American Psycho Mixtape
My Mixtape’s A Masterpiece is a weekly feature in which a guest compiles a playlist around some theme. This week, Alexis Collazo assembles 11 songs that best accompany Bret Easton Ellis’ American Psycho - in all its forms. Read Alexis’ thoughts on each song and listen along to the Spotify playlist on top and/or the YouTube playlist at the bottom of the post.
American Psycho by Brett Easton Ellis is one of my favorite horror novels. I think it's the first time I read a book more than once. For those that don't know, it’s about Patrick Bateman, a typical ‘80s finance bro ... who also happens to be a serial killer. While they had to dial it down a bit for the film adaption, the book includes some disturbingly graphic sex/kill scenes, but the movie remains just as satisfying as its source. In appreciation, I created a mixtape dedicated to my favorite fictional serial killer. The following picks are mostly ‘80s nostalgia, drawn from the movie soundtrack and mentions in the book, with a dash of serial killer-inspired metal.
1. “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen
A favorite of my own from the ‘80s. I like to think Bateman would appreciate the humor in this pick subtle enough with a spot on title.
2. “Land of Confusion” by Genesis
Bateman's meticulous eye for detail is one of his defining characteristics, depicted by his obsessive descriptions of the specific colors, materials, and brands of everything he sees. It's not surprising when it extends to music. Genesis is one of three ‘80s artists with a chapter dedicated to discussing his opinions on their full discography.
3. “Sussudio” by Phil Collins
A personal favorite of Bateman's. Touched upon very quickly in the Genesis chapter, “Collins' solo efforts seem to be more commercial and therefore satisfying in a narrower way” to our cracked protagonist.
4. “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” by Dope
While included on the soundtrack, this song didn't make it into the movie itself. No offense to the original, which was an ‘80s hit from Dead Or Alive, but I like this version better. It feels a bit more fitting to the serial killer vibe.
5. “How Will I Know” by Whitney Houston
Rightfully so, Houston also gets a full chapter of discussion where Bateman declares this the best dance song of the ‘80s.
6. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” by U2
There's a scene in the novel that takes place at a U2 concert. None of the characters are remotely interested in the band and pay them no attention, except to comment on their clothing. But then Bateman has a moment, or thinks he does, with Bono. While he quotes a lyric that does not exist in any of their songs, in my head this would catch his attention.
7. “Devil Inside” by INXS
Not as popular as the hit “New Sensation” which was specifically named as playing at the Tunnel in the novel, but more fitting in my opinion.
8. “Simply Irresistible” by Robert Palmer
This is at the top of the list of songs that go hand-in-hand with the ‘80s vibes.
9. “Dead Skin Mask” by Slayer
A song inspired by real life serial killer Ed Gein seems perfect for setting the mood for a night out with Bateman. He might not be a Slayer fan, but he sure was an admirer of Gein.
10. “The Ripper” by Judus Priest
In this serial killer-inspired composition, we're focusing on the infamous Jack the Ripper. While Bateman is more of an equal opportunity killer, he still seems to have similar preferences for his targets.
11. “Hip to be Square” by Huey Lewis & the News
Declared to be the best American band of the ‘80s by Bateman. While the song was featured in the film—as murder background music, of course—it was removed from the official soundtrack which stirred up bit of controversy that some assumed was just a publicity stunt.
