Press Play. Sleuth.

If you’re going to solve crimes in teased hair and shoulder pads, you’ll need the right soundtrack. These are the songs blasting in my car, humming in the shop, and occasionally playing while I’m questioning someone who absolutely deserves it.

Play loud. No skipping.

Side A

1. Hungry Like the Wolf
If I feel like I’m being hunted… or doing the hunting. Either way, turn it up.

2. Walking on Sunshine
For driving down Ventura like I own the boulevard. Windows down. Hair bigger than my problems.

3. Jump
Perfect opener for trivia night. Also appropriate when leaping to conclusions. Which I never do. Mostly.

4. Dress You Up
Madonna understood that the right outfit can solve almost anything.

5. Girls Just Want to Have Fun
True. Unless your manicurist ends up murdered. Then we pivot.

6. Billie Jean
If this is playing at Topanga Vintage Music, I pretend I’m not impressed. I absolutely am.

7. Walk Like an Egyptian
Proof that the ‘80s made zero sense and total sense at the same time.

9. Africa
Best enjoyed at breakfast with Susan at Norms while pretending everything is completely normal.

8. Maniac
For getting ready before a bash at Big Hair. Teasing comb required.

9. Sweet Child o' Mine
John’s song. That guitar riff walks into the room before he does.

Side B

1. La Bamba
For Diego. Play it loud, play it proud, and play it like your abuelo is teaching you the chords.

2. Centerfield
Go Dodger blue. Some loyalties? Sacred.

3. Jesse's Girl
For Jess. She says she doesn’t need a love story. I say just wait.

4. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)
Play when I’m up all night connecting dots and questioning everyone.

5. Dead Man's Party
Reminds me of my dinner parties. I can’t help it if they go horribly wrong.

6. Shadows of the Night
For when the lights dim, and the truth gets really uncomfortable.

7. With or Without You
Some cases are complicated. Some men are worse.

8. Can't Fight This Feeling
Jim’s song. Don’t tell him I said that.

9. We Got the Beat
Big Hair’s open. The music’s on. Life’s messy. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.