065: Sad Melodies

1 Music Animation - 1 Songlist - 1 Video

1.

The Raft of the Medusa — music and animation by Polyester City

From the Community

This week's contribution from the community is

Peter Blasevick

’s interpretation of the 17th century painting by Théodore Géricault, The Raft of Medusa (👇🏽).

The Raft of Medusa by Théodore Géricault

For more context about this particular animated piece and music, I highly recommend having a read of the original post below (👇🏽). In each of

Polyester City

's music-animation pieces, I experience so much of Peter himself. The way the artwork is perceived through his own lens, and what it is that touches his own humanity. His keen experimentation with sounds, beats, and melodies is child-like and innocent, yet skillful and intentional.

Episode 005: The Raft of the Medusa

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2.

Sad Songlist — feat. The Divine Comedy, Father John Misty and Revere

From the Internet

Peter's expression of The Raft of Medusa captured the tragic sadness of the ship's fate... and, for some reason, something else that feels more modern and relatable (to me, who isn't from the 1800's and has never sailed a ship).

A kind of reminiscent mood that calls back to the middle-teen years when you're just a ball of emotions and you don't really know what to do with yourself. Then, you grow out of that somewhat into your early twenties, and things are just as tragic but you have a sense of humour about it - just about.

I curated for you a 'Sad Songlist' to inspire this mood. I invite you to give yourself some freedom to relish in the melancholic melody. At the same time, pay close attention to the lyrical comedy. Perhaps, somewhere in between, we can appreciate and love the tragedy.

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3.

Run a Red Light — music video (BBC 6 Music Live) with Everything but the Girl

From the Library

Since we're now well and truly in this indulgent melancholic mood...

I don't have a great deal to add about this live performance from Everything But The Girl's killer comeback album. It kind of makes me feel like a heartbroken, sad robot*... and I kind of like that?

*Oxymoron of the week.

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🖼 GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING 🖼

Speaking of art, and sad things.

I wanted to recommend Tracy Chavalier's novel "Girl With a Pearl Earring", which imagines the story behind this mysterious painting of the same title.

I think it gives the same vibes we've been exploring in this post. I also happen to have some personal experiences that have become associated with memories of reading this book. I'd share, but it's truly boring. Just read the book.