By the Bel: Play It Again Sam

Marianne and Yunyu both know the immense power music has over the world we live in; which is why they joined forces to add musical layers to Burn Bright and Angel Arias. Marianne’s words provoked imagery, setting the inspirational wheels in motion for more brilliant musical talent from Yunyu.

Yasmine Galenorn, hasn’t (as far as I know) collaborated to bring music to her books; instead listing the songs she had on her playlist while the writing process was in motion. The eclectic mix of tunes in her ear while she’s writing certainly colour her characters, her moods and the environment in which her stories take place. I haven’t had the guts to put together all the songs and listen as I re-read, but I am sure it would add spice.

Kevin J Anderson teamed up with his wife Rebecca Moesta and a troop of brilliant musicians to create not one but two entire CD’s to go with his Terra Incognita series. Sailing the seven seas must be rockin’ with a pedigree of metal and symphonic rock stars like that. I do wonder however, just how the songs would mesh with how I see the stories in my head.

Then it comes to Mercedes Lackey, who has in total twelve; yes, that’s double digits people. 12 CD’s for sale on her website and they look to all have something to do with her books. I am kinda thinking there may be more out there on Ebay and Amazon if you look hard enough. Mum had one of them back years ago and until someone she loaned it to lost it, *gasp* she devoured the lyrics, the harmonies and every moment of artistry that was poured lovingly onto each track.

Check the author’s websites to see if they are collaborating with a musician, if they use music and if so which bands influence their writing style, or if they’re completely over achieving and making their own music to complement their writing talent.

I’m sure there are hundreds, if not thousands, of authors that take pleasure in the crossover of musical and printed magic. Whether it is a killer playlist, or actually taking the time to collaborate with other musicians to build melodious bridges between the two worlds; the fact still remains, adding music to your reading time will most likely add depth and colour to an already lavish experience.

Like wine and cheese together, everyone has their own opinions as to which songs suit which books.

Who do you listen to while you read?