New Playlist Breakdown, Who Dis? A Novae Grooves Playlist Breakdown, Vol. 2
Hello! Is this thing on?
It sure has been some time since I’ve done a breakdown. Life has been busy since I finished the last break down. But! I’m back and I I have thoughts and insights to go with the playlist.
So, without any further ado, let’s do this!
The Intermission and Tuning - Monty Python’s Spamalot
We begin with the intermission between volumes 1 and 2. I thought it would be appropriate since there was a break and there was time to process what happened. The conductor asking the orchestra if they are ready is rather apropos.
It’s Showtime! - The Devil’s Carnival Soundtrack
See above. Basically, hold on to your asses.
Main Title Theme - Ramin Djawadi
If anyone watched Westworld, you would know this song. The sense of melancholy and drama is perfect for when Sullivan is in the house with the mysterious woman. P.S. Go watch Westworld. It’s good.
Trials, Troubles, Tribulations - Valerie June
I wanted to have a few more songs that showcase the setting of this volume. The focus on the story and things that Sullivan encounter are what made me set the tone for this playlist. Folk, gospel, things like that.
Blood and Gold - BR Dalton
This is a wonderful song and appropriate for this. The soft feel and the harsh reality of the words being sung definitely reflects the golden fields. It’s beautiful, but terrifying when you find out what that field is used for.
Skeleton Dan - The Cowman
You know I had to pick this for the mysterious lady. I couldn’t resist.
I am a Man of Constant Sorrow - John Hartford (O Brother, Where Art Thou? Movie Soundtrack)
The solo fiddle playing in a lone room, possibly empty save for a lone person by the fire. A man that has been through so much in his life that he comes to question (perhaps abandon) things that he has held dear to him. There is no question of what he is or where he goes...
O Death - Ralph Stanley (O Brother, Where Art Thou? Movie Soundtrack)
...But we know that a familiar skeleton will greet him. But for what price? This song is haunting. It is one of the most basic fears that we all have. Sullivan may not know where the door will open to, but he knows that he can’t stay there for long. Play this when you are home alone.
The Front Door - Valerie June
Themes of death, love, and farewells are the course for this song. I get the feeling that Sullivan fears leaving Raziol due to his obligations. He may want to stay with him, but his duties will leave him bound to his calling. This song was a multi layered pick for me. I like this artist’s voice and lyrics. It gives that kind of desperation that I think that Sullivan and Raziol will possibly feel later on.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road/You’re Off to See the Wizard - Wizard of Oz Motion Picture Soundtrack
Because I’m a meme loving piece of trash. Good luck getting this out of your head.
Fireflies - Owl City
This song. This song! The perfect background tone setter. Especially when I saw that golden valley.
Danse Macabre, OP.40 - Camille Saint-Saens, The Philharmonia Orchestra, Charles Dutoit
This is what I hear when Sullivan opens that vial of blood and follows the red line towards the corpse. To see it spiral out in the fashion of a Ghibli film is what brought this to mind. It’s a dance and a race against time to find out what happened.
Heart Shaped Box - Ramin Djawadi (Westworld Soundtrack)
I was going to go with the Nirvana version, but then I heard this one. Hoo, boy, one listen and I had to add this to the list. As previously stated this is a good background piece to set the tone for this chapter. Especially from the deceased. Imagine being killed, then brought back to relive the last moments of your life. Not so fun.
Werewolves of London - Warron Zevon
Let’s face it. I love a good song that lets me howl. And with the rumours of wild dogs (or something) around Paris, it is fitting that I add this. Let’s ignore the fact that France and England were butting heads. Awooooo!
House of the Rising Sun and Paint It, Black - Ramin Djawadi (Westworld Soundtrack)
You may notice that there a lot of songs arranged by Ramin Djawadi on this long. Like Florence + the Machine in the last playlist, This composer has a lot of songs that fit so well. The piano tones in House of the Rising Sun is a beautiful but incredibly haunting touch. When I saw the woman’s house, it made me think of this. She may be salvation or ruin, we don’t know as of yet. For Paint It, Black I loved the version from season two for its use of the koto and various Japanese instruments. The field scenes reflect this song rather well.
Breath of Life - Florence + the Machine
This was a wonderful song to add due to Sullivan being a necromancer. But it works for Raziol as well. You’ll notice there is a trend of songs that have that bit of darkness but the vastness of the cosmos. This reflects this very well.
Don’t Fear the Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult
Listen to the lyrics carefully. Death can be scary. The reaper is neither scary nor benevolent. They just are. The woman is that. Warm, but an air of cold that surrounds her. Sweet, but you know that you can’t stay with her for very long.
You’re Dead - Norma Tanega (From the What We Do in the Shadows Motion Picture Soundtrack)
It’s a very matter of fact song that I love. From the deceased’s point of view, it is a good way to have a comforting, if blunt, realization that you died and were resurrected.
Sally’s Song - Vitamin String Quartet
Raziol noticed something off about the man he is finding himself falling in love with. Very off. And with the dead body of someone he knew found by Sullivan and he, it’s time for some questions to be answered. Imagine the thoughts and doubts going through his head. Have fun with that as this plays.
Opening and Krwlng - Linkin Park (Reanimation Album)
Where do I begin with these two songs? Reanimation was one of my favorite albums Linkin Park came out with. I love their concept albums. The cello and electric violin for Opening and the growing orchestra is what I hear when Sullivan revives the dead body. Krwlng is what happens when the same reanimated (Unintentional connection, I just realized at the time of typing this) body tries to make a lunge for Sullivan after reliving the last moments of his life. The sign of something consuming his hand is a omen of things to come. I am also a meme loving piece of trash.
The Other Side - Bruno Mars Ft CeeLo Green and B.O.B
This is a perfect way to describe the current state of where Sullivan and Raziol are at right now (at the time of writing this.). Sullivan lives in a world that is so complex and in constant darkness. It is something that he does not want Raziol to see. Crossing that line risks Raziol getting hurt, possibly even killed. Seeing the poor astronomer so shaken makes me think that this has happened before. On the other side of the coin, Raziol is entering a part of the world that he may not be ready for. It may be better if he didn’t understand, but I think the only thing we can do now is to wait and watch. Who knows? He may cross over to the other side.
Run Away - Monty Python’s Spamalot
I found it hilarious to have a song to lighten the mood. Seeing the guy run from the mysterious thing made me think of this. Because there are times where you just have to say, “NOPE!” and run like hell.
The Widow - The Mars Volta
The story of a vendor who has a sort of menacing aura and a kind of sickeningly sweet demeanor gives me the impression of our lady Death and the impressions that the society in the comic have of the Magoi. They have folks disgusted and/or frightened of them, but they still flock to them to suit their needs. Listen to this song a few times; you will find something new each play through. I’m struck by the feeling of unease the singer and the band create beautifully.
The Funeral - Band of Horses
Sulvain’s profession to a T. Not only that, Raziol’s shock over the death of a colleague. There is a beautiful but mournful atmosphere to this song. The hope one wants is only quashed by the reality that you may not be sure you know who or what is going on...
You’re Somebody Else - Flora Cash
...Leads to doubts of whether or not you knew the person or situation at all. Raziol has some serious questions that he will have to steel himself to ask Sulvain. The feeling of unease starts off quiet and ends quiet.
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - The Police
For the most adorable Magoi ever. From the way we are introduced to her to the way she carries herself in her sweet little shop. I found my next webcomic crush.
Elisa’s Theme - Alexandre Desplate (The Shape of Water Movie Soundtrack)
This was a no-brianer to add. Coming from someone who used to work in a small town shop, this was my favorite song to clean and go around the shop to. It’s whimsical, dreamy, and has a certain kind of magic that I always felt reserved for opening the shop in the morning. It’s quiet, but energetic. And the accordian reminded me of the scenes in the comic where Sulvain’s bug is flying through the streets of Paris. Then we see Viverette and her charming shop. I see no other song to complement that scene better than this one.
Shankill Butchers - The Decemberists
Paris is still on alert. A body was found horribly mutilated. Sulvain has no idea what or how exactly the poor soul died. He’s worried. A new character with an unknown motive wants Sulvain for who knows what. From what she has said and Sulvain’s reaction to said words, it is not a good thing. Pay attention to the bouzouki’s meanacing tone-kind of like Silent Hill’s Theme when the mandolin is playing. It’s the sense that someone is there and you need to be careful.
I’ll Keep Coming - Low Roar
Listen to the beginning of this song. It starts off with what sounds like footsteps or a distorted heartbeat. Then comes the bass. A distorted sound. Then voices bring you in. Inviting. Then the choir is welcoming you. But is it? The distortion continues; leaving you wondering if you should trust the messenger or not. They do not take no for an answer. Then the guitar and drums show their power. The darkness is building. A chill comes over you; you feel fear and apprehension like you have not felt before. This is not safe, this is not right, this is not what you want, and you do not want to go.
Who do you think fits that description?
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Once again, this will be updated weekly (Barring vacations and holidays) as I see the updates. I also wish to thank Kai-Ju for letting me do this. I love their work. To those who are seeing this for the first time, please, I implore you to read Novae Comic. It’s amazing!
http://www.novaecomic.com/ - The webcomic
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Chov9zzxvVPOiIiJwuGxy - Playlist
Be sure to follow the hashtag #NovaeGrooves for updates on the playlist here on on twitter.
Photo credit: Me