A playlist honoring the bold, the brave, and the villainous among us
Heroes and villains inspire us in countless ways—whether they’re from our favorite stories, pop culture, or everyday life. They represent the best and worst of us, reflecting our deepest hopes, fears, and challenges. At Standard Beagle, we celebrate these figures through music that brings out their spirit, their courage, and sometimes their darkness.
Here’s our team’s playlist dedicated to the heroes and villains that shape our lives, both on-screen and off.
1) My Hero by Foo Fighters
Dave Grohl’s tribute to everyday heroes, “My Hero” is a rock anthem celebrating the quiet strength of ordinary people. With its powerful drum beats and moving lyrics, this song reminds us that heroism doesn’t always come with fanfare—it’s often found in the resilience of those around us. Many believe Grohl wrote this song as a tribute to his late Nirvana bandmate, Kurt Cobain, adding even more depth to its message.
2) Superman by Goldfinger
This ska-punk hit, famously featured in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, is a high-energy tribute to a classic hero archetype. Although the song itself is lighthearted, its energetic beats capture the determination we admire in our heroes, real or fictional. Fun fact: the band’s name is a nod to the Bond villain Goldfinger—a nice crossover of hero and villain themes.
3) My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys by Willie Nelson
As proud Texans, we can’t leave out Willie Nelson’s classic, “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys.” This soulful track celebrates the rugged independence of the American cowboy, a symbol of resilience and self-reliance. And if you’re ever in Austin, be sure to pay tribute to Willie’s statue in front of the Moody Theater.
4) Accordion by Madvillain
In the villainous spirit, we have Madvillain—MF Doom and Madlib’s iconic hip-hop duo. Known for his metal mask, MF Doom embraced his role as a musical “villain,” even famously sending masked stand-ins to perform in his place. “Accordion” showcases Doom’s unique style and dark, witty lyrics. He’s a true antihero in music, pushing boundaries and keeping fans guessing.
5) Heroes and Villains by The Beach Boys
This complex Beach Boys track, recorded for the unfinished Smile project, is a unique blend of heroism and chaos. It’s an ambitious piece that came with high expectations, ultimately affecting Brian Wilson’s mental health due to the pressure surrounding its release. While Jimi Hendrix once dismissed it as a “psychedelic barbershop quartet,” it has since become a cult favorite, representing both the bright and dark sides of creative ambition.
Quick Hits
- “Seat Belt” by The International Superheroes of Hardcore – A hardcore public service announcement reminding us that real heroes wear seat belts.
- “Spiderman Theme” by The Ramones – New York’s favorite punk band meets everyone’s favorite web-slinger in this iconic theme.
- “bad guy” by Billie Eilish – With its catchy beat, it’s a modern villain anthem. Blink-182 fans will love new.wav’s pop-punk cover.
- “All the Stars” by Kendrick Lamar (feat. SZA) – A powerful song from Black Panther, embodying the heroism of Marvel’s legendary character.
- “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee – From Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, this song captures the heart and hope of heroism.
So, whether you’re celebrating the heroes in your life or channeling your inner antihero, this playlist has you covered. And as the legendary Stan Lee would say, “EXCELSIOR!”
Here’s the list…
So go out there, listen to amazing music, and be heroic. Not all heroes wear capes, but you can if you want. And in the iconic words of super hero creator Stan Lee, EXCELSIOR!!
