Moby, the electronic music pioneer, has never shied away from sharing his eclectic tastes and opinions. In a recent reflection on his musical journey, the artist revealed a surprising range of preferences, from the explosive energy of The Clash to a guilty pleasure for Céline Dion. But it’s his candid assessment of The Kinks’ classic “Lola” that’s sparking conversation, with Moby describing the lyrics as “gross and transphobic.”
The artist’s insights, shared in a revealing look at his playlist, offer a glimpse into the evolution of his musical sensibilities. Beyond his critiques, Moby detailed formative musical experiences, karaoke mishaps and the songs that define pivotal moments in his life. This exploration of his musical history coincides with the release of his new album, Future Quiet, demonstrating a continued dedication to sonic exploration and honest self-expression.
Early Musical Influences and Firsts
Moby’s earliest musical memories center around a fascination with radio. He recounted spending hours recording songs on an old Dictaphone discovered under his grandfather’s desk, captivated by the raw energy of The Clash’s “I Fought the Law.” He described the sound, even through the lo-fi recording, as “like a building exploding.” His first purchased single, CW McCall’s “Convoy,” cost $1 at a Bradlees discount store in Connecticut, and he reportedly listened to it forty times in a row – a habit his mother apparently attributed to a future as both a musician and an addict.
His karaoke experiences, however, were less triumphant. Moby admitted to less-than-stellar performances of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” and 50 Cent’s “In Da Club,” though his rendition of Young MC’s “Bust a Move” was, at least, not a complete disaster. He also revealed an uncanny ability to recite every lyric to Eric B & Rakim’s “I Know You Got Soul,” a result of playing the track an estimated 8,000 times while DJing in the 1980s.
The Perfect Party Track and a Controversial Lyric
When it comes to setting the mood, Moby recalled a particularly successful moment while DJing a house party in Manhattan’s Lower East Side in 1989. Unexpectedly, Jane’s Addiction’s “Been Caught Stealing” ignited the crowd of fifteen people, proving the power of a well-timed musical curveball. However, one song has fallen out of favor: The Kinks’ “Lola.” Moby stated he found the lyrics “gross and transphobic” upon hearing it on a Spotify playlist, despite appreciating the band’s earlier work. He described the lyrics as “unevolved” and a jarring contrast to his current perspective.
Secret Guilty Pleasures and the Song of a Lifetime
Even the most discerning music fans have their hidden indulgences. Moby confessed to a surprising fondness for Céline Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” admitting he found himself enjoying the ballad at 3 a.m. At a New York City establishment called Bodega. He jokingly acknowledged this revelation might end his career, but embraced his secret appreciation for the power ballad. When it comes to the ultimate mood setter, Moby offered a decidedly unconventional choice: John Cage’s 4’33”, a piece consisting entirely of silence.
For Moby, Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” remains a transformative piece of music, representing “the future” when he first heard it in the 1970s. Don McLean’s “Vincent” evokes a powerful emotional response, bringing him to tears with its heartbreaking conclusion. And to start the day, he turns to The Doors’ “Not to Touch the Earth,” a testament to his enduring admiration for Jim Morrison’s “strange, narrative, existential lyrics.”
A Final Song and a New Album
Looking ahead, Moby has already chosen the song he wants played at his funeral: “Last Night” from his 2008 album of the same name, a collaboration with Sylvia Black from the Brooklyn-based indie-dance trio Kudu. He described it as a track that deserves a wider audience, a sentiment reflecting his ongoing commitment to sharing music he believes in.
Moby’s new album, Future Quiet, is out now, continuing his decades-long exploration of sound and emotion. His willingness to openly discuss his evolving tastes and challenge conventional expectations solidifies his position as a uniquely thoughtful and influential figure in the music world.
What songs define your personal musical journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
