I had it in my head to list my favorite “Things” of 2007 which was going to include books and music and various media [probably Jezebel.com would be on that list, and maybe Hillary Clinton too although I’m undecided on that front] but my head is reeling from post-holiday blues, recent break-ups, and too much gin&tonic so I’m going to make a list of the best Things about breaking up [because I feel like a vindictive little bitch]. AIGHT:
1. Paul Anka’s “Breaking Up is Hard to Do“
I’m sorry? This song makes me want to break up every day just so I have an excuse to listen to it.
The movie, not the book [I’m a plebian on this count, although I have no doubt that Nick Hornby’s writing is equally brilliant.] I try to watch this every time I get my heart broken. It helps if you have a doofy brother who can act as a parallel to Jack Black’s Barry. Additionally, one cannot surpass the epic opening line: “Nobody worries about kids listening to thousands, literally thousands of songs about heartbreak, rejection, pain, misery and loss. Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to pop music?” TOO FUCKIN’ TRUE, ROB GORDON.
3. The Magnetic Fields’ 69 Love Songs
Ok, hear me out on this one: This is a great record for falling in love, truly. However, Stephen Merritt, all-encompassing genius that he is, acknowledges all the shitty parts about love too. I’m reminded of a time in my life during my Worst Break-up Of All Time in which a friend dedicated “I Think I Need a New Heart” to me on a college radio show. Also of note for the broken-hearted: “Love is Like a Bottle of Gin” and “Crazy for You But Not That Crazy” [resonant whether you’ve been on the Crazy side or not. I’ve been on both.]
[Of Note: One thing that is sure to be a highlight of 2008 will be Stephen Merritt’s Valentine’s Day performance at the Somerville Theatre. I now have an extra ticket, if you’d like to accompany me. Har har har.]
4. Girlfriends and Platonic Males
I know that “you were too good for [Redacted] anyway” and “good riddance!” are the oldest cliches in Da Book, but it’s REAL cathartic to have chain-smoking seshes and watch bad rom-coms.
5. Checkin’ out Hotties
Maybe my Missed Connections karma will be resurrected?
Eternal Youth 
You’re so right, there are Magnetic Fields songs I can’t listen to after a breakup. It used to be “If You Don’t Cry”, but now there are others.
i looooove you.
thanks for this post, buddy. i was in need of some new depressing love songs. my playlist has been overplayed by me 🙂
p.s.- have you seen “Reign Over Me?” good movie. got mixed reviews, I think the acting/writing were good. don’t watch it though if you don’t feel like crying. even my mom cried. and she doesn’t cry at movies.