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Jani Salomaa October 13, 2008 15:30 0 Thumb-ups
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Melancholy to add to the mix

If you want to have some slow pace moodiness in the book, look no further than Elliott Smith, Nick Drake and Jeff Buckley.

For example, Elliott's song Waltz No. 2 on the album XO is a masterpiece in melancholy songwriting. "I'm never gonna know you, now, but i'm gonna love you anyhow", sings he with appropriate passion.

Drake's pre-suicide album Pink Moon is about the saddest thing i've ever heard.

And Buckley's only album 'Grace' has unlimited power to it. Songs 'Last Goodbye' and the famous Cohen cover 'Hallelujah' should show you the way to this way-too-early-departed genious.

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Mike Pohjola December 16, 2008 12:48 Flag

Jani; I just got hold of Neon Bible, and it's indeed an excellent album! Intervention will definitely make it on my novel's playlist, probably some other songs as well...

Jani Salomaa December 15, 2008 21:51 Flag

And yet another one for different effect: If you want some naughty, naughty, nasty, nasty ambience in your book, there's nothing better than Vanessa Daou's album "Zipless" to tease you.

When she whispers sweetly "beCOMING a nun, beCOMING a nun, beCOMING a nun", i bet you'll have hard time keeping your monk gown on!

Jani Salomaa December 15, 2008 21:42 Flag

Oh! A great one for the Jesus & religion category: Arcade Fire's fantastic album Neon Bible!!! And especially the song Intervention, which combines church organs, rock, and a tale about an fallen priest to a chilling degree.

Jani Salomaa December 15, 2008 21:33 Flag

Waltz #2 is about an altogether failed and miserable artist guy, who happens to see his once-upon-a-time high school sweetheart going out with her new upper class husband.

Althought the girl is dressed elegant, she is out of place. The husband treats her like a prostitute. And the girl is wrecked. ("She shows no emotion at all / stares into space like dead China doll")

In fact, despite all the gloss, money and fancy suits, she is in a worse state than our story's piss-poor protagonist.

Finally our hero despairs, because he can't find the strength to rise up to the kind of rich bastards like the girl's husband. ( I'm no good, i'm no good, i'm no good - can't you tell, that it's well understood).

That's songwriting for ya!!!

Mike Pohjola November 01, 2008 14:53 Flag

I've started listening to these... Waltz #2 is an interesting mix of very sad lyrics and a strangely upbeat folkish melody. Have to listen to it a couple more times to make sure I get it :)

Mike Pohjola October 15, 2008 19:35 Flag

I've never listened to these artists. Will do so shortly, and comment on them in more detail. Thanks!

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