Well, we’re nearing the Apocalypse, and Haroula Rose is here to remind us with her 10 to Spin playlist below. Thanks, Haroula.
But, before we begin waiting for the end of the world (and listening to songs about its end), let’s remain positive for a short minute, because things continue to look up for Ms. Rose.
She’s working on a new album — and a short film — and you can learn about both at her Pledge Music page, where you can watch a cool video and donate to the cause. Have a look here.
Meanwhile, Rose’s Apocalypse 10 to Spin waits.
“10 Songs for The Apocalypse”
Antony and the Johnsons, “Another World”
I remember hearing this song for the first time and having to pull over to the side of the road because my eyes welled up and I wanted stillness to hear it. My body knew more than my mind. And this song still does that for me; it’s real magic and makes me think about things. This video is beautiful too.
Lavender Diamond, “Everybody’s Breaking Now”
Love her voice, and this video is really special, too. This song is a true heartbreaker.
Fleetwood Mac, “That’s All For Everyone”
You know, everyone loves Rumours or their eponymous record, but there is so much more to Fleetwood Mac and “Tusk” is one of soooo many countless examples of this epic eternal band/project. This song in particular is like a worm in my brain and once I hear it, it’s in there for days.
Sandy Denny, “Who Knows Where The Time Goes?”
She died too young, and so tragically. Her voice is like a bell. Her songwriting is some of my favorite ever, and this song just feels exactly like what it is about. I love when that convergence happens. This is a cool version because she was such a badass on the guitar too.
Michael Hurley, “Troubled Waters”
I was introduced to Michael Hurley not too long ago and I can’t stop listening to this album. And the others followed suit; each one took many turns in my car, on my brain, on my record player, everywhere. This song haunts me and I love it – modern and old all at once. Interestingly enough it kind of reminds me of the old Greek folk music I would hear growing up.
The Doors, “The End”
Two words: Apocalypse Now. I remember getting into the Doors when I was like 14 or something and feeling like I discovered such a treasure, I had never heard music like that before or really paid attention to music in that way, and what it did to me. This song was my favorite of theirs back then, and sort of still is. I love this video from Isle of Wight.
Skeeter Davis “The End of the World”
This song is a true ballad, and her voice is unlike anyone else’s. I feel that Skeeter is not as well known as she ought to be, as she was such a pioneer and an amazing songwriter.
R.E.M., “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”
I have grown to love R.E.M. more and more. I don’t think I fully appreciated them when I was younger. For me this song has a sense of humour about it while it’s also just about the saddest idea around. That sums up how I feel about great dramas, they make you laugh too.
Jolie Holland, “The Future”
When you’re truly heartbroken, it feels like the world can or should end. And Jolie Holland and Skeeter Davis both allude to this in these songs. This song, “The Future” is visceral and visual and listening to it takes me to long forgotten vulnerable moments in a way that makes me short of breath. I love her. I love this song.
Prince, “1999”
Feel like I don’t need to say anything about this one.
Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood, “Storybook Children”
This whole album is great. This song makes me visualize something like an apocalypse. I like their voices together duet-ing because they are so opposite. It sounds like a kid’s song, then those dramatic strings come in and it’s over! “Why can’t we be like storybook children?” I don’t know. It’s dumb that we can’t.