One of the most fun parts of Asia Society’s Yoshitomo Nara retrospective is that the galleries are soundtracked: the artist’s paintings, drawings and sculptures are accompanied by a selection of handpicked tunes. Music more than anything else drives Nara’s work, from the rebellion of punk to the navel-gazing of blues singer-songwriters. Below, find the exhibition’s two playlists.

CORRECTION: Apparently these are just suggested playlists and not the music actually present in the galleries. We’ll let you know when we figure out what’s actually in the exhibition space, but in the meantime, enjoy the look into Nara’s headphones anyway!

Playlist 1: Rock

  1. Johnny Kidd & The Pirates – That’s All You Gotta Do (2004)
  2. The Flamin’ Groovies – Teenage Head (1971)
  3. The Pretty Things – Come See Me (1966)
  4. Small Faces – Tin Soldier (1967)
  5. Les Fleur De Lys – Mud in Your Eye (1966)
  6. The Motions – Wasted Words (1965)
  7. The Smoke – Defeat Retreat (2009)
  8. The Creation – Making Time (1966)
  9. 13th Floor Elevators – You’re Gonna Miss Me (1966)
  10. The Electric Prunes – Are You Lovin’ Me More (1967)
  11. The Lovin’ Spoonful – Jug Band Music (1966)
  12. Ultimate Spinach – Dove in Hawk’s Clothing (1967)
  13. Kaleidoscope – Flight From Ashiya (1967)
  14. The Turtles – Eve of Distruction (1970)
  15. Bear – Greetings (1968)

Playlist 2: Singer-Songwriters

  1. Dan Penn – Nobody’s Fool (1973)
  2. Andwella – Saint Bartholomew (1971)
  3. Chris Smither – Lonesome Georgia Brown (1991)
  4. Ernie Graham – Sebastian (1971)
  5. Heron – Little Boy (1970)
  6. Karen Dalton – Something on Your Mind (1971)
  7. Larry McNeely – Mississippi Water (1971)
  8. Mary Hopkin – Streets of London (1971)
  9. Mr. Fox – Elvira Madigan (1971)
  10. Ronnie Lane & The Band “Slim Chance” – Roll on Babe (1975)
  11. Tim Hardin – Black Sheep Boy (1967)
  12. Vashti Bunyan – Come Wind Come Rain (1970)
  13. Bob Martin – Captain Jesus (1972)
  14. Marc Ellington – Oh No It Can’t Be So (1971)
  15. Donovan – Universal Soldier (1967)
  16. Roger Tillison – Yazoo City Jail (1971)
  17. Tony Kosinec – ’48 DeSoto (1970)
  18. Geoff & Maria Muldaur – Trials, Troubles, Tribulations (1970)
  19. Mark LeVine – Going To The Country (1968)
  20. Thoughts & Words – Today Has Come (1969)
  21. Bert Jansch – Needle of Death (1965)
  22. Eddie Mottau – Whistle a Tune (1977)
  23. Christopher Keaney – Country Lady (1972)
  24. Shelagh McDonald – Rod’s Song (1971)
  25. Brian Short – With You on My Side (1971)
  26. Rosie Hardman – Four Golden Letters (1973)

Kyle Chayka was senior editor at Hyperallergic. He is a cultural critic based in Brooklyn and has contributed to publications including ARTINFO, ARTnews, Modern Painters, LA Weekly, Kill Screen, Creators...

5 replies on “Two Mixtapes By Yoshitomo Nara, For You”

  1. just to clear it up–these are just suggested playlists provided by the artist, not the tunes that are actually playing in the galleries..

    1. Hey Natalie,

      Thanks for the tip. So the playlists aren’t being played? That’s too bad… Could you tell us what music is actually playing in the gallery spaces?

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