<Epic : The Music

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

Elvis Perkins - Ash Wednesday (2007)
Several key scenes were inspired by these songs - the title track, "While You Were Sleeping" and "May Day" in particular.

Okay - Huggable Dust (2007)
The lead singer's voice crackles and breaks like it's coming through an abandoned pay phone, desperate for someone to take hold of the receiver.

Devendra Banhart - Cripple Crow (2005)
Lush and quiet at the same time. "Hey Mama Wolf" and "Now That I Know" in particular are a real treat.

Elbow - Cast of Thousands (2003)
The album that got this whole thing started. We still believe in love / so fuck you.

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

Cat Stevens - Mona Bone Jakon (1970)
Perhaps best known for use of several tracks in the movie Harold and Maude (which is also a big inspiration for this story.)

Hidden Cameras - Awoo (2006)
Hidden Cameras' sound reminds me of TJ's personality, for some reason. It's probably the quirkiness, gleeful obscenity, and unexpected poetry.

Radical Face - Ghost (2005)
Haunting, driving, sweeping. The sound of getting lost, then suddenly found again.

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

Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid (2008)
Know that while you sleep
everything has changed.

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