by Jim Jepps

After musing about whether there is much (any?) speculative fiction poetry I got to wondering what my “top ten” tunes for sci-fi or fantasy would be. Sadly this means making one of those numbered lists that click bate websites churn out constantly for the sake of precious hits. All in the name of fun, the shame of it. At least it’s on one page so you don’t have to click next for each one (how annoying is that!).

Anyway – this is all good stuff; enjoy.

 

10: Grendel – Marillion

The true story of a mother who lost her son at the hands of a brutish viking. This live version is a bit short at just over eighteen minutes, but you can’t rush these things. I think this is what you call ‘old school’.

 

9: The Automatic – Monster

Yes. The monster is in us. We lurk around the corner, it is life and life is danger. It’s coming over the hill, let’s hope we never get here. Aargh!

 

8: I put a spell on you – Screamin Jay Hawkins

I challenge you to watch this video and not be disturbed. And once you’re done being disturbed about one thing you realise there’s a whole load of other things to get disturbed by. That’s voodoo for you.

 

7: Moonglum – Hawkwind

Ah, the tragic tale of Moonglum. Not only did Michael Moorcock describe him as the “cheerfully ugly” sidekick to Elric, Moonglum also ended his days at the hands of his best friend in a misguided attempt to assist him but only ended up giving his soul to the dark. Nasty, but Hawkwind makes the best of a bad lot.

 

6: I Lost My Heart To A Starship Trooper” – Sarah Brightman and the Hot Gossip

This one would have come top except for that line about Darth Vader being exiled to Mars. Mars? Mars! Mars. Anyway, in the old days this was the future we were looking forward to. Now you know why old people always look so disappointed.

 

5: Tim McGuire – Leon Rosselson

Tim McGuire had one ambition – to burn the office down. It was all bound to end badly in a ball of lovely fire. This version apparently inspired The Progidy’s “Fire Starter”, at least that’s what I’ve heard.

 

4: Pigman – Subhumans

Let’s get to horror shall we? Just a bit of fair warning – the Pig Man’s coming, you may, at some point, want to lock up your daughter. You may also need to check the back of your album sleeve for the lyrics to this one as it comes from a genre of music where passion trumped clarity every time.

 

3: Little Shop Of Horrors – Mean Green Mother From Outer Space

What’s the betting that when the end of the world comes it will all have started in a florists? There’s an odds on chance I reckon.

 

2: Where’s Captain Kirk – Spizzenergi

I defy you to listen to this punk classic without smiling and then having a quick pogo. You better be quick though because like all the best songs of the era this is a mere two minutes and twenty seconds long. Marillion would be horrified.

 

1: Magic Dance – David Bowie

Jump the magic jump! Dance the magic dance! Then baby said… oh man, he’s missed his queue again! Line!