For Raleigh, North Carolina, chef Ashley Christensen music and food don't lie. They cut to the quick of life, say things you can't, conjure sentiments you think you've forgotten.

Ashley's Party Playlist

Son Volt "Windfall"
Aimee Mann "Red Vines"
Drive-By Truckers "Cartoon Gold"
Junior Kimbrough "I Feel Alright"
The Twighlight Singers "Hyperballad"
Traveling Wilburys "Handle with Care"*
Led Zeppelin "Tangerine"*
Ryan Adams "English Girls Approximately"
Bon Iver "Blood Bank"
Justin Townes Earle "Harlem River Blues"
The Killers "Sam's Town"
LCD Soundsystem "Someone Great"
Lou Reed "Dirty Blvd."
The Love Language "Manteo"
Kanye West "Heartless"
The Middle East "Blood"
The National "Bloodbuzz Ohio"
Pavement "Silence Kit"
Rilo Kiley "Spectacular Views"
Kid Cudi "Pursuit of Happiness"
Shout Out Louds "The Comeback"

(* songs not available on  Spotify)