Erika Forster from the lovely New York trio, Au Revoir Simone, has given us her Top 10 “Realistic Portraits of Love” Mixtape. With tunes by Towes Van Zandt, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez and more, Forster shows us how love can be disappointing, complicated, constricting and heartbreaking, but also, at times, powerful and uplifting. Be sure to check out Au Revoir Simone in this week’s issue of the New York Times Magazine, where they are featured alongside other all women groups Electrelane, Plasticines, Amiina and Yo Majesty. 

Top 10 “Realistic Portraits of Love” Mixtape:

1. Townes Van Zandt – “Be Here To Love Me”
This is a tale of “i can’t commit to anything in this crazy world but lets love each other in the moment.” Depressing, yes, but Townes songs have the most poetic way of expressing the yearning to follow one’s heart and one’s own way in life even if it leads to some lonely times.

2. Joan Baez – “Don’t Think Twice”
I have always loved this Bob Dylan song and think Joan Baez does a powerful version. There is so much truth and conviction behind the words. A decisive, zen breakup.

3. Joni Mitchell – “All I Want”
All she wants is a little bit of everything. To experience the fullness of life and be generous & joyful with love at the same time. Is that really too much to ask?

4. Taken By Trees – “Lost And Found”
Victoria Bergsman of Taken By Trees makes the most wonderful choices with her lyrics. She describes the experience of being lovesick as feeling a little bit crazy, a heartbreak that actually shakes up her understanding of her own identity.

5. Vashti Bunyan – “Love Song”
This song is really sad. A love that is not returned. It’s never really a secret I suppose, but her observations really reveal the feelings of a person who is being ignored or forgotten.

6. Midlake – “Mornings Will Be Kind”
Finally a romantic song. This song has the sweetest message of love and being fulfilled by another person. The vocals blend together in a super melancholy way. The song definitely tugs at you, but is ultimately uplifting.

7. Jean Ritchie – “Shady Grove”
This is a version of a very traditional song by folk legend Jean Ritchie. It’s a sweet old fashioned love song. Her solo performance and vocals are really showcased on this one.

8. Townes Van Zandt – “To Live Is To Fly”
This is a song about love, but also a philosophy for living. Very poignant.

9. Fleetwood Mac – “Dreams”
This song is almost like the voice or reason, or a reminder about how fragile relationships really are. But separate from any meaning, it’s just a really great classic song. Stevie Nicks is totally masterful.

10. Hot Rize – “Walk The Way The Wind Blows”
My dad, Nick Forster, is a member of this band. I wanted to include one of their songs because growing up seeing his shows and going to folk and bluegrass festivals is probably why I feel a connection to folk/traditional music. This particular song is about a break up but the message is similar to Dylan’s “Walk the Way the Wind Blows” & “Don’t Think Twice, iI’s Alright.” They kinda go hand in hand.