Crate Digging is our recurring deep dive into music history. In this edition, Mannequin Pussy’s Marisa Dabice selects 10 perfect records for a makeout session.
Romance is a long-running theme in the music of Mannequin Pussy. Over the past decade, the Philly rockers – led by the inimitable vocalist Marisa Dabice – have used their fiery, vibrant punk as a means of exploring love in all its forms, from breakups that no amount of alcohol could expunge, to happily rekindling an old flame, to seemingly every stage of heartache in-between. Not to mention their 2016 sophomore album was literally titled Romantic.
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And so to anyone familiar with Mannequin Pussy, it shouldn’t be surprising that Dabice has a list of go-to records up her sleeve for when she wants to set the mood for a makeout session. “Not that many people in the world can say they’ve had the absolute privilege of being invited over to my house,” she confides in Consequence over Zoom, but rest assured she’s prepared for whenever she does feel compelled to host a special guest. Whether it be a classic Radiohead album, some out-of-pocket glam rock, or a more recent indie pop favorite, Dabice seemingly has a soundtrack pre-selected for every sort of smooch – whether you’re trying to break the ice or trying to make amends. “I hope no one who’s actually made out with me reads this list and gets bummed realizing these are repeat moves,” she laughs.
Dabice’s makeout albums span numerous genres and eras, which also shouldn’t be surprising considering Mannequin Pussy’s undeniable dexterity. Their upcoming album I Got Heaven in particular showcases the band’s ability to seamlessly move between gritty aggression and moments of gentleness – it’s no wonder Dabice tends to gravitate towards records with a similar spirit. Read her thoughts on her 10 essential makeout albums below.
T. Rex – Electric Warrior
T. Rex’s Electric Warrior is just the coolest [for when] you’re hanging out with someone for the first time, and you want to kiss, but you haven’t yet. It’s exciting and bouncy, and there’s good moments of high energy, and also romantic moments. So it kind of matches that excitement of, like, “Are we going to kiss or not?” You’re basically guaranteed to be making out by “Bang a Gong.”
Radiohead – In Rainbows
I think In Rainbows is one of the greatest records of all time. My big gateway into Radiohead was because they were one of the first bands who gave an album away for free on the internet, when it came out in 2007. So, I downloaded it, and I felt completely changed by the experience. I listened to it alone first, but then such romantic feelings were inspired in me that I immediately thought, “OK, the next time that I’m in a space with someone who I really want to kiss, this record has to go on.” It’s similar to Electric Warrior in that it starts with something really energetic – like “15 Step” – so you get to let that excitement start, and then take that warm bath of just chilling out in something beautiful.
Deerhunter – Microcastle
I think this record is so lush. A way that I describe music a lot, and what I describe wanting this next record of ours to feel, is like taking a warm bath. There are certain records that feel like you can dive into it, but also just sit back and experience it. This record just feels so good to listen to, so it’s a perfect makeout album.
Beach House – Depression Cherry
What fucking indie kid hasn’t made out to Beach House? I think Depression Cherry might be overly romantic for a first makeout – this might be more of a second or third makeout record, because there’s a lot of feelings and heart in it. This is for a makeout session with some heart. I saw that “Space Song” was going viral on TikTok, and that’s incredible. That means that a whole new generation of people are making out to Beach House!
Faye Webster – I Know I’m Funny haha
Faye Webster’s music is just so beautiful and flirtatious and romantic, and there’s this yearning and desire in the way that she uses her voice and in the instrumentation of it. This record is perfect for creating a really comfortable feeling between you and this person that you’re wanting to kiss. I think it’s impossible not to like, but because it is newer, I don’t know if it’ll stand the test of time like other albums on this list. But I know Gen Alpha will be listening to this record to make out to in the same way that Gen Z is now listening to Beach House. Honestly, if you haven’t made out to I Know I’m Funny haha, it’s time to try it.
SZA – CTRL
I think that this record was a cultural landmark in what has become known as this “sad girl” genre. It’s no-skips, flawless emotional storytelling. There’s a real vulnerability when you listen in to what SZA is actually saying. It’s, like, the very music that came after a makeout maybe led to a relationship and then the dissolution. It’s very reflective. But the way she uses her voice is so different than any singer and is so unique to her talent and what makes her great that you can just kind of feel the yearning and ache in it. And sometimes, ache makes for a good makeout setting. Plus, it’s a very sexy record.
Cigarettes After Sex – Cigarettes After Sex
I don’t think I’ve actually ever made out with anyone to this record, but I see its potential. It’s very sexy and melancholy and sweet. I think there’s a lightness to it, but also passion. It’s lush in a similar way to Faye Webster. Softness and delicateness to the instrumental is what usually makes for a really good makeout album.
Autolux – Future Perfect
This is such an exciting and different record, and just really fun to put on. The vibe it brings to makeout is… fucking perfect. It’s a really seamless, track-by-track album; “Here Comes Everybody” is one of my favorite ones. It’s also – [checks Spotify] – 51 minutes long! So if you want to go the distance and make out to Future Perfect all the way through, that’s championship level. That’s a marathon.
Frank Ocean – Blonde
I feel like I have to take a deep breath before talking about Blonde. I do think it’s absolutely one of those records that’s more for a fantasy makeout maybe than real life. Blonde is sort of a warning – you’re listening to it and really thinking about someone specifically, but then imagining how that crush could just set you up for absolute heartbreak. I think Frank Ocean is just one of the most extraordinary artists of our generation, and has just one of the most inventive and purely beautiful voices. It’s hard not to feel his longing and desire, even just from that first millisecond of “Nikes.”
Various Artists – Garden State OST
I was gonna include Oh, Inverted World, but I think it’s really just the Garden State soundtrack for me. I don’t know if it would hold up as a makeout album now, but if you’re a millennial, a lot of people did make out to that. What’s cool about it is that it almost feels like a mix someone made for you. You’ve got The Shins, Nick Drake, Simon and Garfunkel, Iron & Wine – it’s an introduction to so many brilliant artists. And I don’t think it should be controversial to say this: Coldplay is an amazing fucking band, OK?
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