The Virgins exemplify the sound and style of downtown New York City in 2008. The band came together in 2006, the brainchild of songwriter, Donald Cumming. Having lived on New York’s streets since the age of 16, Cumming’s teen years were chronicled by photographer Ryan McGinley in his now-legendary debut solo show at the Whitney Museum of American Art. With Cumming joined by bassist Nick Zarin-Ackerman, guitarist Wade Oates, and drummer Erik Ratensperger, The Virgins began playing at downtown parties at such spots as St. Marks Church and 205. For their third show ever, the Virgins took Paris by storm, performing at designer Agnès B’s fashion week party alongside Patti Smith and Sonic Youth. The band’s connection to New York’s art scene is no more apparent than in their own album art, which features design and photography from Dan Colen and Terry Richardson.
Willie Nelson / Georgia
I’ve been listening to a lot of Willie Nelson lately. This one is from an album of standards that I’m especially down with.
New York Dolls / Bad Girl
There’s a Live in Paris CD that’s really great. This track was playing when I started making this list and I realized that I hadn’t heard it in years. It’s such a cool song.
Libertines / Can’t Stand Me Now
This is the first Libertines song I heard and It made me go out and listen to everything I could find by them.
Babyshambles / The Man Who Came to Stay
My friend put this on a mix for me when I was getting into the Libertines. I really love this song.
Iggy and the Stooges / Shake Appeal
Junior high in 1994. I bought Raw Power on vinyl at a store on 23rd, off 5th Ave. There’s another version called Tight Pants. It has got the foulest drum sound and the clapping is so good.
Bob Dylan / When I Paint My Masterpiece
Dylan made a movie called Renaldo and Clara. He performs this song with a clear mask over his face.
The Strokes / Clear Skies
This is such an awesome Strokes song! When First Impressions was on the Internet, I downloaded everything. But when I got the CD, this wasn’t on it. Maybe its a b-side, but it’s a big hit on mix tapes.
Louis Armstrong/ When its Sleepy Time Down South
When I moved to Florida, I grabbed a bunch of cassettes from a dollar bin. This was the last on side B of Louis’ greatest hits, and at night when the tape ran out, there was perfect quiet. Then I heard the frogs.
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those of us of a certain age grew up being influenced and charmed by bob dylan. looks like the road still has some way to go, judging by this beautifully written and played masterpiece of a song.