Novae Webcomic Playlist Rundown (So Far)
Sooo, what started out as a silly tweet to the creators of Novae Webcomic turned into a full fledged playlist. Each update on their twitter I would have *certain song playing in the background* to amuse myself. They liked it, so I kept doing it. Then they gave me the okay to make a playlist. So I went through the comic; page by page to find appropriate songs not only for the characters but for the emotions that a certain song would evoke.
Currently at the time of writing this, I have not fine tuned this playlist yet. I’m listening to it to ensure the flow of music. But the songs are not in order of the comic; I wanted to have the feel of the comic. Since I am updating this as they update the comic (I don’t have Patreon right now, so I am updating it as the new pages come up on the website and their twitter.) the playlist additions will be ongoing. I am not currently taking suggestions; the playlist is just my impressions of what I see and feel a song might evoke in terms of emotion.
So, let’s get into the rundown!
The one that started the whole thing. I joked that Sullivan was smooth in his interactions with Raziol. And he is.
Careless Whisper - George Michael
Same as above, meant as a joke but it fits. Epic saxophone solo for the win.
This is a beautiful song, and the themes of love and night time fits with their relationship. The music progression and Van Morrison’s voice capture the mood I saw reading this comic. This song also prompted the playlist’s creation.
She Blinded Me With Science - Stanford Mixed Company
How could I not add this song? Raziol’s love of astronomy and science is integral to this story, not to mention his interactions with Sullivan. The a Capella version would be very appropriate for the time (I am aware chamber music was big, but a Capella was still popular). And you can’t deny the nerdy cheesiness.
I Could Fall In Love - Selena
This is a good song for a quiet slow burn as the two get to know each other. For Sullivan because he might be willing to open himself up to Raziol, and for Raziol because he finds someone that he can have a connection with. Both are nervous, both are probably scared to tell the other at first, but they know that something’s there.
Sullivan is reluctant to let himself feel something deep for Raziol, so he tries to deny it. The lyrics are a good refection of that. And the beat is good to dance to.
Englishman in New York - Sting
This is a multi-layered selection. Both are outsiders in their place in the world they are in. Raziol being born from Hindustan (India) and Sullivan being an enigma wrapped in secrets (That’s why his cloak is so big.) make this song a perfect parallel for the two of them.
Hopeless Wanderer - Mumford and Sons
Very on the nose for Sullivan. His travels around the world and the fact that he doesn’t have an anchor make me wonder what will happen...
After Tonight - Justin Nozuka
Very sweet and appropriate of the two star nerds.
And I Love Him - Benjamin Gibbard
This cover of And I Love Her was re-imagined for a playlist for Pride. It’s quiet, soft, and very affectionate.
I’ve Got a Crush On You - Frank Sinatra
Same with all the songs that have themes of pining and new attractions on this playlist.
Come Fly with Me - Frank Sinatra
For the Flight Attendant AU. Because I can. Cue the 60′s style film editing for the opening with planes and map montages.
Then He Kissed Me - The Crystals
A sort of Meet-Cute song for the two.
Through the Valley - Shaun James
Sullivan. This man has been through a lot. Whatever trauma he encounted in his travels has let him to feel reluctant. I get the impression that he has seen some things in his travels.
Sigh No More - Mumford and Sons
Again, Sullivan. It seems that he knows what he wants...
Winter Winds - Mumford and Sons
...but there is something that is holding him back. Perhaps he’s not ready yet?
Stand by Me - Ben E. King
Raziol knows that he has feelings for Sullivan and wants to be close to the mysterious man.
I Found You - Alabama Shakes
Both have been trying to find things in their life and in all of the world, they found each other. Whether or not that will end up as a full fledged romance at the time of writing this remains to be seen.
In Case You Didn’t Know - Boyce Avenue
Raziol’s pining during his interactions with Sullivan the more he sees him.
Mix Tape - The Cast of Avenue Q
Ever wonder what having a crush was like? Well, here ya go.
The cosmic feel of this song and the sweet vocals bring the love of astronomy and love in general gives a beautiful feel for this comic.
The First Cut is the Deepest
Both men have had heartbreak in their past. But this is more for Sullivan. See Winter Winds for explanation.
Love Like You - Eric Hutchinson
The feel of a new attraction that makes things feel bright and fun.
Shine on Me - Eric Hutchinson
Raziol’s feeling for Sullivan as things progress. He feels lighter when Sullivan is around.
Phantom’s Theme (Beauty And The Beast) - Paul Williams
Sullivan, on the other hand, has some serious shadows in his life and his past. And with his profession, he lives there as well.
I Fought in A War - Belle & Sebastian
Following up on Sullivan. This might be speculation here, but he’s been through a lot. Probably seen a lot of death. Perhaps he was a part of a conflict or was a witness to it?
The Book of Love - The Magnetic Fields
There is a gentleness to this version of the song. Love is old, scary, beautiful, and something that can’t be fully understood. Think of this as the dating and falling in love montage song. Sans poolside scene that you see in every indie film.
Raziol’s thought process and his environment around him. There is something very analytical to this song with sounds of a city and storms. An instrumental and atmospheric feel.
You’re So Cool - Hans Zimmer (True Romance Soundtrack)
Not every song has to have vocals. Sullivan’s view of Raziol. I imagine that this is what plays when he is around Raizol.
You know why. Once the wind chimes play to open the song you are transported.
These two songs are a good as a romance and sensual evocation of what they are going through. Kiss the Flame is a desire that grips both of them. Jupiter is that casual feeling that you have with your partner by your side.
Somebody’s Watching Me - Rockwell
Not all songs are about the romance! Can’t forget the world they are in. With rumors of wild dogs attacking people, people feeling watched, and bodies showing up folks can’t help but feel paranoid. Feel free to belt out.
Sullivan is like the wind, a force of nature that comes in and is beautiful and bittersweet. The fact he is often in the darkness and is the darkness matches well with this song.
The Creation of Men - Douglas Sills and the Cast of The Scarlet Pimpernel
This was too much fun not to put here. It’s period appropriate (The play takes place exactly 100 years later, but same century) and fun as hell! P.S. Go read The Scarlet Pimpernel and listen to the Broadway cast recording. Do it.
Falling Slowly - Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová
I was really debating whether or not to put this on this playlist. It’s been done to death and is on almost every playlist with romance. But dammit, it works. Raziol and Sullivan are a very slow burn. There is no grand romantic scores or fly by night romances here. They are on a path that will take time. It’ll grow, but slowly.
That’s the playlist so far, but I’ll update this as I go along. Thanks for reading! And a big thanks to the creators of this comic for allowing me to create this!
And be sure to go read Novae!
http://www.novaecomic.com/comic/novae-test/
