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Magical Music

DracoandtheMalfoys-CheattoWin Draco and the Malfoys released a new single today and the promise of their first new studio album in almost five years. I’ve only listened to the single six times now 😉 There’s something so thrilling about the prospect of new Wizard Rock. I don’t like to say that it’s dead, because art doesn’t ever die. But it certainly isn’t as popular as once it was. Only a couple touring groups came to my town last year, for example.

“Faced with two choices–To die or to sin–
You know we would all cheat to win.”
~Draco & the Malfoys, Cheat to Win

 

Cheat to Win isn’t necessarily my style, musically, but I really like it. It’s catchy and, well, speaks a bit of truth. I’m a rule-following Hufflepuff. Not all Hufflepuffs are as anal about rules as I am, but I hold the concept of fairness to all above almost everything else in this world (note to self: remember to grab that Nelson Mandela book out of the car before the next snow/ice storm hits tonight). So, no, I would NOT cheat to win at most things. But if it’s a matter of cheating or dying, heck year I’m going to choose cheating. But it brings up the question: why do I like this song so much, even if the underlying Slytherin concept in it is against the core of who I am as a person?

“We’re not always well-behaved, we don’t always do what’s right
We’re really good kissers, but I must warn we bite.”
~Swish and Flick, SLY in Slytherin

 

And it’s not just this song, either. I’m completely guilty of jumping up and down and shouting “Gryffindor” at Ministry of Magic concerts when Gryffindor Rally Cry is played. I could not have bought Swish and Flick’s album fast enough and I listen to its Slytherin songs far more than the Hufflepuff in me is willing to admit. So, yeah, my WRock playlist has its fill of JFF and Oliver Boyd songs. But you’ll also find Draco & the Malfoys and the Parselmouths popping up just as often. Why is that?

“Fools underestimate me; I am a woman.
I’m more pure than you’ll ever contemplate
There’s no denying fate.
You’re just jealous about my purpose.
It’s not my fault that your blood
Leaves you second-rate.”
~Snidget, Bella

 

One of the things I like most about fan creations is getting to see someone else’s interpretation and passion for something I love. We all come at fandom with a shared understanding of canon. But the way individuals and fanon interpret it is not just fascinating but appealing to me. I love reading fanfic that shows me a brand new angle on characters I already love. I love going to meetup discussions with people who have different thoughts, viewpoints, and interpretations. And I adore fandom music that makes me feel different things. Most WRock is just plain fun–not deep, not life-changing. And I have a special place in my heart for the music that speaks right to me, completely in-line with my thoughts and favorite things about the characters and story. But when a song is actually able to convert me for 2-5 minutes into another person, to let me see things from a different point of view, and to let me rejoice in some of the values I don’t even share, that’s true magic right there.

Mix Yourself–Fandom Edition!

Recently I joined a swap-bot swap in which we were tasked with assembling 10 songs into a playlist that represent us, based on certain requirements. I thought I did a rather good job of it: Mix Yourself!

I must admit that I did have a difficult time not including any fandom songs in the list. I had to settle for Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” instead of the Ministry of Magic’s “Dance Time,” for example. So, I decided to create a second version of this playlist, including just fandom songs. Here is the result: Mix Yourself–Fandom Edition!

I’m slightly disappointed that so many turned out to be Harry Potter songs–not because I don’t love them (obviously I do, or I wouldn’t have put them on my list) but because I have so much fandom music and its a shame there’s no Sherlock, Hunger Games, or even Doctor Who music on this list. But I was limited to songs that best represented these categories.

Please note that these songs may contain spoilers!

1. A song that makes you happy
(Harry Potter) Just a Hufflepuff by Oliver Boyd & The Remenbralls

2. A song that reminds you of something sad
(Supernatural) I’m Okay by Elizabeth Smart

3. A song that is your guilty pleasure
(LOST) Mr. Eko by the Oceanic Six

4. A song you liked when you were younger
(Harry Potter) 99 Death Eaters by Draco & the Malfoys

5. A song that makes you want to dance
(Harry Potter) Dance Time by the Ministry of Magic

6. A song that reminds you of your favourite season
(Harry Potter) Candle in the Window by Tonks and the Aurors

7. A song people wouldn’t expect you to like
(Harry Potter) Astoria Greengrass and the Pure-Blood Prince by Swish and Flick

8. A song you’re currently obsessed with
(The Hobbit) I See Fire by Ed Sheeran

9. A song that you never get tired of
(Supernatural) Tuesday by SPN Guitarwriter

10. A song that you think everybody should listen to
(Harry Potter) It’s Real for Us by Lauren Fairweather