WORLD BOOK DAY
To celebrate World Book Day we look at 10 songs that have been based on literature.
Wuthering Heights - Kate Bush
An obvious choice, but a great one none the less. The songs encapsulates Cathy's childish and haunting obsession, with Kate's mature lyrics and complex music it's a stunning paean to Brontë's novel.
Eurythmics – Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty-Four)
The duo wrote the entire score for Michael Radfords film, but it's this song that stands out from the soundtrack. For those of you familiar with Orwell's Newspeak the song takes on whole new meaning. For those who don't, it's a stonking 80s dance track.
The Shining - Black Sabbath
Loosely based on Steven King's story the song creates a creepy and terrifying atmosphere of a decent into insanity with Tony Martin offering a macabre and haunting vocal to boot.
The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner -Iron Maiden
An epic track by the mighty Maiden. Steve Harris has taken the lyrics from the Coleridge poem and put down a juggernaut of a musical backing to go with it.
Tales Of Brave Ulysses -Cream
Martin Sharp drew inspiration from Homer's Odyssey for this Cream track. The tracks memorable riff and Clapton's use of the Wah Wah peddle create the atmosphere of adventure and peril.
Romeo and Juliet -Dire Straits
We all know how this story ends, but Mark Knopfler and co add a sensibility and naivety to the story of the star crossed lovers.
Goodbye Yellowbrick Road - Elton John
With the odd nod to the Wizard of Oz, this Elton John song carries the spirit of Dorothy's story: The grass isn't always greener and it's sometimes best to stick with what you know.
Love Song For A Vampire - Annie Lennox
Written for Bram Stokers Dracula, Annie Lennox based this on the novels of Anne Rice, giving sensitivity towards the vampires curse. A brilliant juxtaposition to Stoker's demonic creation.
Space Oddity - David Bowie
Inspired by Arthur C Clarkes 2001 and heralding mans first steps on the moon. (It was released 9 days before Armstrong touched down) a perfect example of Bowie's futuristic projections meeting Sci Fi's dreams and breakthroughs in science summed up in 3.34 minutes.
Banga - Patti Smith
The well read Patti Smith took inspiration from Russian literature for her album Banga. The title track is inspired by a minor character in Mikhail Bulgakov's novel "The Master and Margarita."