Kith Jams

Music was a huge part of Carlos’ life. I think most people remember him loving the Red Hot Chili Peppers and being a great drummer (both actual drums and rock band). He loved all genres of music and his music library was all over the place. He also had an incredible singing voice, played guitar, and loved karaoke! I put together a playlist with songs that he listened to frequently and songs that make me think of him. A few are particularly special:

• Hard to Concentrate was our first dance (it was awkward but perfect)

• We walked each other down the aisle to Chasing Cars

• One of our first dates was to an Imagine Dragons concert when Radioactive was first released. It was one of my favorite days with Carlos ever.

• Carlos used to sneak up and creepily sing Despacito in my ear because we both thought the lyrics were a little… creepy. We both really love that song though and it would always inspire us to dance regardless of what else we were doing.

• Slow Cheetah is THE song I think of when I think of Carlos. I used to request that he play it on guitar regularly and could listen to him sing it forever.

• I discovered 3 Hour Drive a couple days after Carlos passed away on the show Song Exploder. Alicia Keys and Sampha sing the same lyrics but one is singing from joy and the other from grief and the feeling encapsulated exactly how I feel right now. Later I went through Carlos’ top played for 2020 and discovered this song was pretty high up on his list. It’s a great song and it makes me feel connected to him.

I’m sure I’m missing songs that scream Carlos, what would you add to the playlist? Send any song recommendations my way!

-Amanda