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10 Music Videos Pulled Straight Out Of Literature

Songs that reference literature are nothing new. Even if you’re not a fan (as I am) of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” or didn’t realize that David Bowie’s Diamond Dogs was intended to be a 1984 musical, you’ve probably heard some type of music that drew inspiration from books. (And yes, Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”—grudgingly—counts.)

But when musicians go one step further and reference these works in their music videos, that’s when things get really interesting. So here are ten videos that are among the most thought-provoking, spot-on, or just very wacky.

[Not included were music videos that reference the Bible (because hoo boy is that a whole other can of worms) or, despite our deep and abiding love for all things Harry Potter, any wizard wrock.]

Posted by Alyssa Favreau

A Killer Playlist for Patrick Bateman

He specializes in murders and executions—that is, mergers and acquisitions. His suits are as sharp as his knives and his business cards are better than yours. He dabbles in cocaine and prostitutes. He is Patrick Bateman, our favorite American Psycho. We know he has a soft spot for ‘80s pop, but let’s take a deeper dive into his playlist.

 

Posted by Margarita Montimore

A Playlist for Katniss Everdeen

She’s a hunter, a master archer, a fighter, and the beloved heroine of the Hunger Games series. Katniss Everdeen didn’t ask to be thrust into the deadly televised competition the Capital uses to keep its districts docile. All she wants to do is protect her family and loved ones. She didn’t ask to become a symbol of rebellion against the government, and she resists the status and celebrity foisted upon her. Her victories are hard-won and bittersweet, and her music choices would reflect that. This playlist is a tribute (no, not that kind) to her triumphs and tragedies.

Posted by Margarita Montimore

The Best Songs for the Worst Literary Breakups

Breakups can be the pit stains on the t-shirt of life, this we know. But for each heartache and heartbreak, there’s always solace to be found in a song that captures exactly how it feels to be kicked in the emotions. It’s the song that you play on repeat, belt out at karaoke after too many drinks, and feel each individual lyric like it was the truest thing ever said about love. So whether it’s your first (thank you, Usher) or your latest (thank you, Gotye), a cathartic break-up song now and again does wonders for the bruised of heart.

So we had to wonder…what are the perfect break-up songs for some of the more iconic romantic tragedies in literature? What should Heathcliff listen to as he weeps into his half-gallon of Breyer’s Heath Bar Ice Cream? (Because really, what other ice cream flavor would Heathcliff buy?)

Posted by Julie Leung

The 10 Best Literary Songs for a Bookish Dance Party

(Image via latimesblog.latimes.com)

Long has the world believed that the kids at the rock shows could never be the same ones devouring books in their free time. Of course, "the world" is wrong about a lot of stuff, but they definitely missed the mark when it comes to smarts and songs. We've collected ten great pop and rock classics for your partying pleasure. Rock on and read on!

Posted by Margarita Montimore

It’s National Karaoke Week! Here Are 8 Books That’ll Make You Want to Start A Band

The last week of April marks National Karaoke Week. If you love karaoke as much as I do, there’s no denying how fun it is to feel like a rock star, if only for a few minutes. And if you don’t have a microphone handy, you can still rock out with these books. Hey ho, let’s go!

Posted by Margarita Montimore