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The Complicated Soundtrack to My Mildly Complicated Life

I don’t know about you, but as a horror fan (and as a fan of film in general), I’ve always found myself drawn to film soundtracks. Almost magnetically.

We’re able to recall memories of our favorite movies and all the while we begin to form memories of our own.

Maybe it was when you saw The Breakfast Club and that boy put his arm around you while the credits unspooled. Or maybe it was when that cute neighbor girl leaned in and kissed you on the cheek for the first time during Raiders of the Lost Ark.

No matter what the memories, soundtracks are undoubtedly a powerful, moving part of the cinematic machine. I’ve found that my attachment to them is very real and each has their own place in my daily life. I’m sure you can think of several off the top of your head yourself you feel similarly about!

So, if you’ve ever wondered “Hey, what’s that Davis girl listening to?” Wonder no more.

When I’m Crafting I listen to…the Pulp Fiction Soundtrack.

I’ve been vending for years and when I’m prepping for a con, I often find myself coming back to this lovely gem. When I’m painting or putting delicate earring hooks onto jewelry, I desperately need something to keep me on task.

Enter: Pulp Fiction.

In some places the songs are manic enough to keep my hands moving and in others it keeps my brain focused and on point. I feel it’s perfect for artists, writers, or people actively creating something.

QT may very well be the king of soundtracks and this one is no exception. I find that the songs on this one aid different and essential parts of the creative process. Dick Dale kicks it off with the classic “Miserlou.” It really is a great “alright, enough procrastinating, get your butt to work” song. The retro hit “Out of Limits” by the Marketts is wonderful for finding concentration. “Since I First Met You” by the Robins and “Lonesome Town” by Rick Nelson are great for detail work while painting because they’re just so damn dreamy.

Not to mention the sound bites interspersed throughout serve as a mental note to come up for air and as a constant reminder of what an amazing film Pulp Fiction truly is.

When I’m Working Out I listen to… The Return of the Living Dead Soundtrack.

I’m really not into men trying to talk me up while I’m working out, so I put on my best furrowed brow and attempt to maintain a “keep back 20 feet” vibe. Nothing like mean muggin’ dudes from the treadmill while I run my butt off. Literally. And, boy, does this soundtrack make it easy. T.S.O.L., The Cramps, and the Damned are just a few of the bands featured on this stellar soundtrack.

By and far one of my longtime favorites, it’s a fun, punky romp that turns the task of running into something I genuinely look forward to. Tall Boys’ “Take a Walk” is an awesome kick in the butt to pick up the pace and really sweat it out.

Is it a little odd that I associate my health with a film about a bunch of teenage kids getting eaten alive by the undead?

Certainly. But, c’mon, look who’s talking here. You should expect this by now.

When I’m Studying I listen to… Goblin.

When I initially saw George Romero’s 1978 flick, Dawn of the Dead, I was entranced by the films ominous, reeling synth tracks. The songs varied from rhythmic, ethereal scales over pulsing bass lines to sort of fun, impish melodies.

The band responsible?

Goblin. Their body of work, spanning a plethora of horror soundtracks, is so diverse, yet unified. It’s for this reason that Goblin makes a great musical selection to throw on while working.

When I’m studying, typing up a paper, or perhaps even writing an article for Forces of Geek, I always have Goblin floating around in the background. They’ve done such films as Deep Red, Suspiria, Sleepless, and Phenomena to name a few.

I don’t want to play favorites, but the theme song for Tenebrae is just so dancy, spooky, and genuinely groovy. It’s like musical horror-nerd crack.

Me during finals.

When I’m Cleaning the House I listen to… the Drive Soundtrack.

If I may be perfectly frank with you, I dig Drive, but I’ve only seen it maybe… twice. Yeah, yeah, okay. Now, that being said, I really feel the standout star in the film is not Baby Goose, but rather composer Cliff Martinez.

The first track alone, “Nightcall”, is to die for. This soundtrack is impeccable and clearly has it’s own unique command. I listen to it while cleaning because you can walk out of the room, grab something, and come back to find yourself smack in the middle of a different song with an entirely different tone or emotion. I enjoy little jarring things like that. The simple things in life, they say.

If you’ve seen Drive, which c’mon, of course you have (and if not, we need to have a talk), the songs are so strong that they almost stand as a supporting actor. If you’ve seen it once, listening to the soundtrack feels almost like watching the movie.

However, that could just be me and my weird semi-photographic memory brain.

But, maybe you guys are like that, too. If so, we should probably start having weekly meetings. I’ll bring the snacks.

This isn’t far off from what it looks like when I put a new garbage liner in the can.


When I’m On a Road Trip I listen to… the Death Proof Soundtrack.

I realize that it could be some sort of bad omen to listen to this while driving long distances. You know, what with all the young ladies dying via Stuntman Mike and his snazzy “death proof” ride. Being a young lady, you’d think I would steer clear of such an omen. Heck no! It’s actually a little exciting when Dave, Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick, and Tich’s “Hold Tight” comes on. Like a little electric switch flipped on.

However, I will maintain grandma speed for the duration of it. I’m not mental, for christ sake.
                                    
This soundtrack is excelsior all on it’s own, regardless of the fact that it accompanies a film I very much enjoy. April March’s “Chick Habit” is one of my favorite songs anyway. It’s a super upbeat ditty, even though it’s clearly about killing a dude if he crosses you again. I mean what doesn’t scream road trip about that? (Tugs collar.)

When I’m Getting Gussied Up I listen to… the Twin Peaks Soundtrack

Twin Peaks has been one of my favorite shows for for years (tied with: The X-Files, duh). So, any chance I get, I turn it on.

But, if I’m in a cinch or maybe just getting ready for a night out, I prefer to pop on the soundtrack. “Audrey’s Dance” and “Dance of the Dream Man” are my selected favorites that I simply can’t go without playing.

I feel it’s probably clear, but I utterly adore David Lynch. And, my god, the man knows how to set delightful, heavenly atmospheres right alongside tragic, frightening ones. I could also describe my “beauty routine” in a similar fashion.

Much like “Oh, I actually did a good job with eyeliner today” meets “OH MY GOD, DID I JUST STRAIGHT IRON MY NECK?!”

This is my life. Welcome to it.

Now, if only I could be as pretty as David Duchovny. Some dreams are meant to stay dreams, I suppose.

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