I couldnāt resist, I thought I post this while you and @MissInkBlot duel in a lightsaber fight with this music in a background.
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@Reaganfan78 - Completely understand about needing to read the book first; in an effort to remove such restrictions, itās part of why we decided to go broader on meaning in case people havenāt had the chance to, yet, or want to bring in non-plot concepts, since the connotation surrounding all things Leviathan is arguably pretty intimidating, in general. 
But, since you did the reading you intended, howād you end up liking it? Iām hoping it was as much as I liked your list of songs! 
And speaking of which, to begin, āThe World is Not Enoughā and the āMission Impossibleā theme both add lovely sense of mystique to this weekās theme! They make me think of hidden things, the esoteric, and the monsters that go bump in the night, so I really enjoyed how you offered one for Superman and Lois, and the other, I think, for the Leviathan organization? Or at least thatās the feeling I get from the first song. If Iām right with that guess, itās a nice choice because it shows how both sides, good and bad, might have to work on their own ends in covert ways in order to meet each other in the middle, making contact until one meets their end.
I loved the songs you shared to showcase Loisā love for Superman, added together with āNobody Does it Betterā - Iām glad you added all three of them! Based on your focusing on that, was that something that stood out for you during your reading? And did you end up having a favorite issue/moment that lingered for you once you finished? I havenāt had the chance to read it yet, but I must say, your list of songs makes me look forward to doing so! 
Iām particularly intrigued by the portion you mention about the blue light making everyone disappear! 
The fact that that songās so peaceful makes me wonder how the event translates in print.
I also see you over there, spoiling us with that beauty of a song for the duel @Razzzcat mentioned - donāt encourage us! Weāre supposed to be making socially distanced peace, not awesome YouTube videos of us waging war via light saber! 
@TravisMorgan - Youāre too kind to us, or at least me, in thinking Iād ever go only for the short version. Instead, I went longā¦ and then short, and enjoyed every second of it. Thanks for sharing those for the list! The song, itself, is already a timely one, as you alluded to, but also accomplishes the themeās goal of speaking about fear - in that case, the subject and concept thatās all together pretty terrifying being the idea of good intentions, efforts and goals turning into something monstrous. Itās reminiscent of, if going aquatic, the twisting limbs of the sea serpent as it lurking beneath the calm surface of an ocean. That songās a brilliant addition.
@LDFM - Ooh, underrated, is right! I loved that movie when I first saw it, so Iām with you! And what a theme to feature Disney for. 
But one thing to note about that song is how ferocious it is. It comes at you right out of the gate with sweeping musical flourishes that both entice the ears and leave you trying to decide if you should feel intimidated or excited (while knowing that in either case, what youāre feeling is some serious adrenaline, lol). It gives the feeling the themes from the likes of Jumanji or Jurassic Park give, as well.
And as for Volbeat, itās a great choice! This themeās all about getting an idea of what comes to mind for everyone when thinking of the word, so just because tension comes to minds for me, for example, doesnāt mean a more upbeat songās inappropriate. Since weāre actually talking about an organization in Leviathan Rising, your songās perfect, and I especially like the portion that goes: āYou said that you and I, Could make 'em all terrified, And clean up the whole world.ā The fearful songs do a good job isolating the p.o.v. of those affected by Leviathan, but that song works from the opposing perspective (even going into what the motivations of joining could be), and does so masterfully! 
@Pow-Pow - Wow, I am blown away by the creativity in that video. And not only that, but the amount of thought it takes to get into the mind of the normally scary sea monster featured in the video, going into the creatureās motivations, and, in turn, highlighting how events can differ so much between parties - the one carrying out the act, the one said act is directed toward, and we spectators, who watch, etc. Portions like, āAnd the dolphins are all phonies. They seem nice enough at first, but they pretend to be your friend until they see you at your worst and then they leave you,ā leave you feeling sympathy for the squid, which takes you out of your comfort zone in a good, āmaybe heās not trying to scare you, maybe heās just trying to say hello! Maybe heās not a monster at all,ā way.
And what can I say about, āShip is Sinkingā? Itās fantastic, the collective atmosphere of it making you feel like itās the intro theme to a dramatized radio broadcast! Or seeing a performance at one of the pirate dinner shows that they have. Thank you so much for sharing it - I didnāt know about Ye Banished Privateers, and had absolutely no idea that pirate folk rock bands existed, so now, Iām wondering where this delight has been all my life. 
@ajm08g - 
You understand! I was so tempted to end that post with an, āarrgh! Ahoy, mateys!ā but managed, barely, to control myself. I like your offering two sides of the coin with āWhite Knucklesā - the fear that comes with going up against such a foe, but noting that if anyone is well-equipped to do so, itāll be Superman. I can see why you chose it for this weekās theme, tooā¦ that song is a force to be reckoned with! The singerās voice is exactly whatās needed to send a shiver down the spine. Hold on for your life, indeed!
āSlip into the Voidā is worth noting because of how, to me, it feels like a song by an entirely different band. Different aura, different manner with which it hits the body (a bit like how Billy Talent, and indeed, Breaking Benjaminās music shifts from song to song, too). The re-adjustment felt makes me think this fits well for the members of Leviathan, especially for the lyrics, āYou were once led to believe, you were young and so naive, and now no longer.ā While not meaning the same thing, for me, it gives off a vibe similar to whatās felt when reading, āAbandon hope all ye who enter hereā (not saying the lyrics represent hopelessness, but speaking of the hair rising on end type of feeling).
You come to the finish line in a great way with BB, too, since the sound of āDownā is good for imagining vast amounts of power, the likes of which Superman definitely has. But despite all of that power, I guarantee we could convince him to āget downā to the musical delight that is ELO. I love the way you ended that list! Such skill!
@Razzzcat - 'Lil 'ol me? A sneaky one? Not at all! Orā¦ at least not intentionally. 
But even if I were, you KOād the theme this week, so youāve nothing to worry about. I would never worry about the number of songs you share, either. After all, betchuāve never heard my ears complain, have you?
To your songsā¦ TRON! Much to my dismay, Iāve not seen that movie yet, but the soundtrack convinces me that was a most grievous error, lol. Who knew the thought of āLeviathan,ā of all things, could make you want to boogie, so? Itās going straight to my āTomorrowland Prepā list. Same with Muse! The music video manages to catch you off guard because youāre wondering what it has to do with the song, but itās so visually appealing that you lose track of the journey toward finding out halfway through.
It combines with Metric and Black Francis in some interesting ways, too, and I love how the sound of them, one after the other, transitions in a way that twist my soul like a rubix cube - not in the way expected, either. Together, they undid the precious few solved cube sides I had, and laughed about it after. While āMan of Steelā makes sense for Superman, and I think I see the Leviathan organization in the concept of āThought Contagion,ā what was it that made you think of āArt of Doubtā?
Hope youāve had a great week! And thank you for adopting us mods, by the way, despite my having a black lightsaber. That really is TRUE DC Family love, there. 
Ignoring the fact that my Westerns-loving mind thinks a duel would be pretty gnarly, to that I say: nooo, not enemies. Frenemiesā¦ at worst, but since, on a piano, both colors make music too beautiful for either to ever be at odds with one another, even thatās a reach. 
I say we watch a duel instead - this oneās my fav, in case you wanna see. Feel free to do so at dawn if youāre not too tired! (side note: Iām much too honest in those polls 
).
@Nesquik - Arenāt they, though? This group brings the fire weekly, believe me. Stick around the Mixtape threads long enough, and your playlist will end up as long as mine now is. 
@UnLagunas - I agree with you on āThe Beast of Pirateās Bayā being a great fit for this weekās theme, and I adore how we so readily settled into the aquatic theme - it didnāt take us long to get our sea legs. In addition to the song being great for the story-telling aspect, it encapsulates the entirety of what makes Leviathan something to fear and tread carefully around (made even better by the fact that the singer reveals his secret toward the end). This portionās my favorite in that way: āSome say heās a serpent that came straight from hell, he came to eat the souls of pirates and other neāer-do-wells. Some they donāt believe it, as for me Iāve got a hunch. 'Cause they used to have some pirates here. but he ate them all for lunch!ā
@Vroom - Ohh, the goodness that is Stargateā¦ thank you! A friend of mine and I were just talking about needing to binge a bunch of episodes from the series, so weāll have to add the movie to the list, too! But I definitely see what you mean about how applicable the piece is on multiple levels. The way it ebbs and flows, teasing the listener with moments of delicate touches, makes it suitable for not just one meaning - of fear, or dread, or intimidation, but full sceneās worth of experience. The titleās certainly fitting!
@DeSade-acolyte - So thorough, and extensive! This, too, will have to be played when I catch up on my reading. Ah, though, the Illuminatiā¦ itās been so long since Iāve heard anyone mention that group. Makes for some interesting memories, so itās cool to be able to use my research on them from the past to apply to this situation.
Not only is āBaseball Furies Chaseā relentless, as you mention, but the stamina built into the song makes me understand why itād be part of an album named, The Warriors. Once it gets going, it persists straight to the end, leaving me sad itās a shorter song, lol. I liked how you tackled the subject of assassination, too. I spent a lot of time focused on the, perhaps, clumsy way that the sea creature version of Leviathan would attack and go after its foes, but all four of your songs applying to the precision and skill needed for something like assassination is a nice change. My favoriteās probably āWarm Leatheretteā because of the structure and almost emotionless, sterile feeling of it. It brings to mind the show, āKilling Eve,ā too, interestingly.
The songs you chose to represent knowledge, information and intrigue make me wonder what itās like to be a part of a group like that. With the knowledge known, how does one cope? Do you have a heightened sense of fear because you know more than others do, or is it others who fear you? Or a sinister mixture of the two? Worst yet, outside of having to worry about external danger, to relate it to Garbage, what of the internal dangers from oneās fellow members?
Surely, such knowledge opens the doors to āOpportunities,ā such as whatās described in that song, but āChampagne,ā āSanctuaryā and āKiller Queenā have me thinking of the dangerous side of it, with how easy it is to become overwhlemed, and how difficult itād be to truly be able to trust people in that situation. As the last song of the three goes, at the drop of a hat, going from playful to out of gas, one can never be sure which is authentic, just like you allude to with āMirror Man.ā
Falco is sublimeā¦ what a way to represent how widespread and international oneās influence is, both when considering where Falco was born, and when considering the unconventional sound of his music, similar to what we hear with āSituation.ā Likewise, āThatās the Way The Money Goesā is a fun song with such an insidious backstory (when applied to this situation, I mean) - truly, thatās how they ease us in, isnāt it? Making our being little more than marionettes seem like such a fun time to be had.
You know, Iām still always amazed by the range of genres and music you collect for each weekās theme, seamlessly tying unexpected songs together into categories by motif and symbolism, lyrics, and overall deeper meanings. May I ask how long it took for you to do so this time around?
@RedShadow - āRed Cold River,ā is oddly soothing in its own wayā¦ which is interesting because the screaming accomplishes that, while adding to the chaos, while the title makes you think of the aftermath of an encounter with something as daunting as Leviathan - done as only Breaking Benjamin can! Havenāt heard Crossfade in quite a while, so this was a nice venture into their music again, thank you! It ended up being just as emotional a ride as BBās song was, and just as self-reflective. It reminds me of that parched, raw feeling your throat takes on when youāre out of breath and gasping for air. Iām curious, did you have the organization in mind when thinking of those, or the sea creature?
@TheCosmicMoth - Thank you for providing so many songs in so detailed a way - despite my being behind on the story, the description of each scene makes it easy for me to envision what it is that made you connect the song to the characters and moment experienced! Songs like, āWatching the Detectivesā add a special flavor thatās unexpected but do a curiously fantastic job of representing the scene. The similarities that I hear between between āLive and Let Die,ā āLucifer Sam,ā and, to some degree, āJimmy Olsenās Bluesā feel like they represent a thread that travels through each to bring together the plot, so you did a wonderful job with that, too!
And lastly, I think the manner with which you chose each was fun, particularly for those Iād heard before, such as āMessage in a Bottle,ā and, of course, the indescribably delightful, āSave Me,ā (and yes, I DO see what you did there, and loved it! xP). Gotta give a warning about language for the Nicki Minaj song making it an issue with the Forum Rules, but Iām still ever so intrigued by the fact that you found a way to add it into this weekās theme. May I ask what it is about āTrue Dreams of Wichitaā that makes it such a favorite for you? I like how different the songās setup is, and how it dares you to come closer and press your ear to it, hooking you with that intro beat, in particular. So catchy!
@TheRosses - Weāre definitely on the same page with the ominous feeling, and āNight on Bald Mountainā is a perfect setup for such. Itās all over the place, pulling and stretching the emotions until they cover both ends of the spectrum, and all between. It leaves you worried and full of trepidation, but also brings with it a thrilling adrenaline rush, all while, at least for me, making one envision a the climax of a dramatic scene! And John Cage left me in awe. Already one who considers silence to be golden, I sat there the entire time, enthralled, until I discovered that the storm was the thunderous applause at the end. Alas, mind blown! That, my friend, was an unexpected masterpiece! With regard to the video game tunes, want me to choose a fav from each to add?
Whoa nelly, this weekās been a busy one, so thanks for bearing with me, all!
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Thanks for your comments! Also, thanks for the warning on the Nicki Minaj song. Iāve deleted it from the post to avoid issues, and will try to be more careful in the future.
As for āTrue Dreams of Wichita,ā I think itās what being truly down and out sounds like. The intro beat is catchy yes, but itās interspersed by those guitar string plucks that hit you like the sound of a drippy faucet. Like, thatās your life dripping away. The lyrics center on being just done with NYC and coming up with this mad plan of escape by traveling through the American south and mid-west. But, really, youāre just spinning your wheels and trying to keep hold of whatever you can to affirm your existence which is why you āgrip her love like a driverās license.ā
I guess thatās why I like it so much. Itās catchy, a bit funky, but, also, really sad in a pretty way. Thatās why I will end all the movies I will never make with it.
If that makes senseā¦?
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Wow thatās alot of writing! To answer your question I really enjoy the book, I couldnāt put it down. 
I really enjoy seeing Kelex my old pal in a comic.
Hey @Kelex did you enjoy being in the comics?
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Most likely
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Great!
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Hi @MissInkBlot
Thanks for taking the time to reply.
It always takes more time than I think it will. 
I see the topic and go āI can find 3 or 4 songs that might be of interest. Then I just happen find rhythms and patterns in the ideas which leads to more songs and loop repeats until I look down and say āuhmm a 45+ minute play list is probably enough. Stop!!ā
Finding the songs from my personal library is 50% or less of the time. Itās at least 50%+ of time finding YouTube videos for the songs.
This week was a long one at another 3 hours, but half of that was finding decent videos on YouTube for them. That was at least 1/2 the time. It took for-freakin-ever to find a decent quality clip of Champagne with the chocolate and Baked Beans and all. But finding the right clip for that was essential because, for me at least, you can likely gain power & money & fame & luxury in serving Leviathan . But Iām the end, youāll end up covered in disgusting mess of a life. The symbology is just all there in that song.
Finding good covers of āThere aināt been some cleaver bastardsā. And āThatās the way the money goesā are ādeep cutsā for both Ian Dury and especially for M. Especially M because the only song they ever did that got picked up even in passing was Popmuzik.
And yeah, I need to start looking for more opportunities to use Falco, or non-English covers.
Anxious to see what Monday brings. 
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Good morning! 
Ironically, Art of Doubt was the main one that I questioned! To me the song is about examining your decisions before they become delusions, and how being trapped in your own darkness can lead to inaction and apathy. It also says: Face your mistakes, make them right, just keep moving forward. Donāt want to get into it, but Iām sure youāve watched the news. The effects of systematic cruelty and oppression kinda never leave me, so maybe I wasnāt entirely focussed. Plus, I couldnāt recall this story very clearly, so it was a bit like a pop quiz after spending the whole class doodling instead of taking notes! 
Hence calling you āsneakyā. Thereās also a beautiful line that I really should say to myself more, (as we all should): āBe good to yourself, there will never be another youā. 
Maybe it works, maybe not??
Say no more, @MissInkblot. I do like a good Westernāwater pistols it is, madam, at high noon!! 
jk. Dawn IS my favorite time of day, so Iām an early riser most days, but that lovely piano analogy is a huge āget out of jail freeā card. 
(88 KEYS! Oh yeah, that stays.) And youāre very welcome for the adoptions. I promise to give you all a good home. Talk soon.
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@MissInkBlot Have you seen Stargate? If youāve only seen the TV series, then you are in for a TREAT with the movie.
Do bear in mind that this comes from someone who:
ā Was wildly anticipating Stargate in 1994 when it was originally going to be a summer release that year (it was allegedly moved to its October 28th release so as to avoid Speed stealing itās thunder).
ā Saw Stargate immediately after school on its first day of release (and loved it). I would go on to see it two more times during its theatrical run.
ā Used to have nearly all of the toys based on the movie, which were by Hasbro.
ā Jumped for joy when ancient Egypt was a topic of study in my Social Studies class in spring 1995. I even politely corrected my teacher on how to correctly pronounce ācuneiformā (it was after school, not in class). See, movies do teach us things.
ā Read the movie novelization, and the books that were unofficial sequels to the movie, many, many times over.
ā Always thought a Stargate TV series was an excellent idea, but when I finally did see SG-I, I was disappointed in it. The follow-up shows and TV movies were of little interest.
The point is, I adore the movie and am a wee bit biased towards it. While it has its issues, overall itās a fun, fun ride.
If you have seen Stargate, then youāre like me and are always reminded of a certain line when you hear King Tut come up in conversation.
SN: Composer David Arnold needs to work his musical magic on a DC movie. Heās also the best composer to ever work with director Roland Emmerich (besides Stargate, they collaborated on Independence Day and Godzilla).
Anyhow, āIāll be seeing you aroundā¦Dr. Jackson.ā
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@Vroom, Iāve met Amanda Tapping years ago she was so nice. Wish I can private message you about it.
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Ms. Tapping is quite lovely.
I can give her a pass, as her character was created for the show. When watching her on the show, Iāve never said āThey were better in the movie.ā, since you know, her character wasnāt in it.
There was talk of a Stargate movie reboot, with Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich on-board. I was actually excited for this, as I always felt Stargate was deserving of a few more cinematic adventures.
Butā¦that was before Independence Day: Resurgence came out. Since then, a Stargate reboot appears as unlikely as Independence Day 3 (a loss for Stargate at least).
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@TheCosmicMoth - Oh, no, youāre fine, itās an easy issue to overlook when it comes to music, and while thereās some leniency allowed, but for instance, the seven dirty words would be a no go. I have a large share of songs that I like, but would need censored versions to be added, too, though, so we understand! I can understand why you like Soul Coughing so much, thoughā¦ they put together words with breathless skill, able to describe the normal in powerful, new ways. Listening to life the way they describe it is like being on another plane. The reason you giveās bittersweet and beautiful. Even if my mind couldnāt make sense of it (it does, but just saying, even if it didnāt, lol), my heart did. I gotcha.
@Reaganfan78 - Right? But so great a list of songs deserves in-depth analysis. Iām glad you enjoyed your reading, too! Gotta love books that wonāt let you go until the end, even if it means reading until sunrise. 
Moments like that are the best - itās adorable to see Kelex had a good time hanging out with you!
@DeSade-acolyte - Of course! Iām always happy to reply when I can. Lol at the notion of a 45+ minute playlist. Yes! Thatās me when I start listening to the music in our threads, get caught up, and realize, three hours later, that the timeās flown. After hearing about your process, all I can offer is to say I hope you know we appreciate the attention to detail, and time you spend on each weekās post. It really does shine through, and Iām happy to know Iām not just imagining it when I notice the rhythms and patterns you mentioned. Canāt wait to see what you come up with this week!
@Razzzcat - Ah, a fellow early riser - the skyās pretty that early in the morning, isnāt it? 
I like your analysis of the song, and can definitely see how it fits in with current events. Iām so sorry, I know you said not to feel obligated to interpret your songs, but my mind rebelled and went āā¦challengeā¦ not accepted? ā (so the sneaky title still applies, unfortunately). But, that said, donāt feel obligated to delete any unless you really want to. Any shares are welcome, and squinting is, at times, what I do best! lol Loving the line of inspiration you shared. Yes, that needs to be a foundation in all of our lives, and the essence of the red carpet we roll out within the expanse of our minds, ever present to remind us of that truth, no matter the topic. 
Thanks, as always, for the kind words, and for delivering some Super Soaker-induced nostalgia for the week, lol. Take care over there!
@Vroom - Iāve not yet, actually. I tend to exist in tabula rasa mode with most things, that included. The excitement you expressed is phenomenal, however, and I love the amount of enthusiasm you have for it. It makes me want to see it all the more, and will make the experience all the better! Iām sorry to hear about your feelings on the show, though movie to show transitions always leave me holding my breath, so I understand completely. >,<
Gonna have to keep my ears open for said King Tut reference when I watch - looking forward to it! And yes, after hearing what you shared, I agree with the David Arnold idea. 'Tis another to add to the āMake it Happen!ā list I wave around going, āPsssst, hey guys! Do this. All of this!ā
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Well, @MissInkBlot, I had the organization in mind with BBās song, however, Crossfade was a mix between my mood, the topic, as well as a simple desire to get others to hear the song
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Where is todayās mixtape Monday & where is last weekās playlist? I know this is old but itās the only result I received when I searched October 18th or Todayās Mixtape Monday. Under Watchtower it has last weeks Injustice songs but not the final playlist. Canāt find todayās anywhere?
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Here is todayās! It was a little late getting posted, but itās here now. 
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