A David Lynch Playlist

David Keith Lynch died on January 16, days before his 79th birthday. A polymath best remembered as the director and writer of “Blue Velvet” (1986), “Mulholland Drive” (2001), “Inland Empire” (2006), and (much of) “Twin Peaks” (1990-1991, 2017), few artists can lay claim to his idiosyncratic, inimitable comfort with discomfort in content and form.

Lynch recorded and produced his own music and worked closely with composers to create his desired atmosphere on screen. His films and shows are marked by musical performances, whether from the depths of a radiator, atop a convertible, in the Palmers’ living room, or on stage at the Roadhouse (or, in James Hurley’s case, performing his signature song in both of the last two locations, to fans’ delight and/or chagrin). This playlist explores Lynch’s influences, use of music on screen, and synchronicity with other artists captivated by the same symbols and themes. He knew when to invent and when to tread familiar ground for the greatest effect, making his visual and sonic worlds immediately recognizable and unique.