Well, since I'm relatively bored and to the best of my knowledge I don't think one of these kinds of things have been done in quite a while I thought I'd take the time to discover what the Desert Island Discs of my fellow Escapists are. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept; for reasons that are left conveniently unexplained, you are stranded on a desert island and must choose 8 songs, along with a single book and luxury item (within reason, you're not getting a bloody speedboat, that would defeat the purpose you snarky git 
) to keep you occupied and curtail (or exacerbate depending on your picks) your impending descent into insanity. While I'm normally averse to the idea of assigning pieces of media the label of being my absolute favourite in the medium, I feel this can serve as more of a reflection on which particular songs I feel would best cater to a number of moods and tones I may experience and which I've played over and over enough times to the point where I'm comfortable in saying I won't grow tired of them(I guess what I'm saying in a roundabout way is, even if you're liable to change your mind feel free to play along anyway ). So, let's begin...
First up is a sweeping prog classic from Canadian bipolar musical mastermind Devin Townsend. As the title would suggest, the song is thematically centred on grievance and though the lyrics appear to be more sullen and pessimistic, the tone of the music seems to exude a sense of catharsis, a sense of surmounting the emotional afflictions that have been plaguing you and to be at peace once more. The intro provides a great lead in, the guitar steadily building up in volume, bolstered by the subtle infusion of the keyboards until the elegantly melodic lead comes in and rings out in an echo, like the ripple of a wave just at the minute mark. Devin?s vocals here really giving power and weight to the piece; both offering moments of quiet, solemn reflection and a soaring expression of frustration and regret, airing out the emotions encumbered by this loss. A tremendous sequence roughly 5 minutes in settles down and gives heed to the faint sound of seagulls, projecting in my mind the vastness of the calming blue ocean, an endless horizon that inundates me with a feeling of liberation. A really amazing piece of music.
This is the song that I play to cheer myself up, one that I can't help but crack a smile any time it's on. :3 There's just something about the energy of this track that really captures a sense of camaraderie and instills me with vigour and optimism, punctuated through Lizzy's trademark twin-guitar harmonies, Lynott's groovy bass and slick, charismatic vocals. Cracking tune and my perfect feel-good song.
Taken from an album who's title translates to 'Taken into the Mountain - A Fairy Tale in 5 Chapters' this track really does have the ethereal beauty and mystical allure of an ancient folk tale. I'll be honest in saying that to this day I haven't a shitting clue what the lyrics of this song actually translate to and I'm sure it probably runs counter to how I perceive this lovely serenade, but I'on't give a FUCK! [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBZMsIfHQF0] To me, it?s always had a soothing aura, something I can just close my eyes to and be lulled in by the beautiful, choir-esque, layered vocal chants of Garm, simple yet smooth bass lines, catchy main riff, brief acoustic passage and majestically melodic solos until it gently fades out at the end. If I were a spiritual person I would call it meditative, but I'm not so I'll just say that it?s serene and sensational song that does wonders in keeping me in a calm state. ^_^
Oh Nick Drake, how you?ve kept me company many a lonely night. And oh how that last sentence sounds kind of dodgy out of context, given you?ve been dead for over 30 years. 0_0 ?Anyway, the song is taken from his third and final album Pink Moon, which exhibits Nick Drake at his most stripped down, most bitter and in my opinion at his best. The lyrics seem to be a prophetic glimpse into the depression that would eventually consume him and drive him to suicide. An expression of a lingering sense that with time he?s becoming ever more dispassionate with life; beaten down into a state of dejected listlessness. His voice like a low, mewling whisper set against the backdrop of the gently strum chords of his guitar, this candid approach has always given me much pause for introspection.
This song, particularly in its pacing is damn near perfect. I'm sure the immediate thoughts of detractors at this point will be that it's slow, boring, simplistic and drags on too long and well...that's perfectly okay, I can understand though I disagree with that perspective, but it is your opinion so it's not like I can tell you that you're wrong. XD But what I would posit is that this song really needs that time to blossom; to build up that atmosphere, until it slowly envelops you. As though drawn in by the ensorcelling, yet foreboding chimes emanating from a nearby cave, entering with caution, wandering alone and benighted into the depths of the catacombs, becoming more apprehensive the deeper you tread as the tortured, shrieking cries of ghosts long past echo through the caverns. Why yes, that was a rather pretentious passage wasn't it? :3 Really though, it's just the simplest of things particularly in the first five minutes that really blows my mind with this track; the transition between notes on the synths is seamless, the way the guitars are left to ring really do sound like bell chimes, giving off a tranquil, haunting aura, all slowly building up to create the perfect lead in. The timing of the drums kicking in is also exceptional being brought to the forefront of the mix at just under the 3 min mark helping to augment the tension before the guitar takes the lead and we get into the first verse. Truly, a phenomenal piece of work.
Oft considered their magnum opus, Opeth?s longest track is a poignant journey through the purview of a tragic romance. The poetic lyrics are really instrumental (lol, hurr durr) in setting the scene, lines such as ?The moonlight caresses a lonely hill, With the calmness of a whisper? lend a Victorian gothic sense of elegance to the proceedings that really bolsters the melancholic aura it strives to attain. The song is rich with numerous memorable riffs and folky acoustic passages that transition seamlessly from one to the next, silky fretless bass lines and the magnificent vocal performance of Mikael Akerfeldt; ranging from his fervidly bellowed shrieks and growls, tender singing and forlorn whispers heard throughout, all culminating in one of the most moving, passionate, enduring screams ever heard in metal.
This one really hits close to home. The song perfectly encompasses my feelings of regret, the time that's been carelessly squandered, how quickly the years of my life seem to be slipping away from me, more and more days passing with so many things left unaccomplished, so many aspirations fallen to the wayside and left alone to wither into ashes, just as I inevitably will like the pathetic, maladroit, dreary, despondent, talent-less wretch that I am. >.> This is further compounded with Gilmour's angry, almost condemning vocals contrasting with Waters soft, crestfallen, yet accepting tone; again rather uncannily reflecting my own mentality partly frustrated and self-flagellating for my shortcomings and partly too jaded and apathetic to care, simply resigning myself to my fate. Along with the scathing, soaring bluesy guitar solo and gospel choir also really doing their part to exacerbate these feelings. Time really is short. =/
This is a really nostalgic one for me. I suppose it's kind of odd that a song pertaining to heartbreak is something I think so warmly of, but it's something that my dad used to play as part of one of these soul compilations he brought along on holiday when I was a kid, (in what I suspect was a part of a plan to indoctrinate me to share his tastes :3) so I suppose it's something that's stuck with me a long time. I guess what I like is that it both reminds me of better days, or at least more innocent days before I degraded into the cold, miserable, cynical bastard that I am today, but also that it reminds me of him. And I think that as trite and saccharine as this is going to sound; when listening to this song it really does make me appreciate just what family means to me and just how comforting the thoughts of a loved one can be, which I think would help a great deal with the whole stranded on an island thing. Plus I don't think I could do this list without at least one soul song; adds a nice spice of variety which is always important.
Honourable mentions:
Amon Amarth - Valhall Awaits Me
Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell
Brian Eno - An Ending
Emperor - The Loss and Curse of Reverence
Ennio Morricone - Deborah's Theme
Faunts - Of Nature
Flogging Molly - Drunken Lullabies
Frank Sinatra - My Way
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird
Metallica - Master of Puppets
Tool - 10,000 Days (Parts 1 and 2)
Unkle - Lonely Soul
As for what book I would take with me...I might be kind of cheating here, but I would use up both my luxury item and book for a tablet that's only accessible function is to peruse through the entirety (including the bits that are as of now unfinished) of Homestuck, enabling it me to see the flash files and music that I feel are pretty integral to the experience of this webcomic. I think that it's sheer length, levity, endearing characters and engrossing, if convoluted story would do plenty to keep me placated and it's also something from which I would have plenty of material to meticulously analyse and see things that I wouldn't have noticed the first time around, allowing me to reflect upon it in a new light.
Tl; Dr:
Alrighty, so that's what I've picked, kudos to you if you managed to slog through all of that text, you?re a trooper. So now I put it to you my fellow Escapists, which 8 tracks (along with what book and luxury item if you wish) are you most comfortable listening to ad-nauseum and why?
) to keep you occupied and curtail (or exacerbate depending on your picks) your impending descent into insanity. While I'm normally averse to the idea of assigning pieces of media the label of being my absolute favourite in the medium, I feel this can serve as more of a reflection on which particular songs I feel would best cater to a number of moods and tones I may experience and which I've played over and over enough times to the point where I'm comfortable in saying I won't grow tired of them(I guess what I'm saying in a roundabout way is, even if you're liable to change your mind feel free to play along anyway ). So, let's begin...First up is a sweeping prog classic from Canadian bipolar musical mastermind Devin Townsend. As the title would suggest, the song is thematically centred on grievance and though the lyrics appear to be more sullen and pessimistic, the tone of the music seems to exude a sense of catharsis, a sense of surmounting the emotional afflictions that have been plaguing you and to be at peace once more. The intro provides a great lead in, the guitar steadily building up in volume, bolstered by the subtle infusion of the keyboards until the elegantly melodic lead comes in and rings out in an echo, like the ripple of a wave just at the minute mark. Devin?s vocals here really giving power and weight to the piece; both offering moments of quiet, solemn reflection and a soaring expression of frustration and regret, airing out the emotions encumbered by this loss. A tremendous sequence roughly 5 minutes in settles down and gives heed to the faint sound of seagulls, projecting in my mind the vastness of the calming blue ocean, an endless horizon that inundates me with a feeling of liberation. A really amazing piece of music.
This is the song that I play to cheer myself up, one that I can't help but crack a smile any time it's on. :3 There's just something about the energy of this track that really captures a sense of camaraderie and instills me with vigour and optimism, punctuated through Lizzy's trademark twin-guitar harmonies, Lynott's groovy bass and slick, charismatic vocals. Cracking tune and my perfect feel-good song.
Taken from an album who's title translates to 'Taken into the Mountain - A Fairy Tale in 5 Chapters' this track really does have the ethereal beauty and mystical allure of an ancient folk tale. I'll be honest in saying that to this day I haven't a shitting clue what the lyrics of this song actually translate to and I'm sure it probably runs counter to how I perceive this lovely serenade, but I'on't give a FUCK! [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBZMsIfHQF0] To me, it?s always had a soothing aura, something I can just close my eyes to and be lulled in by the beautiful, choir-esque, layered vocal chants of Garm, simple yet smooth bass lines, catchy main riff, brief acoustic passage and majestically melodic solos until it gently fades out at the end. If I were a spiritual person I would call it meditative, but I'm not so I'll just say that it?s serene and sensational song that does wonders in keeping me in a calm state. ^_^
Oh Nick Drake, how you?ve kept me company many a lonely night. And oh how that last sentence sounds kind of dodgy out of context, given you?ve been dead for over 30 years. 0_0 ?Anyway, the song is taken from his third and final album Pink Moon, which exhibits Nick Drake at his most stripped down, most bitter and in my opinion at his best. The lyrics seem to be a prophetic glimpse into the depression that would eventually consume him and drive him to suicide. An expression of a lingering sense that with time he?s becoming ever more dispassionate with life; beaten down into a state of dejected listlessness. His voice like a low, mewling whisper set against the backdrop of the gently strum chords of his guitar, this candid approach has always given me much pause for introspection.
This song, particularly in its pacing is damn near perfect. I'm sure the immediate thoughts of detractors at this point will be that it's slow, boring, simplistic and drags on too long and well...that's perfectly okay, I can understand though I disagree with that perspective, but it is your opinion so it's not like I can tell you that you're wrong. XD But what I would posit is that this song really needs that time to blossom; to build up that atmosphere, until it slowly envelops you. As though drawn in by the ensorcelling, yet foreboding chimes emanating from a nearby cave, entering with caution, wandering alone and benighted into the depths of the catacombs, becoming more apprehensive the deeper you tread as the tortured, shrieking cries of ghosts long past echo through the caverns. Why yes, that was a rather pretentious passage wasn't it? :3 Really though, it's just the simplest of things particularly in the first five minutes that really blows my mind with this track; the transition between notes on the synths is seamless, the way the guitars are left to ring really do sound like bell chimes, giving off a tranquil, haunting aura, all slowly building up to create the perfect lead in. The timing of the drums kicking in is also exceptional being brought to the forefront of the mix at just under the 3 min mark helping to augment the tension before the guitar takes the lead and we get into the first verse. Truly, a phenomenal piece of work.
Oft considered their magnum opus, Opeth?s longest track is a poignant journey through the purview of a tragic romance. The poetic lyrics are really instrumental (lol, hurr durr) in setting the scene, lines such as ?The moonlight caresses a lonely hill, With the calmness of a whisper? lend a Victorian gothic sense of elegance to the proceedings that really bolsters the melancholic aura it strives to attain. The song is rich with numerous memorable riffs and folky acoustic passages that transition seamlessly from one to the next, silky fretless bass lines and the magnificent vocal performance of Mikael Akerfeldt; ranging from his fervidly bellowed shrieks and growls, tender singing and forlorn whispers heard throughout, all culminating in one of the most moving, passionate, enduring screams ever heard in metal.
This one really hits close to home.
The song perfectly encompasses my feelings of regret, the time that's been carelessly squandered, how quickly the years of my life seem to be slipping away from me, more and more days passing with so many things left unaccomplished, so many aspirations fallen to the wayside and left alone to wither into ashes, just as I inevitably will like the pathetic, maladroit, dreary, despondent, talent-less wretch that I am. >.> This is further compounded with Gilmour's angry, almost condemning vocals contrasting with Waters soft, crestfallen, yet accepting tone; again rather uncannily reflecting my own mentality partly frustrated and self-flagellating for my shortcomings and partly too jaded and apathetic to care, simply resigning myself to my fate. Along with the scathing, soaring bluesy guitar solo and gospel choir also really doing their part to exacerbate these feelings. Time really is short. =/This is a really nostalgic one for me.
I suppose it's kind of odd that a song pertaining to heartbreak is something I think so warmly of, but it's something that my dad used to play as part of one of these soul compilations he brought along on holiday when I was a kid, (in what I suspect was a part of a plan to indoctrinate me to share his tastes :3) so I suppose it's something that's stuck with me a long time. I guess what I like is that it both reminds me of better days, or at least more innocent days before I degraded into the cold, miserable, cynical bastard that I am today, but also that it reminds me of him. And I think that as trite and saccharine as this is going to sound; when listening to this song it really does make me appreciate just what family means to me and just how comforting the thoughts of a loved one can be, which I think would help a great deal with the whole stranded on an island thing. Plus I don't think I could do this list without at least one soul song; adds a nice spice of variety which is always important.Honourable mentions:
Amon Amarth - Valhall Awaits Me
Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell
Brian Eno - An Ending
Emperor - The Loss and Curse of Reverence
Ennio Morricone - Deborah's Theme
Faunts - Of Nature
Flogging Molly - Drunken Lullabies
Frank Sinatra - My Way
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird
Metallica - Master of Puppets
Tool - 10,000 Days (Parts 1 and 2)
Unkle - Lonely Soul
As for what book I would take with me...I might be kind of cheating here, but I would use up both my luxury item and book for a tablet that's only accessible function is to peruse through the entirety (including the bits that are as of now unfinished) of Homestuck, enabling it me to see the flash files and music that I feel are pretty integral to the experience of this webcomic. I think that it's sheer length, levity, endearing characters and engrossing, if convoluted story would do plenty to keep me placated and it's also something from which I would have plenty of material to meticulously analyse and see things that I wouldn't have noticed the first time around, allowing me to reflect upon it in a new light.
Tl; Dr:
Alrighty, so that's what I've picked, kudos to you if you managed to slog through all of that text, you?re a trooper.
So now I put it to you my fellow Escapists, which 8 tracks (along with what book and luxury item if you wish) are you most comfortable listening to ad-nauseum and why?
