BY MIKEY MIGO
Some groups of people believed the world would come to an end at many different milestones in the past. So far, they've been wrong. There are even people out there who think the world is going to end in 2012. I'd like to say they're wrong as well and that we have infinite generations to breed and to pass existence on to. But you never know.
The "end of the world" or the apocalypse is one of those mythical and darker subjects to think of, discuss, and to illustrate. I've always had a weird fascination with the topic. Since I can remember I had dreams about it in my sleep. I'm sure there's some psychological reasoning behind it, but it's always stuck with me. At the same time I've always enjoyed a good "apocalypse" flick. I normally watch just about all of them, from "Mad Max" to "Doomsday" and "Terminator 2" to dozens more in between. I didn't make this personal connection until this past week.
From there I realized the same goes for music. I love me a good "end of the world" tune. I started rattling off the dozens of songs pertaining to the topic and realized it would make for an interesting list. The cool thing about this topic is that it's pretty wide open for interpretation and creativity. Here are ten of my favorite songs about the end of the world.
"It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" by R.E.M.
I brought up my topic to a few people before jumping into it and they all instantly said THIS song. Yes, it's obvious and that's why it's first. I'm getting it out of the way. "That's great…It starts with an earthquake" and then a lot of words and old celebrity references fill in the gap until "It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine". I've always appreciated R.E.M., but never got into their work enough to really consider myself a "real fan". It's a rambley ramble of thoughts in a light hearted and happy view of it being the "end of the world". You know this song and odds are you've enjoyed it at least once in your life.
"Five Years" by David Bowie
This classic Bowie track tells the story of having only five years left. I'm a huge Bowie fan and I'd say this is probably one of my top ten favorite Bowie tracks. I enjoy the simplistic use of rhyme here like "Five Years. My brain hurts a lot. Five Years. That's all we got." I could be wrong but with the reoccurring themes in "Changes", "Time", and a handful or two of other songs, I'd think the perspective of this one is to "capitalize on time". Now if only Mr. Bowie would do just that and give us another album or five.
"When the Music's Over" by The Doors
Here we have one of the most underappreciated tracks of The Doors. This one is easily a "Greatest Hit" based on its epic "badass-ness". I could have gone with "The End" and took the easy way out, but this is the song I'd rather hear at the end. Morrison gives a passionate performance while appearing to be lost in his own clouds of consciousness. This just might be my favorite song on this entire list.
"Aenema" by Tool
"Some say the end is near. Some say we'll see Armageddon soon. I certainly hope we will" are pretty strong words to start a song with. The video is a bit creepy, but with the tone of the lyrics and just the normal Tool vibe it's to be expected. This is one of Tool's most famous tracks and with good reason, it's fucking awesome.
"99 Luftballons" by Nena
It's not every day I find an excuse to rock out to "99 Red Balloons". I remember this song from when I was a kid but had no idea what it was about. It's catchy as hell and who doesn't enjoy a good red balloon? The song is about anti-war and anti-oppression, but has some pretty cryptic lyrics in there when you check out the translation.
"The Day the Whole World Went Away" by Nine Inch Nails
This song was recently used in the Terminator Salvation trailer, but I don't believe it's in the movie. Being the fan boy that I am for NIN, this is the song on the list that I've listened to the most. I could have gone with a handful of NIN songs, especially from the Year Zero album, but instead went with this 1999 track from "Fragile". I pick this one because it's just a beautiful track and has a very simplistic feel to it that I'd want to assume would be the same broken down feeling one would have at "the end".
"Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival (covered by Rasputina)
I went with the cover over the original here because if you watch the video you'll see that this version has A LOT more passion behind it. I like CCR like any other red blooded human being, but Rasputina owns this shit. The vocals are sung beautifully and they play cellos! What more can you ask for?
"Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden
This song, "Blow Up The Outside", "Jesus Christ Pose", and "Spoonman" are what brought me into the world of Soundgarden. With those key ingredients and the rest of their discography, you're in for a hearty meal of awesomeness. The idea behind this one is seemingly hope that the "black hole sun" comes to wash away the mediocrity and normality of everyday life. I'm probably completely wrong, but good art is subjective to begin with.
"Apocalypse Please" by Muse
I remember when Muse was a little known band that rocked out to a core audience. Now they're beloved by most rock enthusiasts and it's about time. Muse is another band who has covered the apocalypse topic many times over in the past, but this one is just THAT much more rocktastic. It's an epic outpour of emotion, which is what you should expect from such a band. There's more to them than "Knights" and "Supermassive", folks. Recognize this greatness before the world ends. I wouldn't want you to miss out.
"1999" by Prince
The 411: He was dreaming when he wrote this, so forgive him if it goes astray.' If there's a horrible dilemma of life as we know it ending tomorrow, I'm going to take my ass up to Paisley Park. Because dammit, if the world is going to end I want it to be in Prince's vision. I'm talking a big purple sky, doves, and a huge party.
Disclaimer: Don't take this list so seriously. This is random songs that I specifically have heard and recall. There are probably a few hundred more songs about the same topic that I could have spent hours researching and calculating to compile the perfect list. What's the fun in that? The point isn't to present my opinions and occasional lists as the end all be all, but to spark conversation or in the least your own thoughts about the topic at hand. I figured this was obvious, but with the hostile responses over my lists in the past it's sadly something I had to go over. (Again)
That being said, what are some of YOUR favorite songs about the apocalypse?
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