OK, I have made a bit more of an effort for this one and haven’t just gone for songs with the theme in the title.
Noah & The Whale – The First Days Of Spring. Their entire new album is basically a eulogy for the lead singer’s relationship with Laura Marling. This is a very good track to start any CD with.
The Delgados – The Past That Suits You Best. OK, perhaps some of the songs are on here because the titles fit.
Hello Saferide – Lund. Hello Saferide are my current obsession. I am staggered at how good the lyrics are, especially when you consider that English is not her first language (she’s Swedish). This is a wonderful evocation of teenage heartbreak.
Arvo Part – Cantus In Memoriam Benjamin Britten. Well, it is in memoriam so perfect. Takes while to get going so don’t be put off by the quiet start.
Band Of Horses – Funeral. A great band that should be huge.
Stina Nordenstam – The End Of The Affair. Ahh, you knew I’d have to put some Stina on, didn’t you?
Bic Runga – And No More Shall We Part. Bic is from New Zealand and this is a live version of a Nick Cave song with orchestral backing. Lovely.
Big Star – Thirteen. Because it reminds me of what my teenage years might have been like if I had gone to an American high school. Which I didn’t.
Laura Marling – Ghosts. Got to allow her a response to Noah & The Whale.
Gabriel Yared – C’est Le Vent, Betty. From Betty Blue. Ahh, the memories.
Dot Allison – Tomorrow Never Comes. I have basically included music that makes me think back. This is one song that does that every time.
Edie Brickell & New Bohemians – Ghost Of A Dog. One for all you animal lovers out there.
Nina Kinert – Memories Fading Out. More from Scandinavia.
The Go-Betweens – Dusty In Here. Written by Grant McLennan about going through his father’s things.
Hilliard Ensemble – Requiem Aeternam. Adding a bit of class.
Joni Mitchell – The Last Time I Saw Richard. Sort of fits the theme, I think.
Susanna & The Magical Orchestra – Love Will Tear Us Apart. For all sorts of reasons.
So, there you go. Not the happiest bunch of songs but hopefully will get you thinking.
November 14, 2009 at 10:35 am
I’m really enjoying this one. Alas, I couldn’t play (or copy) the CD after half-way through track 5 so I spnt odd moments yesterday searching for the tracks on youtube (I had several already)
I’ve bought the Gabriel Yared on the strength of it. Thanks Scott.
November 14, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Oop, sorry about that. I will send over a new one for you.
November 29, 2009 at 4:51 pm
I LOVE this! Hello Saferide are great. And the Band of Horses. And the Nina Kinert. This record club is going to get costly for me; I think there may be a lot of CD purchasing…
November 29, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Glad you enjoyed it Emma. I am hoping to start a bit of a Hello Saferide surge.