Music is a huge part of my life. I collect all kinds of music, I’ve seen countless numbers of shows and concerts, so many so that it would be impossible to calculate how many times I’ve seen live music.
Through all of the bands and songs I’ve listened to, I occasionally come across a song that takes to me in a way that I cannot claim is merely obsession. It’s more like I am haunted by it. And by haunted I mean a song that almost puts me in a dream state, the kind of song that goes beyond just being a tune, and takes me somewhere else, the kind of song that moves through time that it reaches into the far past as well as into the distant future.
These are the songs that have haunted me in my life.
Eleanor Rigby – The Beatles
The first time I ever wore out a record it was Sergeant Peppers by the Beatles. But one song in particular took hold of me, because it was not just a tune, but a story. I played it over and over again as if I had been possessed, and I was only a very young child at the time. I would play it over and over again in my mind even when it wasn’t playing. The first ever song that haunted me.
Heaven and Hell – Vangelis
The theme song for the iconic science show Cosmos took hold of my imagination, not just because of the gossamer instrumental, but because of the fantastic show it heralded.
As a child I was subject to virtually non-stop child abuse. I was in the midst of traumatic life events that would almost end up destroying me. I am a trauma survivor, but in the midst of that abuse were moments where my young self could escape. Cosmos was one of those escapes. Along with music, learning about the Cosmos took me and my mind places I didn’t think I could go.
Dazzle – Siouxsie And The Banshees
The first time I heard a legit Goth song was when I heard Spellbound by Siouxsie And The Banshees, but this is the song that got me hooked. This, along with Cities in Dust, are my favorite Siouxsie songs. This was just the start of my discovering the rich culture of alternative and underground music.
This Mortal Coil – Song to the Siren
A cover of a Tim Buckley song, with one of my favorite singers ever, Elisabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins fame. The Cocteau Twins lead me to This Mortal Coil, two bands that became a staple in my music collection.
Haunted When the Minutes Drag – Love and Rockets
By far my favorite Love and Rockets song. This is the one song of theirs that I always wear out.
Jimmy – Bongwater
There is a cult of people who basically worship the double album set Double Bummer by the band Bongwater. And eclectic collection of everything from poetry to hard rock to what-do-you-call-this? The one song I’ve played over and over again is the epic and operatic Jimmy.
Chelsea Wolfe – Fight Like Gods
A song I discovered not too long ago. An epic and operatic song with Chelsea Wolfe’s own brand of haunting vocals. It was the first song of hers I ever heard, and among her entire repertoire, still my favorite. Fight Like Gods indeed!
When it’s Cold I’d Like to Die – Moby
When I heard this song at the end of an episode of The Sopranos, I immediately looked up the artist because I had been captivated by the song. By Moby and sung by Mimi Goese, another long, gossamer song that goes right through you.
Collide – VNV Nation
I had been a long time VNV Nation fan before this song and this album came out. For me this is a band that just keeps getting better and better. This is the song I want played at my funeral. The send off for my descent into eternity. And play it loud. On giant speakers. So the next few cities over can hear it.
Rakim – Dead Can Dance
If I had to pick out one song on this list, this would be it. Dead Can Dance is an iconic band whose music has crossed so many cultural boundaries, Described by one of my friends as “audible cocaine”, this live version of this song goes beyond drugs. An epic, tremendous, and rich song that sends my imagination spiraling. One of the best songs I’ve ever heard!
