One Track Mind

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There are, for each music lover, epochs in our lives which are defined by mixed tapes (or CDs, or thumb drives, or whatever) passed around like sacred texts to disseminate and learn from; mixes from friends who seemingly know everything you should be listening to; mixes from older, wiser people that belie experience and perspective; mixes from newly forming loves or heartbroken exes; mixes we make for ourselves that are full of defiant inspiration or brokedown hopelessness. And then there’s a very special kind of mix, and one that today’s song would be perfectly at home on, nestled between The Sundays and The Cure: The Make-Out Mix.

(Special distinction need be made for The Make Out Mix. The Make-Out Mix is not listened to when Going All The Way. The Make-Out Mix is awkward and full of longing and need. The Make-Out Mix is played to soundtrack two people kissing their faces raw while fumbling hands fervently explore like blindfolded conquistadors. There is inherent innocence in The Make-Out Mix, and does not diminish itself with complicated adult repercussions.)

“I Used To” is one of the first releases Chairlift co-founder Aaron Pfenning has shrugged off into the ether of the internet under the moniker employed for his solo efforts, Rewards. It is marked by the dark romanticism of The Cure and the feathery guitar work of New Order.

Its sound is a throwback to the gothic pop of the ’80s, but it’s shimmery guitar work and perfectly crafted drum programming keep it from sounding like pastiche. The breathy vocal harmonies and the subtle auto tune bubbling behind the chorus lend the track an intimate feel, which is exactly why it’ll find its place into plenty of Make-Out Mixes, played low and discreet, as hushed and romantic as the flickering candles that will indubitably illuminate the scenes of desperation and pressing need this song deserves to soundtrack.