Lists, lists, lists… music critics, music fans are full of playlists these days. Themes galore. But what about a soundtrack to one’s memorial service?
I don’t plan on dying anytime soon, but any of us could go tomorrow. In the next hour. Especially at my advanced, arthritic, yet “Hold the phone, I’m still 19!” Gen X age.
So, it seems ridiculous that I hadn’t developed a set list for my wake yet. Not my 20 all-time favorite songs, per se (though some are included) – but music to remind my friends and family of who I was. Of my dreams, realized and never. Songs that got me through… times, good and bad. Music that reflects my personality, and what I valued in life. And, naturally – and more importantly, music for self-reflection. Nothing prompts introspection like another’s passing.
Plus, a number or two that’s plain sad. Though I tried to avoid the usual, the cliches…. Frank Patterson’s “Danny Boy” was sooo tempting. The selections came surprisingly quickly, so I’m sure they’ll be some changes made between now and then… but I honestly do think it’s important to work on such a list – at least for me. You only get to do this once, after all.
Anyway, here it is; even arranged in order. No encores. The opener, that’s just to throw mourners off their game. Maybe get a laugh. Plus, it’s a phenomenal recording of one of the coolest compositions, ever. I love(d) those spaghetti westerns so.
ps. And for pete’s sake, please play this all at a decent volume on a good sound system!
The Danish National Symphony Orchestra – Morricone: “The Good, The Bad & The Ugly”
The Waterboys – “This Is The Sea”
U2 – “The Unforgettable Fire”
The Fendertones – “Surf’s Up” (Beach Boys cover)
The Beatles – “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away”
Talk Talk – “Time Its Time”
Neil Finn & Paul Kelly – “Moon River”
The Beach Boys – “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times”
Richard Hawley – “The Ocean”
The Dream Academy – “In Places On The Run”
Joe Strummer – “Redemption Song”
Rufus Wainwright – “Poses”
Prefab Sprout – “I Trawl The Megahertz”
Culture Club – “Time”
Cat Stevens – “If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out”
Ryuichi Sakamoto – “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence”
Bryan Ferry – Rodgers & Hart : “Where Or When”
Kate Bush – “And Dream Of Sheep”
The Smiths – “I Know It’s Over”
Jean-Yves Thibaudet – Erik Satie: “Gymnopédie No.1”
Frank Sinatra – “One For My Baby (and One More For The Road)” (Sinatra & Sextet Live In Paris version)
