The Ultimate New York Comic Con Playlist

This article was originally published in the Den of Geek Special Edition Magazine. Click here to view the full issue!

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our various convention experiences over the years, it’s that one tends to overlook just how much waiting around goes on at these things. But fear not! We have an all-new playlist full of nerdy jams for you to listen to while you’re walking the halls of New York ComicCon.

Some of these songs may be as familiar as your favorite character while others are as mysterious and exciting as the new friends you’ll make at the con. One thing is certain, however: these tunes possess a unique charm that will remain with you long after your convention memories have faded.

1. Meco, “Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band”

Meco Monardo is a genius who made a career out of infusing sci-fi and movie themes with disco. This is his masterpiece, the dancefloor equivalent of the Mona Lisa—minus the ambivalent smile. Unless you have a bad motivator, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear.

2. The Rebel Force Band, “Chewie the Rookie Wookiee”

Who doesn’t love songs about Wookies? See also, “What Do You Get a Wookiee for Christmas?” from Christmas in the Stars and Supernova’s “Chewbacca” from the Clerks soundtrack.

3. Silicon Dream, “Andromeda”

Oddball German synth act Silicon Dream had a penchant for singing about nerd-centric topics and featuring breakdancers in their music videos. Even without the jaw-dropping visuals, their songs are catchy, unforgettable, and pure ‘80s jams.

4. Czarface, “Czar Wars”

7L & Esoteric team up with Wu-Tang Clan’s Inspectah Deck as Czarface, who pack more deep nerd references per beat than anyone else. “Czar Wars” references Jon Snow, Pixar, and samples the classic Star Trek red alert klaxon, among other things.

5. Marty Nelson, “Spider-Man”

Our decidedly retro vibe rolls on with this selection from the immortal (and officially sanctioned) 1975 LP, Spider-Man: Rock Reflections of a Superhero, in which Peter Parker sings about accepting his fate as everybody’s favorite webslinger.

6. Silver, “Wham Bam Shang-A-Lang”

We had never heard this wildly infectious earworm before seeing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and now we can’t imagine our lives without it. It’s funny how quickly pop music becomes indispensable.

7. The Times, “I Helped Patrick McGoohan Escape”

The Prisoner is a show that you either become completely obsessed with or find impenetrable. We are most definitely in the former camp. Perhaps that’s why we dig this Beatles-esque tribute to the series and its mastermind/star so much.

8. Sage Francis, “Vonnegut Busy”

“If you feel like you’re going through hell, keep going,” encourages indie rapper Sage Francis. Drawing inspiration from Kurt Vonnegut’s tireless work ethic, it’s a reminder to stay true to yourself and your goals in the face of adversity.

9. Josie and the Pussycats, “Candy Girl (Sugar Sugar)”

The musical highpoint of Riverdale‘s first season, this electrifying cover of Inner City’s reinterpretation of The Archies’ hit single earns itself a place on this playlist due to its sheer meta-ness alone.

10. Thomas Dolby, “She Blinded Me with Science”

A bit on the nose, yes, but a foreverjam nonetheless.