John Waters declares “the sexiest song of all time”

Not many people would associate director John Waters with sexy, given the often grotesque and subversive themes present in his films. If you’re comfortable with the extreme nature of his movies, like literal shit-eating or zoophilia, then feel free to explore his tastes without hesitation. However, if these topics make you uneasy, proceed with caution before diving into his world.

Waters’ films have sparked both admiration and criticism due to their unique blend of humor and horror, pushing boundaries and provoking strong reactions. Despite facing backlash and calls for bans on some of his early works, Waters eventually gained cult status and mainstream recognition, especially with the success of his more conventional musical, Hairspray.

Although Hairspray marked a departure from his earlier controversial content, a quick glance at Pink Flamingos reveals Waters’ affinity for filthiness and shock value. The remaining films in his ‘Trash Trilogy’, including Female Trouble and Desperate Living, continue to explore taboo subjects in his signature style.

Surprisingly, Waters’ music taste leans towards the relatively mild, considering his love for punk rock’s rebellious attitude and his admiration for music icons like Little Richard. When asked to select his top songs for KCRW’s Guest DJ Project, he chose tracks that encapsulate soul, rock and roll, unique vocals, and songs that evoke sexual awakening.

Among his picks, Waters highlighted ‘I’m Blue’ by the Ikettes as one of the sexiest songs ever. While expressing his fondness for Ike & Tina Turner, he praised the Ikettes, noting that this particular track stood out as a great song. Featured in his original Hairspray movie, it became synonymous with the Dirty Boogie dance and captivated listeners across racial lines.

But what makes ‘I’m Blue’ so alluring to Waters? He described it as one of the first dirty dancing songs, with its catchy lyrics and infectious rhythm that prompted excitement and joy among listeners. Throughout its various renditions, including a performance by the Asian group The 5.6.7.8’s, featured in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill Vol. 1, the song’s timeless appeal endures, making it a universally sexy tune fit for any occasion.

While Waters’ filmography may boast shocking and unconventional content, his choice of ‘I’m Blue’ as a sexy song surprisingly aligns with mainstream appeal and showcases his diverse tastes. Despite his penchant for controversy, his admiration for this track demonstrates a more conventional side to his artistic preferences. In the end, Waters’ ability to appreciate the alluring qualities of different genres underscores his eclectic and open-minded approach to music.