Favorite Indie Love Songs for Cocktail Hour

For some of us (control freaks) there’s no sense in a DJ, since we know exactly what songs we want playing when.  Or maybe you’re a music buff who can’t imagine letting someone else decide what top 40 hits will be associated with your big day for eternity.  Perhaps you are simply wise enough to see the value in modern technology and know that a playlist is perfect for your reception needs. 

Whatever the reason, today there are plenty of ways to coordinate your own music.  Plus you know your style best. 

While the ceremony may lend itself to live musicians (and some churches prohibit pre-recorded music), the cocktail hour is all about mingling, while dinner is about eating – very few would pay attention to a live band at these times.

We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite indie songs, perfect for your cocktail hour: some old (OK, mostly old – hey, they stood the test of time), some new, some borrowed (covers), some blues.   

If you’ve been jotting down your favorite songs your entire life, you already have a solid start.  But for others simply seeking a modern, appropriately paced playlist for background music, listen up:  

1. Lumineers – "Stubborn Love" (4:39)
2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – "Maps" (3:40) 
3. Desire – "Under Your Spell" (4:56) 
4.  TV On The Radio –  "Million Miles" (4:24)
5. Postal Service – "Such Great Heights" (4:26) 
6. Cat Power – "Sea of Love" (2:19) 
7. Sufjan Stevens – "Chicago" (6:04)
8. Edward Sharpe – "Carries On" (4:31)
9. Avett Brothers – "Swept Away" (3:53)  
10. The National – "I Should Live in Salt" (4:08)
11. Anya Marina – "Whatever You Like" (3:48)
12. Beach House – "Zebra" (4:50)
13. Broken Social Scene – "Anthems For A Seventeen Year Old Girl" (4:35)
14. Sufjan Stevens – "That Dress Looks Nice On You" (2:32)
15. Lykke Li – "Little Bit" (4:33)
16. Grouplove – "Love Will Save Your Soul" (3:48) 
17. Pheonix – "Playground Love" (1:58)
18. Bon Iver – “The Wolves” (5:22)
19. The National – "Start a War" (3:16)
20. Arcade Fire – "Rebellion" (5:10)
21. The XX – "Islands" (2:41)
22. Bon Iver – "For Emma" (3:41) 
23. Dr. Dog – "Heart It Races" (3:52)
24. Best Coast – “When I’m With You” (2:58)

At 1 hour, 37 minutes this should cover cocktail hour + dinner until speeches.  Find it here on MOG.