Alright, it won't be a secret for long. But I was perusing my iTunes for songs that should be in the soundtrack to my novel (procrastinating *cough*cough*), and I realized that my music tastes are frighteningly eclectic. I'm talking Frank Sinatra, Weezer, Spice Girls, Beatles, Backstreet Boys, Chili Peppers, Snow Patrol, Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Mariah Carey, Foo Fighters, Bob Marley, Mary J Blige, No Doubt, Britney, Nirvana, and Shakira ... just to name a few. (Sometimes I'd love to throw them all in a boxing ring and see who'd prevail...but that might be a little too much Hunger Games on my part.)
Anyway, I didn't end up coming up with anything that remotely resembled a novel soundtrack. I wish my book had a more consistent tone, like the melancholy and beautiful one of Shiver. (I heart Maggie's soundtrack.) But no, my book has drama and fun and funerals and crushes...basically as varied as my iTunes, but I still couldn't pick songs that had good lyrics AND music. (Why can't the music industry write non-cheesy songs about friendship? Besides "With a Little Help From my Friends," of course.)
So instead I made a Driving Mix for my lovely hour-ish long commute. And that's when I saw it. The most embarrassing song of the 2,085 on my iTunes.
I'm ashamed. But I love it. It's awful and catchy at the same time. So yes, it's in my Driving Mix. But never fear -- it will never, ever be in my novel soundtrack.
So I need help -- you've (hopefully) read my Sneak Peek, so you know a little bit about my WIP. Can you recommend any songs? Or at least comment below with your guilty pleasure song (do you rock the cheesy ballads? belt out Tom Jones in the shower?) so that I don't feel alone!
A of all) Omg, I LOVE that Ashlee Simpson song. I may or may not own both of her albums and watched her MTV reality show.
ReplyDeleteB of all) My guilty pleasure is probably eighties music--I Wear My Sunglasses at Night, Safety Dance, Relax. Pure awesomeness.
C of all) What about Coldplay's "The Scientist" for your novel soundtrack?
As I was reading this, I was guessing who posted it.
ReplyDeleteI was right! Love you, Donna!!!
Oh gosh, now I'm totally blaming your for poor Jess' demise...
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you're Team Ashley.
I'm not Team Ashley! That's why I'm so embarrassed! By loving that song, I'm a traitor to everything awesome in the world -- and that includes Jessica. *sniffle*
ReplyDeleteCurses Donna! I'm trying to grade papers and all I can think about is creating a soundtrack for your book-since I update mine so often, you know I'm sooo into this!
ReplyDeleteOk, so here is what I have so far, you may or may not agree with me, but I know my choices are awesome!!
Chapter 1 (Maddy Preg Test/Sleepover): Spice Girls, Wannabe (you know you need that song somewhere might as well get it over with at the sleepover)
Chapter 2 (Abuela's Funeral): Matt Kearney, Breathe In Breathe Out
Chapter 3 (June and the Molar Mask?):Get Set Go, I Hate Everyone
Ok....memory is hazy....
Probably Veronicas, Untouched for a Nina/Raemont Chapter
....haze...
Chapter 9 (June Shit Hits the Fan!): Lady Gaga, Just Dance/ Sean Kingston, Fire Burning
Chapter 10 (June After the Shit Hit the Fan): Jessica Riddle, Even Angels Fall
Chapter 12 (Maddy): Placebo, Drag
Chapter 14 (Nina Thanksgiving): Placebo, Meds
Final Chapter: Snow Patrol, Chasing Cars
Ok Im out!
Chapter 11 (Nina): Nobody Wins, The Veronicas
ReplyDeleteOkay I just made the most emo playlist EVER it seems like....but these songs came to mind whn reading your intro and your sneak peek. Oh Boy.
ReplyDeleteHello Alone: Anberlin
Breathe (2AM): Anna Nalick
Unopened Letter to the World: the Ataris
Blame it on Bad Luck: Bayside
What Can I Say: Brandi Carlile
Get Up Today (or) It's Over Now: Breaking Laces
I'm Not Over: Carolina Liar
Hanging On: Cheyenne Kimball
Wicked Games: Chronic Future
Overflow: Desoto Jones
Whoa Oh! (Me vs Everyone) Forever the Sickest Kids
Little Things--Good Charlotte
Overdrive--katy Rose
Better Off Alone--IKE
Don't Lie Down: Jealous Curve
Everyday Combat: Lost Prophets
Saturday: Hedley
Let Go: Midtown
The Future Freaks Me Out: Motion City Soundtrack
Starlight: Muse
Different: New London Fire
Instantly Gratified: People In Planes
Rise From the Ashes: Quietdrive
Steady As She Goes: The Raconteurs
Desire: Ryan Adams
I Want to Save You: Something Corporate
Existentialism on Prom Night: Straylight Run
How We Roll: Britt Nicole
Lights On: Jonah Smith
Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop: Landon Pigg
Hey Ya: Obadiah Parker
Hello: Schuyler Fisk
Back Again: 16 Frames
Oh dear. HAHA. Aren't you glad I just saw Chapter 1?
Brittany
Well... I don't know if this counts as guilty pleasure but my favorite driving song is Jessica, by the Allman Brothers. I'm obsessed with it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not really up on current music (duh), and I've only read that Sneek Peak of your novel, but I'd recommend How it Ends by Devotchka.
Holy crap Brittany! (You always were a music addict.) I have to look some of those up, but The Future Freaks Me Out is PERFECT!
ReplyDeleteAnd Frankie... I love how this distracted you to no end! Just Dance is perfect for Maddy and Nina for the party...but Wannabe (as awesome as it is) isn't happening!
Matt Kearney - Breathe In, Breathe Out = so right for the funeral
Veronicas - Untouched is great for June for Paul
But I can't think of Even Angels Fall apart from 10 Things I Hate About You!
I've also come up with:
Boom - Anjulie (for June's secret makeout scene in chapter 9)
Don't Panic - Coldplay (for a swingset scene with Nina and Maddy)
Different People - No Doubt (for Maddy and Becca)
Joanne - How it Ends is totally haunting. Great suggestion!
YAY. lol. imagine when I ever get around to writing, what mine could look like. The "soundtrack" would be a nice supplement to the book. haha.
ReplyDelete--brittany