the title.
Nintendo - One Night Only
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Why?The title and the keyboard instrumental screamed "teenage boys hanging out" to me (as someone who has admittedly never been one), and the wistfulness and isolation of the lyrics screamed "Peter Borley."
Where are you?
Disturbed Youth (Rihanna Versus The Killers) - team9 Versus Stereogum
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Why?My college editor (and one of my best friends) has a theory that every character playlist in spec-fic should include "Disturbia" by Rihanna. This mashup felt more like Peter's groove.
It's too close for comfort
Throw on your break lights
The Bends - Radiohead
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Why?One of the friends that I consulted for help on the playlist was very emphatic in this song's inclusion. She says that Peter would be "SO Radiohead." I think I agree.
I want to be part of the human race
I Am A Lightning Rod - Margot & the Nuclear So and So's
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Why?See: Title.
Delivering sound
I can see beneath your skin!
It really freaks me out
I will be your camera's flash
Delivering sunbeams