Music That Inspires You - A discussion of music that inspires or divides, but always leaves an impression.

[SnekTheRat]

I love music! If you are reading this, chances are you also enjoy the (often pleasant) effects of music, too. This thread is meant to cataloge the multitudes of music that inspires, enrages, or otherwise gives the feels to you, the mostly uninspired masses!

If music has brought you to a place of emotion, whether it be a gentle cry from a soft ballad, the anger from an intense, chugging metal tune, or even autistic rage from a song that dare mention something you hate, please post the piece with a description of your feelings. It might be difficult, but as the great brain damaged artist Brian Wilson once opined, "Music is God's voice."

Let's hear your opinion! Even if you hate the concept of God, us mortals want to know: what do you think?

As a start, here are some classics which tickle my ivories, if you'll forgive the pun!

As for Snek's comments on his song choices, he will reveal them piecemeal!

Good Vibrations, SMiLE version:

A simple addition of a "prayer" chorus near the end lifts this remarkable track from Pocket Symphony to the realm of the divine. A track with beautiful music, complex instrumentation, and stupid lyrics by renowned idiot Mike Love, it has endured the test of time, and will continue to inspire future composers for generations to come.


Now, let's hear your answer!

 

[The Cunting Death]

For me personally, Pet Sounds era Beach Boys, I'm including Smile too.

They, no pun intended, make me smile, let my mind sort of wonder off in a relaxing way. Gets me in a great creative mode.

On a sort of related note, The Flaming Lips Soft Bulletin record, I say related because that album is often called Pet Sounds of the 90s. That album sounds like my mind when I wonder off and daydream about life.

 

[Xavier Renegade Angel]

The entire soundtrack to TeneT, i could go right to the gym hearing that

 

[NigKid]

 

[Open Window Maniac]

To me, Once in a Lifetime is about the existential dread and horror of leading a mediocre middle-class existence. You have a big house, big car, and a beautiful wife, but you just go through the motions without really putting conscious thought or effort into anything. It inspire me to really think about what I'm doing and to avoid falling into a rut where I'll just sleep walk through life.

 

[Hypnomouse]

I really like this song. It is weirldly lifting. It sounds to my like a war cry for life itself. Instead of just being afraid for the future, just go and live. Fuck everything. I quite like it.

This I remember just watching the clip again and again. Can't quite remember what I felt, but it was powerful. Some deep sadness mixed with ecstasy. Some kind of beautiful sadness. Specially when the girl murdered and looked at the camera.

Edit:

Remembered this one. When I was 16, it was the saddest thing ever.

 

[The Lawgiver]

Ever wanted to see 2 guys in a porta-potty just jamming out in shitty halloween masks till one whips a dildo out and puts in on the keyboard to keep the keyboard note held down?

This shit is fucking majestic and could probably be considered a triumph of the human spirit.

 

[SnekTheRat]

Snek's choice of Nobody Does it Better by Carly Simon

The title song to the finest Roger Moore helmed Bond film, Nobody Does it Better features a sweet yet powerful vocal. The lyrics are full of double entendre, but Carly Simon makes it believable. Add some good Ole fashioned 1970s pop cheese, and you've got a track for the ages! It's a guilty pleasure, yes, but if a lover sang this song to you, Snek is sure you'd be dreaming of Octopussy tonight!

 

[SnekTheRat]

Frank Tichelli's "Angels in the Architecture"

Snek has a particular fondness for this piece. The opening features non-traditional instrumentation, particularly the Whirly Tubes (yes, that's what they're called) and water in glass. The soprano declares:

"I am an angel of Light
I have soared from above
I am cloth’d with Mother’s love.
I have come, I have come,
To protect my chosen band
And lead them to the promised land."

An ominous drone fades in slowly, building to a massive cacophony, representative of the chaotic nature of best laid plans. Thru the conundrum, bits of optimism shine thru, and even a short diversion to a Hebrew traditional song, before becoming overcome by chaos and darkness yet again.

There is light at the end, however. Indeed, an angelic reprise banishes the darkness, complete with classically Christian inspired pipe organ and ringing bells. At the end, the Angel reappears, stating their aim once again. The darkness never truly dies, however, and in the fade we are reminded of this.

Despite religious overtones in the piece, this is not a religious work; it effectively utilizes our known expectations to communicate a sonic story (Not that kind of Sonic). This piece was published in 2009, and Snek hopes more wondrous music will be composed and performed to the public. Meditate on its emotions. This is what music can be.