6 Songs
BY KARDELEN KALA (TRIN/PREP)
kala@ug.bilkent.edu.tr
Recently, during one of my holiday reading frenzies, I came across Nick Hornby's 31 Songs in a discount bookstore. I was very glad to have found this book as I love Nick Hornby, especially his music writing. Needless to say, I devoured the book. His account of the 31 songs that affect him the most, "favorites among favorites," as he calls them, got me thinking. What would be my list of "favorites among favorites"? Could I possibly make, if you will, a playlist of my life? Perhaps the soundtrack of an imaginary biopic? I realize that this is no mean feat, and certainly not something that can fit into 400 or so words, but I was able to come up with a very condensed version. Please note that this is in no way comprehensive, nor it is fully representative of my taste in music.
"Eleanor Rigby" by The Beatles: You know the expected favorites, the ones anyone would list, "All You Need Is Love," "Let It Be," "Yesterday," "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," etc. For me though, the contest has always been between "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and "Eleanor Rigby." The latter seems to be the one to survive in this quick and superficial list. “Eleanor Rigby” has always touched me deeply, so profound is the sadness that Paul McCartney evokes, both in the lyrics and the melody. I am in awe of the artistic talent that seems to flow out of each note.
"The Show Must Go On" by Queen: When it comes to Queen, anyone who knows me would expect me to choose "I'm Going Slightly Mad," because that's just what I would do. However, something about "The Show Must Go On" has always affected me deeply. I would want this to be my soundtrack when I am close to death, as I inevitably will be, because its attitude towards the frightening impresses me. It doesn't deny the sadness of the situation, but it manages still to remain oddly optimistic.
"Bedtime Story" by Madonna: Written by Björk, this song has a very strange feel to it; more so than anything that has ever been recorded by the Icelandic songstress herself, perhaps because while one would expect this song from her, it's a little unsettling when it is Madonna's voice one hears. This song could create an atmosphere anywhere, anytime; it demonstrates the art in mainstream pop music, something very rare and quite precious.
"Taste in Men" and "Protège-moi" by Placebo: I have chosen these two songs simply because they were on shuffle while I was getting tattooed. It doesn't get any more movie-like than that!
"Dream On" by Aerosmith: While I know that I am being predictable - who doesn't like this song? - I simply cannot think of this list without "Dream On."