Heres an interesting phenomenon: you meditate on an idea in your head and realize after careful consideration that you actually have two completely separate and conflicting views on the subject. I realized this exact thing while working on this playlist.
The Solar System is such a totally bizarre and abstract thing in our lives that it has created, at least in my mind, two completely separate spheres.
On one hand, the very space we live in is Fantastic. Literally otherworldly- a place where the Green Lantern lives in castles floating in space and mythological creatures and heros ride the cosmic wind in circles around us. This version of the Solar System is Kitschy. Kids wrapped in aluminum foil with fish bowls for helmets can traverse its depths. Ziggy Stardust, Luke Skywalker, Buzz Lightyear and Dr Dave Bowman have all passed through and left little bits of fantasy in their asterisms. This Solar System reminds me of the sheets on my bed as a child and always wondering what it would be like to float in space.
The other Solar System is one that starts long before and ends long after we can possibly imagine, a telescopic idea that stretches from nothingness to infinity. This is the space we share with the Greeks, the Aztec, and the Far Eastern scholars who unlocked its mysteries far before western science began to classify it. As a historical tool, the Solar System is always there to remind us of our own finite place in the great shift of life. Understanding its movements gives us solace, a temporary catalog of the great seemingly-immortal giants dancing in orbit around us.
SO! Because I had such different views of the Solar System- I made two separate Mixtapes to celebrate each idea. The first is the kitschy, laid back, impressionistic view of the Solar System. The tracks share the names (for the most part) with the heavenly bodies. I tried to keep this one whimsical and at the same time weird. Sci-Fi Fantasy. Extra-Terrestrial Realism.
The second one expounds on the depth, scope, and magnitude of the Solar System. The titles do not directly reflect the bodies but I tried to match the theme of the planet or body with the theme of the song. This mixtape is almost solely comprised of Post-Rock. Post-Rock is a music genre that developed in the late 80s to early 90s. Notable bands include Godspeed! You Black Emperor, Tortoise, Slint, Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai and Sigur Ros. Generally Post-Rock is noted for its lack of vocals (for the most part) and its varying styles. Basically Post-Rock is the anti-consumer, anti-radio brother of rock and roll. Instead of verses and choruses it utilizes long meandering song structures that range from the slow build, to the gentle ragga, to the all out long rocking blast. Generally the songs are long. Usually they incorporate elements of classical, metal, jazz, and improv.
I can't decide which one I like better.
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