The Mountains of Instead

Championing fiction as an escape from pandemics, politics and bad TV.

Music Is Best - Struts and Frets blog tour.

When I was asked about taking part in another blog tour, I have to convinced I wasn't sure but when I realised that Struts and Frets by Jon Skovron is a book with music floating from every page, my mind started ticking over.  For me, music and reading are often inextricably linked - a book reminds me of a song, a song reminds me of a book, I discover new music through new authors or garner recommendations from the many musical posts around the blogosphere.  So I've decided to turn my hand to it - and here is the result. Click the book titles to  find reviews/information on the book and the album covers to find the piece of music.  I got a bit carried away so be warned, it's a bit of a monster....


Across The Universe by Beth Revis : Starlight by Muse
This one was a bit of a gift - I had the song on continual replay in my head as I read the book.  That and Ground Control To Mister Tom but this seemed the cheerier option to share...



The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson : True Romance theme by Hans Zimmer
Er, I know that these might not seem like an obvious fit, but this piece of music completely embodies the fun and beauty and, well, romance that run through Nelson's gorgeous study of life.




Anna And The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins : Champs Elysee by Joe Dassin
I love this song. I mean LOVE. I once sang it all the round Paris. I like to think that St. Claire would've gotten my vibe.




I'm cheating a little with this one as the song is referenced in the book itself - author Jeri explains why here.




Chaos Walking by Patrick Ness : The Cave by Mumford and Sons
When I first heard The Cave I was bowled over by how much it tied in with Chaos Walking's protagonist, Todd.  It completely embodies his relentless nature, his stubbornness and his determination.  Brilliant books, brilliant song.




City of Glass by Cassandra Clare : The Pirate Song by Elana Stone
Er, I may be pushing this slightly but the lyrics of this beautiful song really did make me think of Clary and her sadness/confusion surrounding Jace.  Also, I just think more people should be aware of Elana Stone - she's pretty awesome.



Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride : The Ballroom Blitz by The Sweet
Again, Ballroom Blitz is referenced in Hold Me Closer, Necromancer and totally sums up the all the fun craziness in the book.  Actually, this book is a must for music lovers - it's the first time I've ever created a playlist based on chapter titles. True story.



The Iron Fey trilogy by Julie Kagawa : Iron Man by Black Sabbath
Because how could I NOT??




Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols : Fidelity by Regina Spektor
I like this song a lot and it popped into my head a lot when reading about Meg and the beautiful Johnafter.  Ah, Johnafter.... 




If I Stay by Gayle Forman : Tender by Blur
I almost matched this song with If I Stay's follow up, Where She Went, but in the end I felt that this song was more Mia than Adam - and gorgeous to boot.



Entangled by Cat Clarke : Leather by Tori Amos
Now, I'm not going to pretend that I really understand any of Tori Amos's lyrics and this is no exception but the paradoxical brash vulnerability here really reminds me of Entangled's Grace.




 The Wolves of Mercy Falls by Maggie Stiefvater : No Names by Kate Rusby
Shiver, Linger and Forever are full of characters having to let go - this song fits them perfectly.  Also, I like to think that Sam might quite like it.




The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson : Paranoid Android by Radiohead
I think this song suits all sorts of Dystopian titles but it's particularly perfect for the world that Jenna finds herself living in.  She'd, like, really relate.



Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins : Turning Tables by Adele
One of the reasons I love The Hunger Games trilogy is it's lack of focus on romance. This song could tie in with the whole Katniss/Peeta/Gale hoo ha, but also makes me think of Katniss's relationship with everyone and everything. Actually, I like to think of her singing this to Buttercup.



Nearly Departed by Rook Hastings : Ghost Town by The Specials.
Well, it just GOES.  Rook Hastings gives me the creeps with her spooky writing but, thanks to Father Ted, thinking of this song always helps.





The Demon's Covenant by Sarah Rees Brennan : Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits
Because behind all the magic and, er, fighting, Sarah's books are really an incredibly touching story about two brothers.



Delirium by Lauren Oliver : Into Dust by Mazzy Star
This song doesn't so much tie in with the story rather than reflect Oliver's dreamlike prose and the themes of the title: losing yourself, losing love, losing reality.



....and finally....

Struts and Frets by Jon Skovron : Same Jeans by The View
There are so many songs in Struts and Frets that I could have chosen from (the book comes with it's own, exceptionally good, playlist) but in the end this was the one that summed up the book for me - enjoy!



I warned you it had gotten a bit out of hand... what can I say, the temptation to inflict both my musical and reading tastes proved too much.  I'd love to do another post like this, but with YOUR suggestions - leave them in the comments and if I get enough, I'll do this all over again.

If you want to read more about Struts and Frets (and you really should) then head to the next spot on the blog tour tomorrow, hosted by lovely Carla at The Crooked Shelf

Comments

CarlyB said…
This is such a great post - I love The Cave for Chaos Walking!x
Lauren said…
You've mentioned a few tracks here I absolutely adore, which means I'm now feeling the need to check out the ones I don't know. I'm reading Going Too Far right now and that's such a good match.

Loving the Struts and Frets tour. Good stuff.
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