Songs To Die For
Well not actually die for but when asked what five songs would I like to have played at my funeral, it comes as a shock to even think about mortality especially if looking forward to very many more evenings sipping cocktails, and probably watching the tele a bit too. So where does ones grey matter start with such a question? This is not like Desert Island Discs where one is supposed to choose records to keep you amused on an island paradise when all alone. Many years ago, working for a Charity in Costa Rica we only had a single cassette that worked, Oasis, Definitely Maybe, well I can tell you definitely definitely that hearing the same tracks over and over soon makes you hate the record and possibly the band, but would encourage you to get off the island.
The task was of course not to choose a list for an iconic radio programme (especially where there is a lot of showing off ) but to pick tracks suitable for, well the grave. The dilemma is getting the balance right, not too gloomy yet not to cheery. A colleague suggested two lists firstly happier tunes celebrating your life if you’ve managed a jolly good innings, and something more down beat if you’ve been cut down in your prime, by a falling coconut, speeding skateboarder or some such other unlikely demise.
You would have thought that running a music archive I would instantly have a wealth of suggestions at my finger tips but no, I can’t even pretend that there was too much choice, my brain just went blank, well not actually devoid of activity because I worked out some great alternative lists such as songs to bath to, songs with dodgy lyrics and top ten gay anthems. Anyway after days of deliberation I eventually made the choice, and even though I am dead still want people to think well of me, so there’s a little temptation go for The Lark Ascending just to show I know a bit about classic music. Yes I know it’s the most popular English classical tune but it is good, even so I have a Rock N Roll heart and that is where the choice has to come from. Enough pontificating, here is the list.
1 This was relatively easy as it had to be a Beatles track, Here There and Everywhere, was my first choice.
2 There would probably be a need for an instrumental interlude so Albatross by Fleetwood Mac would suit perfectly.
3 Young At Heart by The Bluebells says what I always feel, and it’s quite fun and uplifting.
4 Driving down the road a few years ago I literally had to stop the car to savour the first hearing of Fields Of Gold by String, it’s just such a beautiful record, so that’s got to be No. four.
5 Forever Young by Bob Dylan, of course there are so many amazing tunes to choose from, and this is not necessarily my favourite Dylan song but the most appropriate.
Just need to make sure these are not heard too soon!
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A black and white photo of Beetles rock band |
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