Love is a many-splendored thing, and music reflects this complexity. Songs are written about first love, obsessive love, unrequited love, heartbreak and so on. Whether you consider Valentine’s Day a silly Hallmark holiday or a nice annual summit on the true meaning of the L word, here's an eclectic soundtrack that ranges from torch songs to tortured ballads. Raunch, romance and resentment are represented in this sonic valentine.

A trio of snakes suggestively swarming a red, scantily clad cartoon girl calls attention to an interesting lineup at Low Sprits (2823 Second Street NW) on Friday, Feb. 10. Sad Baby Wolf, St. Petersburg, Alan George Ledergerber and DJ Nicolatron provide sounds—the $5 show begins at 9 p.m. (Jessica Cassyle Carr)