"Playing background music helps make guests feel welcome,
especially those who are first to arrive," says Ann David, co-owner
of David Reinhard Events, a party-planning company in New York
City. On this and the following pages are three playlists of CDs to
suit the mood of your event, compiled by Chris Nashawaty, a senior
writer for Entertainment Weekly magazine.
Playlist 1
For Cocktails and Conversation
Live by Erykah Badu (Universal, $13.98, www.amazon.com). Smooth, silky R & B from one of
the finest female singers around.
Mezzanine by Massive Attack (Virgin, $13.99, www.amazon.com). Electronic chill-out music
from London.
Me and Mr. Johnson by Eric Clapton (Reprise, $13.99, www.amazon.com). One of the
greatest blues guitarists of the second half of the 20th century
pays tribute to Robert Johnson, the greatest blues guitarist of the
first half.
Beleza Tropical, various artists (Luaka Bop/Warner Bros., $11.98, www.amazon.com). A
compilation of sunshiny Brazilian pop songs selected by Talking
Heads frontman David Byrne.
True Love Waits: Christopher O'Riley Plays Radiohead (Odyssey, $11.98, www.amazon.com). Elegant solo piano pieces that may sound strangely familiar.
Playlist 2
For Sit-Down Dining
Feels Like Home by Norah Jones (Blue Note, $13.49, www.amazon.com). A guaranteed
crowd-pleaser — musical comfort food.
North by Elvis Costello (Deutsche Grammaphon/Universal, $18.98, www.amazon.com). Lush
orchestral jazz from a onetime punk-rock bad boy.
Our Man in Paris by Dexter Gordon (Blue Note, $11.98, www.amazon.com). If you like Miles
Davis's jazz classic Kind of Blue, try this recording from a legend
of the tenor sax.
Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook (Verve, $30.49, www.amazon.com). The
ultimate in sophisticated dinner music.
Talkie Walkie by AIR (Astralwerks, $13.99, www.amazon.com). A cool collection of lilting
electronic lullabies from France.
Playlist 3
To Get the Pary Started
Musicology by Prince (Sony, $13.99, www.amazon.com). An instant party classic on a par
with Purple Rain and 1999.
Dancemania Vol. 1 by Tito Puente and His Orchestra (RCA, $11.98, www.amazon.com). In
Puente's greatest album, he captures the caffeinated, mambocrazy
sound of Cuba before la revolucion.
What's the 411? by Mary J. Blige (MCA/Uptown, $9.98, www.amazon.com). Dance beats and
sultry slow jams from the queen of hiphop soul.
Old School Jams: The History Lesson, various artists (SPG, $15.98, www.amazon.com). The
perfect 80s mix for when you don't have time to make your own:
Chaka Khan, Kool & the Gang, and more.
James Brown 20 All Time Greatest Hits! (Polygram, $9.99, www.amazon.com). This is a
party, right? Time to call in the hardest-working man in show
business.
