So the big day is tomorrow … tomorrow afternoon, to be precise.
And as I drive towards the line of totality, I think to myself about what kind of a soundtrack I could craft in terms of music for an eclipse.ย Especially one as special as this one.
So crank up the speakers, here’s a K-Chuck Radio featuring songs about sunshine, moonlight, and eclipses.ย And let’s start with the obvious track…
BONNIE TYLER
Total Eclipse of the Heart
Here it is, in its nearly seven minute glory.ย Gotta give Jim Steinman credit, he can craft AOR rock ballad masterpieces with the best of them.
MADNESS
The Sun and the Rain
Here’s what I want.ย Lots of sunshine and no rain.ย No rain at all.
BLIND MELON
No Rain
Yeah.ย Like I said, no rain.ย No rain at all.
DRAGON
Sunshine
Yes, I need a sunshine-like track from my favorite Kiwi / Oz Rock band.ย You know I do.
ERIC CARMEN
Sunrise
Somewhere inbetween his Rachmaninoff riffs and his sweeping ballads, Eric Carman sounds awesome when he channels his original power-pop Raspberries heritage.ย Like this track, for instance.
LEN
Steal My Sunshine
Look, if I can get a chance to channel the 1970’s Andrea True Connection riff, I’ll do it.ย Even for a one-hit wonder like Len.
JOHN DENVER
Sunshine On My Shoulders
There was once a time when John Denver’s music was so square, it could be divided by four.ย Thankfully, today John Denver’s tracks – including this one – have a new appreciation.ย Which is always a wonderful thing.
THE SUNRAYS
I Live for the Sun
Think about this.ย This was the band Brian Wilson’s father Murry managed when the Beach Boys fired him as THEIR manager.ย One hit that barely sounds like a Beach Boys out-take.
SMASH MOUTH
Walking on the Sun
Yes, I put Smash Mouth on this playlist.ย Keep things going, and I’ll add some Nickelback.ย Don’t call my bluff.
SOUNDGARDEN
Black Hole Sun
I mean, technically, doesn’t an eclipse create a black hole in the sun?ย You’re still missed, Chris Cornell.ย Any world where Chris Cornell and Kurt Cobain isn’t alive – and Courtney Love is – is a miserable world.
THE GRATEFUL DEAD
Dark Star (Beautiful Jam)
And let’s end our playlist with this totally amazing 21-minute sonic jam by the legends themselves. No more words.
Enjoy the eclipse on Monday, with a soundtrack brought to you by sunbeams at K-Chuck Radio.
Chuck The Writer 