(Inside) Patrick Bateman’s Walkman

Back in 1991 Brett Easton Ellis released the now classic book ”American Psycho”, about the wealthy, superficial, yuppie, turned serial killer, Patrick Bateman. The book became very popular and famous for its violence. But the book also included long monologues about music. Patrick Bateman loves his Sony Walkman and music – Genesis, Huey Lewis and The News and Whitney Houston… Or does he?

I remember reading the book back in the late 90’s, alone and horrifically scared after ”the rat scene”. Readers of the book know which scene I’m talking about. Fortunately it’s not included in the movie.

A few month ago I made my Don Corleone playlist, and recently got inspired to make another playlist by an infamous crook, Patrick Bateman.

Inside Patrick Bateman’s head

I also remember readin the long and nonsensical monologues about music in the book, wondering what they where all about? Believe me, I’ve thought even more about it in recent weeks. When constructing the playlist, and really try to get into Patrick’s head. A place one doesn’t otherwise want to stay in too long. These are my conclusions:

It is important to remember that Patrick is a very superficial guy. It comes across in everything he does and buys. He wants to impress people with his clothes and stuff. How he knows what to wear is partly by looking around at his ”friends” and reading information/articles about whats ”right”.

This is also his approach to music. He is not a music geek in the sense of Rob Fleming in Nick Hornbys ”High Fidelity”. He is the guy that comes in to Robs store and tries to buy what ever seems popular without further reflection.

But, in ”reality” this would never happen. Patrick Bateman would never be caught dead in a store like Robs.

Genesis, Huey and Whitney

In the book Patrick mentions his love for Genesis, Huey Lewis & the News and Whitney Houston. What do they all have in common?

They were all massive in the 80s and everyone liked them. They also had good a good production behind them. Something I believe is very important for Patrick. They have to sound great in his walkman. Patrick does not enjoy garage music or lo-fi. The sound has to be BIG and luxurious.

Since he doesn’t have a preference when it comes to genre, apart from pop. This is also what he chooses to listen to. Popular music approved by the masses and critics.

That is also the common ground between Genesis, Huey and Whitney – they are all influenced by respective genres – rock, soul and to some part synth, but they still remain very pop. Hence, I believe, Patrick finds them very contemporary and fusion-esque. Like his latest fancy business card.

Based on these conclusions I made my playlist.

Enjoy and feel free to leave a comment.

P.S. On a personal note I want to add that I love Phil Collins and Genesis and have nothing but respect for the artists in the playlist. With that said, I am very tired of ”Lady in Red” and ”Hip to be Square”. I also itch to remove ”The Greatest Love of All” since I think ”Love Will Save the Day” actually fits Patrick better… All are included for now.

Back in 1991 Brett Easton Ellis released the now classic book ”American Psycho”, about the wealthy, superficial, yuppie, turned serial killer, Patrick Bateman. The book became very popular and famous for its violence. But the book also included long monologues about music. Patrick Bateman loves his Sony Walkman and music – Genesis, Huey Lewis and…

Back in 1991 Brett Easton Ellis released the now classic book ”American Psycho”, about the wealthy, superficial, yuppie, turned serial killer, Patrick Bateman. The book became very popular and famous for its violence. But the book also included long monologues about music. Patrick Bateman loves his Sony Walkman and music – Genesis, Huey Lewis and…