INTRODUCTION
Music
has always had a strong pull for me. Right from the moment I wrote my first novel as a 15 year old, I have used songs as a way of understanding my characters and getting into and developing their emotional lives. Songs in themselves tell stories - frequently of deeply or strongly held feelings and I harness the resonances in lyrics and music as part of my creative process. I had popular music soundtracks to my novels long before film makers started using them regularly in blockbusters, on TV and to sell cars and insurance! Indeed, I was rather miffed when the Heath Ledger film A Knight's Tale came out, because it had pinched my way of marrying the medieval story with the Medium of the rock song!

People are often surprised to know that I use such contemporary music to inspire my novels, but it's my opinion that society changes, not people. The lyrics in a song such as Cat Stevens' Father and Son is as relevant to the Middle Ages as it is to today, juxtaposing as it does, the impatience and fire of youth with the tolerance and knowledge of maturity and slowing down.
My tastes are eclectic, although I tend not to go for opera, rap or hip-hop. I have a weakness for guitar-driven metal and rock in most of its incarnations. I own most of Bruce Springsteen's albums. I was a fan of Bryan Adams long, long, long before he performed the theme to the Kevin Costner Robin Hood film. As a teen my favourites included the aforementioned Cat Stevens, David Bowie, Steely Dan, Bad Company, Eric Clapton, Amazing Blondel, Stevie Wonder and Joan Baez - eclectic as I say! Those favourites have been joined by (to name but a few) Tori Amos, Anberlin, Nightwish, Grey Eye Glances, Seether, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Apocalyptica and Loreena McKennit.


To cut to the chase. I have created this blog to list the soundtracks I have used in my various novels and explain without getting too spoilerish for those of you who haven't read the books, why those tracks have been chosen. I've included some urls to Youtube so that you can hear some of the songs that have helped me on my way to creating my characters and scenarios.


Sunday, June 2

THE SUMMER QUEEN


Not all of the tracks have links if I haven't been able to find them, but the majority of them do.


.1. EAGLE by Abba  - This is Alienor’s totem motif throughout the novel.  The opener and the closer.  Imagine a white gyrfalcon, wings outspread.
EAGLE - ABBA

2. ONLY ONE REASON by All About Eve Alienor’s relationship with her father.  From the album Scarlet and Other Stories.

3 .THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE – Matt CardleThe impact Eleanor has on Louis the first time he sets eyes on her.  THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE    Because of what comes later and the changes,  I wanted the pure feeling at the outset to come through.

4. PRAISE FOR THE MOTHER – Richard Souther. This is the music of Hildegard of Bingen given a modern twist.  This stands for the wedding and the relationship afterwards between Louis and Alienor when they were close.  The element of female religious mysticism is deliberate. I was also thinking of the crystal vase that Alienor gave Louis at their wedding.PRAISE FOR THE MOTHER - RICHARD SOUTHER


5. SECRET GARDEN –  Tom Cochrane and Damhnait Doyle – Louis wanting more of Eleanor but he never quite understands her and is frustrated that she eludes him. 

6. SEX ON FIRE – Kings of Leon -  This is the highly charged sexual courtship of two important secondary characters.  SEX ON FIRE - KINGS OF LEON

7. IF SHE KNEW WHAT SHE WANTS – The Bangles.   This is about an unstable and flighty female character and her male partner, and defines their relationship. IF SHE KNEW WHAT SHE WANTS - THE BANGLES

8. CRUCIFY – Tori Amos.  Alienor's sister gets into trouble and the crap hits the fan.

9. LITTLE EARTHQUAKES – Tori Amos.  Another terrific Tori Amos track. The aftermath of shock when Alienor discovers her sister has been indiscreet, It is also about a traumatic personal event and the effect it has on the relationship between Alienor and Louis.
LITTLE EARTHQUAKES - TORI AMOS


10. BLOW – Atreyu.  Standing for Louis’ horrendous tempers. This is loud and raw and very angry. Warning - explicit lyrics!
BLOW - ATREYU

11. ONE – COWBOY JUNKIES  This is the continued deterioration of Alienor and Louis’ marriage.  ONE - COWBOY JUNKIES

12. CHEVALIER MULT ESTES GUARIZ – Early Music Consort of London -  A crusading song made up at the time Louis VII went to the Holy Land.  It basically says that whoever goes with Louis to the Holy Land need not fear death!

13. DON’T PAY THE FERRYMAN – Chris de Burgh.  The journey through various lands on the 3rd crusade and the dangers.
DON'T PAY THE FERRYMAN - CHRIS DE BURGH

14. AIN’T NOBODY – Claire Maguire.  The relationship between Eleanor and someone else.


15  VISION (Oh Euachari in Leta Via) – Richard Souther.   The music of Hildegard of Bingen.  This is Constantinople and  Antioch, the glory and beautiful of the monuments and Alienor’s own spirituality.
OH EUACHARI IN LETA VIA - RICHARD SOUTHER
  
16. I’M ON FIRE – Bruce Springsteen.   No comment as it really would spoil the novel if you haven't read itI'M ON FIRE - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN!


18. WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU’RE GOING? – Dire Straits.  Louis preventing Alienor from doing what she wants.
WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING? DIRE STRAITS

19.  I’M OUT OF LOVE – Anastacia -  Alienor preparing to move on.
I'M OUTTA LOVE - ANASTACIA

20. OUT OF THE RUINS – Brian Houston – Alienor and Louis’ divorce – more bird imagery here.  The phoenix and the eagle.  Perfect lyrics.  I love Brian Houston.  On the same page as Bruce Springsteen. Click here to listen Out of the Ruins

21. SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW – Gotye – Yes, that annoying song, but it so describes Louis’ emotions at the time of the divorce.SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW - GOTYE

22. I DON’T WANNA LOSE YOU – Tina Turner.  Alienor’s feelings about Henry II as she first observes him and then becomes attracted to him.
I DON'T WANNA LOSE YOU - TINA TURNER

23. SOMETIMES WHEN WE TOUCH – Bonnie Tyler – The relationship between Henry and Alienor – intense and a little painful, and hinting at difficulties to come.

24. BLEEDING LOVE – LEONA LEWIS.  A theme that’s going to build throughout the novels.   Alienor’s feelings for Henry.  She loves him but it’s self-destructive.
BLEEDING LOVE - LEONA LEWIS

25.  DO YOU WANT THE TRUTH OR SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL? – Paloma Faith.  About the life of Alienor of Aquitaine in the hands of the storyteller and the eyes of the reader.  Who was she really?

26. Eagle – Abba.  We start as we finish with the Eagle motif.









Wednesday, May 4

LADY OF THE ENGLISH

The soundtrack for Lady of the English.



1. Wind & Geige by Faun Wind & Geige by Faun
This is the Empress returning from Germany and involves pitching a tent on a windy evening!

2. Wire 2 Wire by Razorlight. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwRNvpGydzw
This is the Empress and is about her relationship with a baron called Brian FitzCount.

3. Die For You by Megan McCauley http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDctC82umBk
The Empress and her relationship with her young husband Geoffrey le Bel.  It's about erotic attraction, control and hatred.

4.Ophelia - Natalie Merchant. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w0HArmTuVs
This is about Adeliza and the way she hides herself to deal with what life demands of her.

5. Diamonds and Rust - Joan Baez http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtQh0EBbPwo
This is about the Empress meeting up with Brian FitzCount some time after her marriage.  Wistful yearning.  What might have been.

6. Closer to Believing - Greg Lake http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWzC1dnJsuw   This is Brian FitzCount's impression of the Empress

7. Into the Fire - Thirteen Senses http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfEcDZn71bs  William D'Albini asking Adeliza to marry him in the nunnery at Wilton


8 10th Man Down - Nightwish. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaEY7Z3QsOA  A warfare theme.  Nightwish are favourites of mine!

9 You Stay Here - Richard Shindell http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yji5dhjf2jI   The aftermath of war for the losers. The danger, the hiding, the horror of warfare.

10 I walk alone - Tarja. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xBsyonp_ok   The Empress Matilda escaping through the snow on a freezing December night.  Her despair, her anger, her lonelieness

11 Everything I need - Big Country http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aVZoUtzKQg
Brian FitzCount and William D'Albini thinking of the women they love.

12. Madonna - Jude.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z938jGpSWgs  Will D'Albini coming home to his wife after a hard battle.  It also fits in with his earlier feelings about her and also applies later on.  I suppose it's a main theme of their relationship.

13. Bittersweet - Apopcalyptica -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi1ArEPKlu0  This is Brian FitzCount towards the end of the novel when he makes his big decision.

14 The Gift - Seether - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YRuI7taIRI  Another one about Brian making his decision.

15.Overcome - Live http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XzJYjZ6Cio  More Brian and about redemption and resolution.

16. Regina Mundi - Monks of the Abbey of Notre Dame. No audio, but Gregorian chant.  Concerned with Brian.

17. Breathe No More - Evanessence http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH_EJo5MFR8  This is Adeliza during a time of uncertainty and physical frailty.

18. If God Could Talk - Meat Loaf.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4lGJa_HPuE
Will and Adeliza as they discuss their future.  This song fits perfectly.

19 The Feathers, the Bones and the Shells - Beth Nielsen Chapman.  This is the only version of the song I can find on Youtube, but the version I have on my home soundtrack is the Nielsen Chapman one. It's about the situation between William D'Albini and Adeliza. The lyrics suit beautifully. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6wQqRDYDTI

20 Red Badge of Courage - Brian Houston - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gV_sl6g2cU
This is the grand finale that describes both Adeliza and Matilda.

Friday, March 12

TO DEFY A KING

I've put up the soundtrack to TO DEFY A KING. I'm not explaining the track lyrics just yet, I'll leave you guessing for a couple of months, but these songs tell via their lyrics, music and resonance, the novel's themes. They encapsulate some of the scenes and the wider storyline. As usual, it's an eclectic mix, but I found rock band Seether and Nick Cave particularly evocative for this one and there are several songs from both. Some of the videos may not suit, but just listen to the music and words and see what you can guess from it!


1. Crow on the Cradle - Show of Hands.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjyzyaV4wG8

2. Adam Raised a Cain - Bruce Springsteen

3. Another Springsteen - Murder Incorporated


4 Wicked Game - Stone Sour
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmp2bmpniQI


5. Twist and Shout - Chaka Demus and Pliers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x90NoBIW87Q

6. I touch Myself - Divynls
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SszHoW5ogNs

7. Just Like a Woman - Bob Dylan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6drO8mQnuPE&feature=related

8. Amoreuse - Kiki Dee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41DuuWJUB1I

9. Breathless - Nick Cave and the Bad seeds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASWJi06PTyk

10. The Great Beyond - REM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKbBiR89KSo

11. Fake It - Seether
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoRYsGZ7ApA

12. Nos Da Cariad - David Gray
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya9f2M5ttGc&feature=fvw

13. If you tolerate this - Manic Street Preachers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWu-QOVekeU

14. 9 Crimes - Damien Rice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOmdmO0v1oo

15. If Looks Could Kill - Heart
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZQPGBrAMvA

16. Babe You Turn Me On - Nick Cave
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=153eVrWYguM

17. Rise Above This - Seether
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3La-qvOiSw

18. Sisters are Doing It For Themselves - Annie Lennox and Aretha Franklin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPYlxFopUII

19. Bring it On - Nick Cave And the Bad Seeds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elaHaLl8T1k

20 Secret Garden - Damhnait and Doyle (Springsteen version here)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu5-eStb89Y

21. Never Leave - Seether
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps1Hncu2-dA

22. Broken - Seether featuring Amy Lee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5JU5NpdBW4

23. Make This Go On Forever - Snow Patrol


24. You Want to Make Memory - Jon Bon Jovi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRHJO8LQFWo






Tuesday, June 17

THE TIME OF SINGING/FOR THE KING'S FAVOR

THE TIME OF SINGING/FOR THE KING'S FAVOR (USA TITLE).
Based on the true story of a dispossessed young lord and the mistress of a king.


I've linked many of the tracks to urls at Youtube. Not all of the video content is appropriate to what I had in mind, but the songs themselves are all very relevant and will give readers an idea - I hope!


1. NOTHING ELSE MATTERS - Apocalyptica
This song runs as a general theme throughout the novel and will appear again further down the list. It's bittersweet and this
instrumental version is perfect for starting off the story of Roger Bigod and Ida de Tosney as their lives undergo dramatic changes and they have to find ways of dealing with them.
http://tinyurl.com/34nkdv

2 THE PROMISED LAND - Bruce Springsteen
Roger's viewpoint as he faces up to his father. His feelings of desperation and anger. His grit to do something about his situation, especially the last verse. 'I've packed my bags and I'm heading straight into the storm. Gonna be a twister to blow everything down that ain't got the faith to stand its ground.'
http://tinyurl.com/6ybqxx

3. PRAYER OF THE REFUGEE - Rise Against Roger burns his bridges and goes to his uncle's camp on the eve of the Battle of Fornham. http://tinyurl.com/vq2ol

4. THE MONSTER IS LOOSE - Meat Loaf The Battle of Fornham. Roger's confrontation with his father.
http://tinyurl.com/4kg5o7

5. BEAUTIFUL GIRL - INXS Henry II sets eyes on Ida de Tosney and her vulnerable innocence is irresistable to him.
http://tinyurl.com/5hxtur

6. THE MAN WITH THE CHILD IN HIS EYES - Kate Bush
Ida encounters Roger at court and falls for his mixture of strength and shyness.
http://tinyurl.com/yv3tpm

7. A GOOD HEART - Feargal Sharkey Roger is attracted to Ida but is very wary of committment and knows that he is playing with fire because she is the King's mistress.
http://tinyurl.com/3udfa5

8. SWEET SIXTEEN - Billy Idol King Henry's relationship with Ida and wanting to hang on to her even though she goes through changes and he eventually lets her go.
http://tinyurl.com/yw4m4r
9. LOVE IS ONLY A FEELING - The Darkness Roger's feelings towards Ida longterm and beyond the novel and into the follow up I'm writing.
http://tinyurl.com/23o8se

10. ETERNAL FLAME - The Bangles Ida falling more in love with Roger and realising that she is the one who is going to have to do something about it. The scene in the orchard.
http://tinyurl.com/3yqvk9
11. SWETE SONE - Medieaval Babes Ida's grief at having to part with her son.

12. INEVITABLE - Anberlin
Roger and Ida's wedding night. 'I want to be your last first kiss.' A wonderful, poignant song from a fabulous band.
http://tinyurl.com/55wch5

13. SLOW HAND - The Pointer Sisters
Ida's feelings towards Roger re their love life.
http://tinyurl.com/2cyzsw

14. YOU BURN FIRST - Alexisonfire
The joust at Senlis when Roger faces his brothers. I love the building angry menace in this. In a very warped way it kind of reminds me of Ravel's Bolero!
http://tinyurl.com/6f7gp7

15. LIGHTNING CRASHES - Live The birth of Hugh. Ida's and Roger's feelings. The mingling of Angst, sorrow and over-arcing joy. Live have been one of my recent discoveries. Not well known in the UK which is a sin.
http://tinyurl.com/6c7jxx

16. JEALOUS GUY - Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music Roger's struggle with jealousy over Henry and Ida
http://tinyurl.com/5uflv6

17. TURN, TURN, TURN - The Byrds Roger doing just that as he strives to rebuild his life and his family's prestige.
http://tinyurl.com/6crkwb

18. CHINA - Tori Amos
Ida feels the growing distance between herself and Roger
http://tinyurl.com/5wnh7o

19. JUST LIKE THAT - Monique Brumby Roger arrives home after a long absence and Ida is both overjoyed and resentful. No youtube clip for this one.

20. FORTRESS AROUND YOUR HEART - Sting
The coldness from Roger's viewpoint and his realisation of his own part in the breakdown in the situation. Also has resonances with the building of Framlingham where Ida has not always been happy.
http://tinyurl.com/3d2g3l

21. SNOW - Grey Eye Glances
Ida in sad and thoughtful mood but with a glimmer of hope. This is another band who ought to be better known. This is one beautiful song. It's from their album Eventide.

22. PLAY IT AS IT LAYS - Patti Scialfa
Ida comes around and realises that life goes on. Again, I can't find a clip to this one on youtube, but the lyrics are very pertinent. Patti Scialfa is a fine artist in her own right, but is also known for being the wife of Bruce Springsteen.

23. KEEP THE FAITH - Bon Jovi
Roger hammering out details with his brothers. Also touches on the relationship between Ida's sons William and Hugh. This is the slow, more thoughtful version from the album 'This left feels right.'
http://tinyurl.com/5uwa2t

24. NOTHING ELSE MATTERS - Lucie Silvas

The grand finale from Ida's viewpoint. The first instrumental with lyrics.
http://tinyurl.com/2srzry

25. NOTHING ELSE MATTERS - Metallica
The grand finale from Roger's viewpoint. The harder-edged masculine version.
http://tinyurl.com/5hdjtp


















Thursday, August 9

SHIELDS OF PRIDE

SHIELDS OF PRIDE: SOUNDTRACK NOTES

I've linked many of the tracks to urls at youtube. The images don't always match the ideas I gleaned from the songs, but the songs themselves are what matter. This one has been updated during the re-edit and rewrite, so has many songs that weren't around at the time of the first writing. However Slave To Love, Saturday Night's All right For Fighting and Adam Raised a Cain were there from the start.

1. BITTERSWEET - Apocalyptica
An instrumental introductory theme song, particularly relevant to the past of the hero and his father
http://tinyurl.com/37vlua

2. FACE DOWN - Red Jump Suit Appartus
Linnet's relationship with her husband as observed by Joscelin.
http://tinyurl.com/hh2ur
3. 100 WAYS TO BE A GOOD GIRL - Skunk Ananse
Linnet surviving the regime under which she has to live


4. PRIVATE INVESTIGATIONS - Dire Straits

Joscelin uncovers murky goings on
http://tinyurl.com/ynocf6

5. HUMAN TOUCH - Bruce Springsteen

Joscelin discusses future arrangements with Linnet after Giles' death

6.BITTERSWEET - Apocalyptica

The version with vocals this time. William Ironheart's past is shown in more detail.
http://tinyurl.com/ypd4hq

7. HOLD ON FUCKER - Bigwig

The fight on the way to Rushcliffe. 'Control, control, it's always been about control, the money you work for the things that you own.'

8. THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN - Thin Lizzy
The appearance of Conan de Gael on Joscelin's new territory and the memories raised.
http://tinyurl.com/2l9jc4

9. SLAVE TO LOVE - Roxy Music

The relationship of Joscelin's father to his lost love, and some lesser commentary on Joscelin's own past. The chapel in the forest.
http://tinyurl.com/2km2ba

10. BLUE AND YELLOW - The Used
How Joscelin comes to feel for Linnet and she for him. This song also has strong resonances between myself and John Marshal with reference to me writing A Place Beyond Courage. A very important song spiritually.
http://tinyurl.com/yvbakq

11. IF I WERE A CARPENTER - Tim Hardin
More relationship stuff between Joscelin and Linnet
http://tinyurl.com/33o43k

12. SATURDAY NIGHT'S ALL RIGHT FOR FIGHTING - Nickelback
Warfare, with particular reference to Conan who is definitely a rough diamond!
http://tinyurl.com/36kj2h

13. EVER FALLEN IN LOVE - Fine Young Cannibals
Joscelin and Linnet hit marital problems when the secret of her past emerges.

14. LOVE BITES - Def Leppard
Joscelin's doubt and bitterness over above mentioned 13.
http://tinyurl.com/2sqamg

15. SECRET GARDEN - Damhnait Doyle & Tom Cochrane
Joscelin still trying to come to terms with Linnet's past. Also echoes of his father grieving for Morwenna.

16. FIN - Anberlin
Joscelin determined not to be defeated by his dilemmas and fighting through.
http://tinyurl.com/2jc3vu

17. ADAM RAISED A CAIN - Bruce Springsteen
The fight between Joscelin and his half brother becomes deadly. It's kill or be killed

18. GREENSLEEVES - Loreena McKennit
Joscelin's father's final grieving. Morwenna's haunting presence.
http://tinyurl.com/36jwtx

19. CAPTAINS - Show of Hands
The final resolution for Joscelin and Linnet.



























Sunday, July 22

SOUNDTRACK NOTES: A PLACE BEYOND COURAGE

A PLACE BEYOND COURAGE:
SOUNDTRACK NOTES
I've linked many of the tracks to urls at Youtube. Not all of the video content is appropriate to what I had in mind, but the songs themselves are all very relevant and will give readers an idea - I hope!


Track
1. TUNNEL OF LOVE - Dire Straits

John Marshal at court - the ups and downs of the political life, the plotting, the subterfuge, the women. http://tinyurl.com/3295d6


2.CHEMISTRY - Semi-Sonic

John's attitude to the pleasures of the flesh!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgCVR2pjXc0

3. MOTHER - Tori Amos

Aline's marriage to John. Her fear and uncertainty - being pushed out of the nest and into something she's not ready for.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70G7rywtvIg

4. VOLCANO - Damien Rice

Aspects of the relationship between John and Aline.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=259uK-4OqWA

5. BREAK THE NIGHT WITH COLOUR - Richard Ashcroft

John at court in 1135 around the time of the death of King Henry. It's dangerous and he has to decide what to do.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUCTNlij8y8

6. AVE MARIA - Beth Nielsen Chapman

Aline's relationship with her religion. It's the only place where she is happy.

7. ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK - Murray Head

The danger of the royal court in Oxford. The wheeling, dealing, the rise and fall of powerful men http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAIFOR0Tmyw

8. ALREADY GONE - The Eagles

John splits with King Stephen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8o_C50JFkc

9. ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER - U2

John and a mercenary discuss their mutual and not so mutual interests.http://tinyurl.com/3czwzj


10. OUT IN THE FIELDS - Thin Lizzy

The Fight for Wherwell Abbeyhttp://tinyurl.com/32r4gz

11. GIMME SHELTER - The Rolling Stones

John makes his way home from Wherwell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJDnJ0vXUgw

12. ANGELS OF THE SILENCES - Counting Crows

John recovering from his injuries and feeling bitter http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDbR_8K3J70

13. ALIVE - Meat Loaf

John comes to terms with what has happened to him and goes back out to kick ass!http://tinyurl.com/2fywmu

14. SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR - Grey Eye Glances
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPMw3HueKzc

Sybilla wonders if there is more to life than the humdrum one she is living.

15. BLAZE OF GLORY - Bon Jovi
John takes on Patrick of Salisbury http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfmYCM4CS8o

16.DANCING IN THE DARK - Bruce Springsteen

John and Sybilla assess each other before their wedding http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEJ26h_cBqQ

17. STOP! - Sam Brown

Aline's shock at the break up of the marriage. Sam Brown's performance is perhaps too forceful for Aline's character, but a lot of the lyrics fit, especially from verse 1.http://tinyurl.com/2tqbt5

18. ELEANOR RIGBY - Thrice

The metal version. It conveys more emotion than the one by the Beatles. Aline's character and a general comment on some of the emotions felt by all the characters. Intentionally screamy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAhFUXOxm_w

19. WHITE WEDDING - Billy Idol
The suggestion of the wedding between John and Sybilla is mooted. Lyrics are perfect!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9j6DE6RnSk


20. BETTER DAYS - Bruce Springsteen

'This fool's half way to heaven and just a mile out of hell and I feel like I'm coming home.' Wow! This one was just so perfect for the soundtrack http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKVrVAA7E7I

21. SAMBA PA TI - Santana

The opening sequence to a series of wedding night songs. John and Sybilla's first dance together at their wedding feast - sexy and tender.
http://tinyurl.com/2dqsr6

22. IRIS - Ronan Keating

The preliminary to the wedding night. John's slight apprehension.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29GuKIzALZ8

23. BIG LOVE - Fleetwood Mac

The wedding night from both viewpoints. Fairly explicit!http://tinyurl.com/3yhoaf

24. SHOW ME HEAVEN - Maria Mckee

Sybilla's view of the wedding nighthttp://tinyurl.com/2mmhgj


25. AIR THAT I BREATHE - The Hollies

John's view of the wedding night http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb7S8-Iewi0

26. LOVE RESURRECTION - Alison Moyet

Sybilla getting to grips with life with her new husband. 'If we pull together, we'll never fall apart again.'http://tinyurl.com/ypyb6q

27. CROSSING THE RIVER STYX - I Am Ghost

Aline's remarriage. The end of everything with Johnhttp://tinyurl.com/ypzmkg


28. BED OF ROSES - Bon Jovi

John's ongoing relationship with Sybilla and his thoughts while away at war.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKOjcqoZRRs


29. THE MUMMER'S DANCE - Loreena McKennit

The birth of John's fourth son William on an April morning.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxTpvA-pUG0

30. SHE'S A LADY - Tom Jones

John's feelings about Sybilla - lyrics are spot on. She did help him build a mountain. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIfxBthfFkg

31. I WON'T BACK DOWN - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

John facing enormous odds but doing as the song title says! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpdm1ySJsqw

32. HURT - Johnny Cash

John's reaction at having to give up his five year old son, William.http://tinyurl.com/y4d76y

33. DOWN TO MY LAST - Alter Bridge

John at the siege of Newbury as it comes to crunch time. Again lyrics are spot on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-OwAs1_3m8

34. LEARNING TO FLY - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Little William setting out on his life path to greatness http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WowZLe95WDY

35. SOMETHING INSIDE SO STRONG - Labi Siffri
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcKoYGNj0BU

Finale song.
36. ONLY THE BRAVE - Runrig

A song that helped me find the book's title http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUNVcL_fzqM

37. BROKEN PROMISE - Placebo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY30VY1dmMI

This is the song that if I had copyright permission, I'd put on the 'trailer' to the movie.

38. MY SHIP IS COMING IN - The Walker Brothers
One that didn't make my final cut but which had meaning for Alison, my Akashic consultant and so it gets an honourable mention.

THE SCARLET LION SOUNDTRACK AND NOTES

THE SCARLET LION:
SOUNDTRACK AND NOTES

I've linked several of the tracks to urls at Youtube. Not all of the video content is appropriate to what I had in mind, but the songs themselves are all very relevant and will give readers an idea - I hope!

Track:
1. Hymn To Her - The Pretenders.
It's about the female element in the novel and it opens with a childbirth scene and concerns the power of women. Url to the song at youtube here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcMzLRWlg68&feature=fvw

2. Holding Out For A Hero - Bonnie Tyler
William Marshal's theme music if ever there was. 'Somewhere after midnight, in my wildest fantasy, somewhere just beyond my reach, there's someone reaching back for me.' http://tinyurl.com/2kpaq9

3. THE BEST - Tina Turner
Isabelle's view of her husband. May sound a bit cheesy through familiarity these days, but it has tremendous resonance and feeling. There's a reason it always gets played at discos as weddings!

4. LANDSLIDE - Fleetwood Mac

Isabelle's feelings about the passage of time and coming into her own. She and William married when she was a girl. Now she's a woman and looking to future responsibilities and duties.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbZhj6H9kfY

5. THE WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD - Gordon Lightfoot
The voyage to Ireland which was pretty grim. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U219P_zs7w&feature=related

6. CHANGE MY WORLD - Moya Brenan
Arriving in Ireland - a different place to the courts of Normandy and England

7. INTO THE FIRE - Sarah McLachlan
Isabelle is reunited with her mother http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar6a1pkiGf8

8. SHERRY DARLING - Bruce Springsteen
One of several Springsteen tracks. William is not enamoured of his mother in law!

9.DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN - Bruce Springsteen
A bitter, dark number concerning the burdens shouldered by the men who knew what happened to Prince Arthur. http://tinyurl.com/2hegjm

10. ALL MY LIFE - Foofighters
King John and the incident with Prince Arthur - and all the other incidents throughout John's life. 'Done, done and I'm on to the next one....' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqxgwX62Ozw

11. STORY OF ISAAC - Suzanne Vega
The hostage situation

12. WORLDS APART - Bruce Springsteen
Isabelle and William disagree over the hostage situation and their difference of opinion is fuelled by suspicions about what happened to Prince Arthur 'Sometimes the truth just ain't enough, or it's too much in times like this, let's throw the truth away and find it in this kiss.' http://tinyurl.com/2xcqa8

13. FLYING COLOURS - Jethro Tull
William and Isabelle's marriage continues rocky because of John and their sons.

14. STICK TO YOUR GUNS - Bon Jovi
Isabelle has to cope in Ireland while William goes to court http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKzWabwp-co

15. AGAINST THE WIND - Marie Brenan
Hanging tough in Ireland http://tinyurl.com/3ykhqn

16. THE ONE I LOVE - REM
William at court in England, biding time, sending out a mental warning to Isabelle. I know the meaning of the song is different in reality, but it has the above meaning to me, with 'Fire!' meaning 'Beware!' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R52RrbF3mM4

17. EMERALD - Thin Lizzy
The Battle at Newtown and subsequent battles in Ireland. 'Down from the glen came the marching men with their shields and their swords.' http://tinyurl.com/29zusp

18. I NEED SOME SLEEP - Eels
William struggling at court, not knowing what's happening at home. Everything has gone to hell in a handcart. http://tinyurl.com/3y4468

19. A MATTER OF TRUST - Billy Joel
William returns to Ireland and is reunited with his family

20. SCARLET - All About Eve
Isabelle and William's daughter-in-law Alais de Bethune. Her character and what happens to her.

21. SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT - Nirvana
More on Alais and the happenings at Pembroke. William's son Will when he hears what has happened. 'A denial, a denial, a denial.' Raw, ragged, emotional. http://tinyurl.com/324kwt

22. IF IT BE YOUR WILL - Jann Arden
My feelings about Alais and giving her a voice that history hasn't heard until now.

22. LOVE HURTS - Nazareth
William Marshal and his family are threatening to tear apart beneath all that's happening to them. Particularly a song for Will, William's eldest son. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2BjJbKQkgc

23. BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS - Greenday
Will squaring his shoulders and trying to come to terms with what's happened to him
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tK7-OuYfJc

24. JUST FOR YOU -Lionel Richie
Will thinking back and realising life isn't like that. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz6r1TcvL7I

25. FATHER AND SON - Ronan Keating
The conflict between William and Will. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY_pjVaKcq8

26. PARALLEL UNIVERSE - Red Hot Chili Peppers
The battle of Lincoln and William's altered state of mind as he enters the fight. That joyous surge of the sword. 'Christ I'm a sidewinder, I'm a California King.' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fPYyoY49Bc

27. IN KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH - Coheed & Cambria
The battle of Sandwich and more stirring battle action. http://tinyurl.com/347xok

28. AVALON - Roxy Music
William and Isabelle share some poignant moments.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zJdbpzfJMs

29. HEAVEN CAN WAIT - Meatloaf
William making preparations to depart. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w4YRPUQRlo

30. I HOPE YOU DANCE - Ronan Keating
William sending out thoughts to his eldest daughter, Mahelt. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL0uRP-A7C0

31. MY IMMORTAL - Evanescence
Isabelle's feelings about William as she comes to terms with what's happening, especially his association with the Templars. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU9FwP4uOY8

32. EVENSTAR - Isabel Bayakdarian
A bidding farewell. I was inspired not only by the music, but by the scene of Arwen standing before Aragorn's tomb in the second Lord of the Rings film The Two Towers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im5CIpMFo4Q

33.SAND AND WATER - Beth Nielsen Chapman
Isabelle coming to terms with her life. I felt this one extremely appropriate as in 1219, her youngest son would have been about 11 years old.

34. THE MIRACLE OF LOVE - Eurythmics
Finale http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s901V3GvELQ&feature=related