The best way to prepare for any trip is to make a playlist – this is a proven fact. When you’re compiling the playlist, it makes you think about the place you’re going and all of the associations you want to make with it. For example, when I was going to the Caribbean earlier this year, I wanted to have a fun playlist that would prepare me for days on the beach and nights out on the ship. This was the playlist I would be listening to while I packed, while I was on the plane, and while I laid on the beach. See what I mean? Your playlist is an essential piece of the traveling puzzle.
Thus, there is no better way to prepare for London than to build a playlist. Since London is such a musical hub anyway, it’s easy to pick some local favorites as well as the quintessential British picks. Take a listen.
1. TOY, “My Heart Skips a Beat”
TOY are an up-and-coming British band, and one I had the chance to see last year. This catchy song off of their debut album is reminiscent of 1960s psychedelia with a healthy dose of pop hooks to bring it to the 21st century.
2. The Horrors, “I Can See Through You”
The Horrors are a band deeply entwined in London’s indie rock scene. This swirling tune showcases what this band does best, which is craft catchy songs that still retain an element of creepiness – only appropriate considering their name, after all.
3. Muse, “Starlight”
Muse are one of the biggest bands to come out of the United Kingdom in a decade; “Starlight” is arguably their breakthrough hit. Off of Black Holes & Revelations, this pick will have you ready to float down the Thames in the middle of the night.
4. The Postal Service, “Sleeping In”
While not a British band, this Death Cab for Cutie-spinoff will be playing two nights in London in May. The show is already sold out on LiveNation, but dedicated fans can still find tickets through vendors like StubHub.
5. A$AP Rocky, “Fashion Killa”
This song fits London for two reasons: 1.) It is a fashion capitol, and A$AP takes the time to name drop just about every relevant fashion designer in the span of three minutes. 2.) A$AP is also performing two nights in London at the Brixton Academy, and this is one show that I will definitely be attending.
6. The Clash, “London Calling”
You can’t really have a London playlist without this cut from the Clash; London is calling. It’s self-explanatory.
7. The Smiths, “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out”
One of the most definitive bands out of the United Kingdom is the Smiths, and they also cannot be left off of a London playlist. This track is one of my personal favorites, and it is a standout off of their major release, The Queen is Dead.
8. Autre Ne Veut, “Counting”
Autre Ne Veut is also not British, but his sophomore album, Anxiety, just came out. This is one of the best songs on the whole album, and it is going to be essential motivation for packing.
9. Oasis, “Don’t Look Back in Anger”
Love or hate the Gallagher brothers, they made great music when they were together. It’s hard to pick just one song as a standout Oasis track, but “Don’t Look Back in Anger” gives off all of the good vibes necessary for a successful trip.
10. Blur, “Parklife”
Damon Albarn’s Blur is also essential British listening, especially for the generation born in the 1990s. Blur’s indie-pop changed the rock genre, and now that the band is reunited (just in time for Coachella!), it’s time to break out “Parklife” once again.
