This week we have a guest post by Ashley of Complete and Unabridged.
Music is a pretty amazing thing. It can take us back to the past, make us want to dance, put us in a romantic mood, or simply lift our spirits. But sometimes, music does something a little different for me: it reminds me of a book.
Yes, there is nothing more geeky than to be riding down the road listening to the radio and suddenly thinking “That song matches [book title] perfectly!”. But that is exactly what happens to me sometimes. For example, whenever I hear Phil Collins’ song ‘Can’t Stop Loving You,’ I immediately think of Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel North and South. To me, it is exactly the kind of song that describes the two main characters’ relationship.
So, my fellow Weekly Geeks, your challenge this week is to come up with at least one song-book match. It could remind you of a theme from the book, a specific part of the plot, or even one of the characters (a sort of theme song, if you will). Be sure to include samples of the lyrics and the reason why that song reminds you of that book. If you can provide a link to a recording of the song so that other geeks can hear it that would be great as well. (One good place to look for links is last.fm, there are others, too).
Rock n’ Roll!!
Most of my friends know that I love music. I blare it in the car. It defines who I am. It can set the tone for the day. It can get me out of a funk or get me pumped up to exercise. I couldn’t exist without music. Thus, this week’s Weekly Geeks exercise is perfect for me!!
My friends also know that I am an unabashed Twilight fan. I also adore Stephenie Meyer and am grateful to her not only for creating such wonderful characters, but also for getting me hooked on her favorite band, Muse. They are hands-down my favorite band of all time. And to think that only a few years ago, I had never heard of them. But, thanks to her playlists for each of the books in the Twilight Saga, I was introduced to several of their songs and fell in love with their music.
The two, for me, go hand-in-hand. I can’t hear certain Muse songs without reflecting on one of the four books in the series. My favorite, though, is a gem. “Can’t Take my Eyes Off You” by Muse was part of the playlist for Breaking Dawn and fits the scene for which it was intended PERFECTLY! I immediately flash to that scene every single time this song comes on my iPod. I’m not a fan of the original, but I think Muse added enough panache to make this a great cover!
Another Muse song that fits perfectly with New Moon is “Unintended“. It is a gorgeous song that evokes the pain and suffering that all three characters feel through most of the book. Again, as this song plays on my iPod, I start reflecting on that pain again.
If you like alternative rock, I would highly recommend checking out Muse. And you all know how I feel about the Twilight series!
@justareadingfool – Muse is great, aren't they? Have you heard their latest? It was just released on the radio and is available for download on iTunes!
Love Muse. Can't wait to click on it here shortly. I haven't read the Twilight series and honestly can say I don't think I'm interested, but love the musical tie-ins. 🙂
Thanks, Kristen! Given my love of music and books, this was a fun Weekly Geeks!
Good job with this!
@Stephanie – I figured you would like Muse. They are releasing their first single from their latest album on Monday. And their new album drops on September 14th. AND Jim and I are flying to Raleigh in October to see them in concert, along with U2. (I'm just there to watch Muse.) I CAN'T WAIT!!
Oh…I love Muse!! My brother got me hooked on them last year! Yeah, I can kind of see the Radiohead comparison. And I love them too. And the Pumpkins. And Depeche Mode. I just love music period!
@Jackie – I love that song. To me, I was thinking that it epitomizes Catherine and Heathcliff's relationship because that is a tumultuous relationship if there ever was one. “You're awful, I love you” – I even think Catherine used similar words.
@Lady Lazarus – Actually, “Supermassive Black Hole” was the song that got me hooked as it was first being played on the radio just as I was starting to find out about more about them. I hope you like them!
@Maree – Thank you! As I mentioned, Twilight and Stephenie Meyer were just my introduction to them. It's grown beyond that now. Some people compare them to Radiohead. Others have compared them to Smashing Pumpkins or Depeche Mode. In my opinion, they have their own unique style but definite influences.
I'm not a huge Twilight fan but that baseball scene in the first film made me go, “Wow!” That Muse song set the tone for that scene perfectly and I couldn't get it out of my head for ages.
I wondered if I'd like Muse and, as you put “if you like alternative rock” in your post, I'm definitely checking them out now. 😀
Great choices btw. 😀
I haven't listened to a lot of Muse, but good connection with Twilight _ I know Stephenie Meyer's a big fan of theirs.
Happy Weekly Geeks 🙂
There's a song by Ludo called Love Me Dead that instantly makes me think of Edward and Bella's relationship. Don't ask me why, but the essence of the song seems to be scream them.