Musical Influences on Science Fiction Writing

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Questions and Answers

According to the author, what initially drew them into Massive Attack's 'Heligoland' album?

  • The album's close similarity to Massive Attack's earlier work.
  • The overwhelmingly positive reviews from established music critics.
  • The opening track, 'Pray for Rain,' featuring Tunde Adebimpe from TV on the Radio. (correct)
  • Recommendations from friends familiar with electronic music.

The author had extensive prior experience with Massive Attack's discography before listening to 'Heligoland'.

False (B)

Besides Massive Attack, what other artist's music is mentioned as capturing the subtleties of conveying despair?

Tom Waits, Florence Welch, Johnny Cash

The song 'Pray for Rain' is described as feeling more like a TV on the Radio tune in Massive Attack's ______.

<p>clothing</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following songs from 'Heligoland' with the guest vocalist featured on each track:

<p>Pray for Rain = Tunde Adebimpe Babel = Martina Topley-Bird Splitting the Atom = Horace Andy Paradise Circus = Hope Sandoval</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the album 'Heligoland' did some critics find fault with?

<p>The frequent use of guest vocalists. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author considers 'Flat of the Blade' to be one of the strongest tracks on 'Heligoland'.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which TV show is mentioned for having a stellar soundtrack that includes a wide range of music?

<p>Breaking Bad</p> Signup and view all the answers

The author describes the tone of 'Heligoland' as simply 'gloom and ______'.

<p>doom</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the author say about 'Heligoland' in terms of its genre?

<p>It transcends the limitations of its genre. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Heligoland

Massive Attack's 2010 album, showcasing a mastery of tone, contrast, and haunting musical themes.

"Pray for Rain"

The opening track of 'Heligoland', featuring Tunde Adebimpe, setting a somber tone with dark and disturbing lyrics.

"Babel"

A track from Heligoland featuring Martina Topley-Bird on vocals

"Splitting the Atom"

A powerful song from Heligoland featuring Daddy G, 3D, and Horace Andy, it is considered a highlight of the album.

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"Girl I Love You"

Track from Heligoland retaining Horace Andy. Sonic chaos before shifting gears.

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"Paradise Circus"

A song from Heligoland spearheaded by Hope Sandoval, builds up to a dramatic ending.

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"Saturday Come Slow"

A grungy lament by Damon Albarn, closing the album with intensity

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"Atlas Air"

Closing track of Heligoland, equates to the powerful album opener.

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Study Notes

  • The author primarily writes about jazz, world music, and John Zorn's projects due to their comfort in those genres.
  • The author listens to a wide variety of music styles while writing science fiction novels.
  • A record, concert, or song can greatly influence the author's creative direction for their stories.
  • Sofia Rei's "De Tierra y Oro" influenced the first book, Mindguard, and John Zorn's 2013 Warsaw concert with The Song Project influenced The Vintages.
  • Massive Attack's 2010 album, Heligoland, has influenced the author's third book, Ayers, giving them a new appreciation for the creators.
  • The album Heligoland received mixed feedback, with comparisons to Massive Attack's earlier work and criticisms about lost qualities.
  • "Pray for Rain" features Tunde Adebimpe from TV on the Radio on vocals.
  • The author compares "Pray for Rain" to Gregory Porter's "No Love Dying" and Patricia Barber's "Code Cool" as excellent opening tracks.
  • The song feels like a TV on the Radio tune in Massive Attack's style due to Adebimpe's delivery.
  • Heligoland relies heavily on guest vocalists, which some critics find to be a fault.
  • Heligoland's tone can be described as gloomy and dark.
  • The lyrics contribute to the album's somber and disturbing atmosphere.
  • The album conveys different nuances within the spectrum of darkness through tracks like "Babel" (with Martina Topley-Bird) and "Spitting the Atom."
  • "Splitting the Atom" features Daddy G, 3D, and Horace Andy.
  • "Girl I Love You" features Horace Andy.
  • "Psyche" features Martina Topley-Bird.
  • "Flat of the Blade" features Guy Garvey.
  • "Paradise Circus" features Hope Sandoval.
  • "Saturday Come Slow" features Damon Albarn.
  • The album, on the whole, is captivatingly sophisticated, demonstrating the band's talent in conveying darkness and despair.

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