So, one of the things I do to maintain a long distance relationship is read my girlfriend bedtime stories, poetry, etc. I mean, why should that stop just because you're no longer a kid? Anyway, the current read is Gordon Korman's over the top rock story classic Who Is Bugs Potter - which comes with musical accompaniment thanks to the wonders of iTunes.
Here my deal: I need some reader comments/ suggestions for that musical accompaniment, as Bugs unknowingly builds himself a frenzied fan base by jamming with his rock idols. Slots like:
- Dorchester Melon: British group who come onto the stage in a foggy pink mist. Lead singer Roger. Thought of Floyd or Roger Waters, but the drums just aren't there. 2 songs needed, an opener without Bugs and a second act opener that leads with a long drum solo. Help!
- Toast: The outfit descriptions are a bit Village People for my taste, but then the book was written in 1980 and Korman probably couldn't resist at least one joking reference. Only need one song for them... I thought of joining the joke with Thin Lizzy's S&M from Black Rose: A Rock Legend. The title fits the outfits, there's an interesting parallel with Bugs' hilarious attempted courting of movie star Bibi Lanay, and the drums are pretty good. But it doesn't rock over the top. Suggestions appreciated.
- Plankton: This one is hard. Strong underwater theme to their songs, but I can dispense with that if needed. No, the hard part is Bugs' 15-minute drum solo (it doesn't have to be 15-minutes, but a drum solo would be good) and continuous, relentless, whirlwind drumming throughout the second set. Ideally, it should almost sound like a band trying to keep up with a drummer - which happens live, but doesn't usually make it to albums. Need 2-3 songs: 1 pre-Bugs, 1-2 to represent the second set.
Other song pairings & playlists for the book have included:
- Endomorph: Metal with a big opener. AC/DC is the template. Back in Black for the opening number, of course. Bugs' burst onto stage uses the Let There Be Rock album: Problem Child for Bugs' first guest spot with a strong drum opener and some solid drum spots, and Let There Be Rock for an ass-kicking finale with Bugs on stage.
- Migraine: Despite Korman's decision to put them in white sequined suits, Black Sabbath got the call. Paranoid opens to set the tone. Bugs' opener for the second set was In For the Kill from Seventh Star, with its rapid-fire drums and frenzied percussion throughout. Ozzy Osborne's Miracle Man from No Rest for the Wicked got the nod for the finale, thanks to its strong drum attack and synchronicity with the story.
- Vanderboom: Whitesnake's "Live In the Heart of the City" album. Thought of using Sabbath, but no-one else fit Migraine like they did and the Whitesnake live recordings give us some of the crowd frenzy that's building in the story by the time Bugs jams with Vanderboom. Love Hunter opens their first set to set the tone. Come On is Bugs' opener in the second set thanks to its drum intro. and dialogues with the band and crowd. Take Me With You closes the set in a frenzy of percussion, and slyly references both Bugs' impromptu guest appearances on stage and his impending quick exit.
- Spoon Rest: A rocking band with strong synthesizers and offbeat songs. Korman is Canadian like me... Rush it is! Synth openers don't get much better than Tom Sawyer from their Moving Pictures album. Anthem from Fly By Night has drums worthy of Bugs and lyrics to match, and I couldn't resist Limelight for the finale as an ironic close on Bugs' growing fame. Moving Pictures, indeed.
That as far as I've got, and so far I'm a couple chapters ahead of my readings. Soooo, if you have suggestions for ANY of the above story/band pairings and specific song selections, use the comments section and let me hear 'em!
I'd like to help, Joe, but chances are you wouldn't like my taste in music :-)
You might be surprised. If it fits the story descriptions above, I'll give it very serious consideration.
I haven't read whatever you're reading, but Explosions in the sky are atmospheric enough that it might be worth a go. They're part of a genre called "post-rock". The best explanation I've heard is that it's like symphonies with modern instruments. Great stuff.
Joe, my tastes are, umm, probably more exoctic than Colt's-- but if Bugs needs a goth-rock dance tune, Skinny Puppy's l'immortal off their lastest is uberawesome.
Joe: Oh, and for Dorchester Melon maybe XTC?
Note to self: Ballroom Blitz by Sweet (Desolation Boulevard album) deserves serious consideration for insertion somewhere.
Other notes to self:
Jinnderella....
Don't have much XTC - is there a song in their lineup that would fit the long drum opener requirement - if so, which? And what would you open with? Dear God not strong enough for an opener... maybe Peter Pumpinkhead ?
Joe: I changed my mind! Try any live Dave Matthews Band-- ummm, pick her favorite? Dave is really romantic, IMHO, grrrls dig him-- the live cuts have a lot of drum work, and Kantor Beauford totally rules! Studio cuts are always light on the drum work, I don't know why! :-)
you forgot about the band Nuclear Teacup!