I’m compiling a playlist of music to accompany those times I feel like just being under the sea or other water body. Any contributions are very welcome. It can be dark, light, abstract, whatever makes you feel submerged. Though unless it’s as well devised as The Pearl, plinky pianos are completely banned.
The list so far:
Aglaia - Three Organic Experiences (Outstanding organic ambient, really evokes a green sea, through the kelp with the waves crashing overhead.)
Tangerine Dream - Underwater Sunlight (Ridiculously 80’s but undeniably great for the vibe albeit)
Spencer Nilsen - Ecco (Also ridiculous but come on… Ecco!)
Deepchord - Immersions
Multicast Dynamics - Aquatic Systems
Eno/Budd - The Pearl
Guild of Ambience - Submerged (Usually hate Youtube music but this was actually enjoyable)
Rudy Adrian - Healing Lake (Borderline poxy ambient but gets the job done)
There is the soundtrack for the Big Blue. That’s about as 80’s as you can get and it hasn’t aged well. Having said that, it’s a soundtrack for a movie about a fellow who prefer to live with dolphins underwater.
Since we’re talking, I’ll admit - when I was a youngster, it was my favourite movie ever, for a very long time. I’m one of those who can actually commit to saying “This is the best movie I’ve ever seen” or “The best book I’ve ever read”, not really hiding behind “Yeah, but it’s apples and oranges.” From time to time, they’re showing the Big Blue again on the cinemas here in town, and I always go to see it, though other features have replaced its crown title.
I used to free dive when I was young, and I was always a bit of a solitary man, like the main character in that story. And I’m a sucker for melancholia and larger than life drama that doesn’t apologise for going all in on being sentimental. I can’t see how the world doesn’t benefit from some heart on your chest emotional stuff, as long as it’s made with the best of intentions and compassion.
So the movie resonated with me, somehow, back then, and has left a permanent mark on me, though it’s faded now.
Beautiful. Nothing wrong with that at all! I’ve certainly got a few special movies which aren’t technically great but they still hit those special spots.
