Pleasure in Pain

Schadenfreude is a feeling you've probably had, even if you don't know what it means. German-born sociologist Theodor Adorno defined Schadenfreude as “largely unanticipated delight in the suffering of another which is cognized as trivial and/or appropriate.” Anticipated or not, there is something slightly uncomfortable about taking pleasure in another's pain. But the singers in today's mix sound pretty damn smug about their adversaries' demise. People say, "hate to say I told you so," but really they love it.

William Bell - I Told You So
I bet you regret it already, lady. William Bell was obviously the sexiest guy you'll ever lose.

? and The Mysterians - 96 Tears
If ever there were a man who took rejection into his own hands, it's Question Mark. He's been dumped and has already formulated a plan to win back his girl, dump her, and then derisively make fun of her for it.

Syndicate of Sound - Little Girl
So demeaning, spiteful and danceable. I couldn't get this to an mp3 version, so it's strictly iTunes-playable.

The Beau Brummels - Laugh Laugh
Look at them laughing at you in that picture up there. Joke's on you.

The Shirelles - Foolish Little Girl
Even girls can demean other girls by calling them "little girl."

Lesley Gore - Judy's Turn to Cry
Part two of Lesley's classic "It's My Party" has her acting pretty smug about getting her man back. Good luck, Lesley.

Original Sinners - Who's Laughin' Now
Exene's most recent newish band churns out some perfectly snotty punk. Apologies for the completely incorrect and mildly offensive cover art, if you get that far. I don't know how to get rid of it.