Forsgren: Music to Watch the Stars By - East Idaho News
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Forsgren: Music to Watch the Stars By

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stargazers

Do you know why alien abductions don’t occur during the winter? Cuz it’s too cold for anyone to be outside running around. But summertime? That’s a whole other ball of wax.

I’m a huge fan of stargazing. I love looking up at the sky, wondering what’s up there and pondering whether I’ll ever understand how we all got here and what the purpose of the universe might be. Summer is the perfect time for stargazing because it’s not too cold and skies are dark and clear.

milky_way

Of course, sitting outside staring up at the skies makes you prime bait for aliens to pop out and snag you, so it helps to have some stuff around to scare the visitors or mess with their senses. Most folks prefer bonfires, not only because aliens don’t tolerate flames very well, but also because fires lead to weenie roasting and s’more snacking.

Fire doesn’t work for me, though, because I want the maximum amount of darkness possible. I prefer music, because the sonic qualities of Earth music disrupt extraterrestrial brain waves. On top of that, the right music spurs thought and helps get me in a cosmic kind of mood. Here are a few favorite tracks for sitting out under the big night sky.

”Stars” by Hum

This glorious piece of guitar pop features some pretty chunky riffs, and the melody gets in your head and just lives there. There are plenty of loud-to-soft-to-loud sonic dynamics to keep your ears interested (and tick off any abduction-minded aliens). “Stars” is a perfect mixture of slacker pop and guitar-driven heaviness. And you’ll be singing along by the second or third time you listen.

”Subterranean Homesick Alien” by Radiohead

Thom Yorke’s ethereal vocal delivery just begs to be accompanied by deep thoughts about the origin of the universe or whatever dark matter and dark energy are. Plus, this song details an abduction, so playing this tune will let the aliens know you know what’s up. And if they’ve ever seen “Independence Day”, the aliens know they’re toast once we humans know what’s up.

The Theme from The Original “Star Trek” Series

For spurring thoughts of the possibilities interstellar space might hold or what might be out there, you can’t go wrong with the theme from one of science-fiction’s greatest television series. Plus, the alien douse their drawers in fears when that lady starts wailing.

”Starlight” by Weezer

This song is especially fitting if you’re sitting on a sand dune with someone special. Someone who has that light from the stars shining from her/his smile.

”On My Way” by Galaktikon

Because every good playlist needs a little heavy-rocking metal. And because the visitors from the stars HATE raging metal riffs and wailing shred guitar solos.

”February Stars” by Foo Fighters

This is a pretty contemplative song, a song that makes you think about who you are and what you’re supposed to be doing with your life, at least that’s how I feel. And that tone is a perfect companion for staring up into eternity and pondering your place in it. Plus the shift from the softer, mellow opening of the song to the blazing guitars and powerful vocals (Dave Grohl is pretty awesome!) might just scare off the aliens.

”Stardust” by Harry Connick

This shimmering, jewel-like melody is Connick’s take on an old standard. Like other tunes on this list, it allows for contemplation. It’s a song that, if you allow it to, may even lead you to answers to big questions. Plus, it’s just such a pretty song and it’s the perfect mellow capper for a night of looking at the stars.

(Note: The author is skeptical about the alien abduction phenomenon and will remain skeptical until he is presented with irrefutable evidence. But he needed a good opening hook, and aliens are a pretty handy framing device.)

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