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Sparks Sparks

"Sparks" by Samm Neiland

This original song was composed specifically for the print edition of TJ and Amal Volume 2. Please give it a listen, and if you like it, buy it on Bandcamp!




I listen to a *LOT* of music while working on <Epic, and it often worms its way into the story in one form or another. In fact, several pivotal scenes have their structure and pacing based on a specific song. Most chapter titles are excerpted lyrics from the song that influenced or inspired that particular segment.

Here's some of the music that helps me along.

   ALBUMS
The Seldom Seen Kid

Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid (2008)
artist website
• buy The Seldom Seen Kid on Amazon
• listen to "Starlings" on YouTube (BBC Orchestra)

Sweetheart

Dan Reeder - Sweetheart (2006)
artist website
• listen & buy on Bandcamp

The Violent Blue

Electric President - The Violent Blue (2010)
artist myspace
• buy The Violent Blue direct from the artist
• listen to "Safe and Sound" on YouTube

Ash Wednesday

Elvis Perkins - Ash Wednesday (2007)
artist website
• buy Ash Wednesday on Amazon
• listen to "While You Were Sleeping" on Youtube

Huggable Dust

Okay - Huggable Dust (2007)
artist profile
• buy Huggable Dust from Absolutely Kosher Records
• listen to "Natural" on YouTube

Cripple Crow

Devendra Banhart - Cripple Crow (2005)
artist website
• buy Cripple Crow on Amazon

• listen to "Hey Mama Wolf" on YouTube

Cast of Thousands

Elbow - Cast of Thousands (2003)

artist website
• buy Cast of Thousands on Amazon
• listen to "Grace Under Pressure" on Youtube

Challengers

The New Pornographers - Challengers (2007)
and
Mass Romantic (2003)

       
Mississauga Goddam

Hidden Cameras - Mississauga Goddam (2004)
artist website
• buy Missisauga Goddam from the artist
• listen to "We Oh We" on YouTube

Fair Ain't Fair

Tim Fite - Fair Ain't Fair (2008)
artist website [album stream available]
• buy Fair Ain't Fair on Amazon or iTunes

• listen to "Big Mistake" on Youtube

Mona Bone Jakon

Cat Stevens - Mona Bone Jakon (1970)
artist website
• buy Mona Bone Jakon on Amazon
• listen to "Fill My Eyes" on YouTube

Awoo

Hidden Cameras - Awoo (2006)
artist website
• buy Awoo from the artist
• listen to "Death of a Tune" on YouTube

Ghost

Radical Face - Ghost (2005)
artist website
• buy Ghost on Amazon

• listen to "Welcome Home, Son" on YouTube

For Emma

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago (2008)
and
Blood Bank (EP) (2009)

Mississauga Goddam

Hidden Cameras - The Smell of Our Own (2003)
artist website
• buy The Smell of Our Own on Amazon
• listen to "Boys of Melody" on YouTube

 

SONGS

"2am", Thee More Shallows
"A History of Lovers", Calexico/Iron and Wine
"All These Buildings And Mountains", The Republic Tigers
"Build A Bridge", The Redwalls
"Can You Get To That", Funkadelic
"Falling Stars", Sarah Siskind
"Flyover State", David Brusie
"From The Hips", Cursive
"Gospel", The Treetops
"Hand In Your Head", Money Mark
"Held", Smog
"Homemade Bombs In The Afternoon", A.C. Newman
"Honey", Candidate
"I Got A Feeling", The Beatles
"I Think I'll Disappear Now", Crash Test Dummies



"No Surprises", Amanda Rogers (Radiohead cover)
"Normal Average Side", Bee Stung Lips
"One More One Night Stand", A Weather
"Prank Calls", Kelley Stoltz
"Pressure Suit", Aqualung
"Rain", Bishop Allen
"Seattle", Jeff Lewis
"Song For Junior", Beastie Boys
"Starlight", Phil Alvin (traditional)
"The King of Carrot Flowers", Neutral Milk Hotel
"The Waking", Diamonds
"The Well", Smog
"Torn Blue Foam Couch", Grand Archives
"You Are The Blood", Castanets
"Your Rocky Spine", Great Lake Swimmers