Since the A Monster Calls movie is supposed to be coming out soon, I decided it was fitting to do a playlist for the Monster in the story (as was requested by a friend a few months ago!). It’s been a few weeks since I’ve done a playlist post, so I’ll definitely try to get back in the swing of it again.
If you haven’t read A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, you’re definitely missing out. It was passed around between me and my friends when I was at school, and you’ll become immersed in the story and the artwork. It’s a fairly quick read, but not one you’re likely to forget. Without further ado, a playlist dedicated to the Monster from A Monster Calls.
Waiting for the Night by Depeche Mode
Many of the Monster’s stories came in the night, mixing reality and fantasy for Connor.
Tear Up This Town by Keane
Used for the movie, and I think it fits so well for the Monster’s story.
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen cover) by Jeff Buckley
The Monster’s stories are all about the gray area between what’s good and evil, and I think this song reflects that gray area. It also reflects the brokenness in Connor, the brokenness that the Monster tries to help him come to terms with.
Laughing With by Regina Spektor
One of the purposes of the Monster within the story is for Connor to come to terms with his situation, to learn to accept the good and the bad, to learn how to see the truth.
The Ink From Books by Sleeping At Last
The eerie piano line here and the title fit well for the stories that the Monster tells.
Medicine by Daughter
The lyrics here fit with the message that the Monster is giving to Connor–that he needs to be able to see and accept the truth.
Ghosts by Banners
Maybe more so for the perspective of Connor, but this song fits the narrative so, so well.
Silhouette by Birdy
I more so think this reflects the way that the Monster is presented in the illustrations of the text–a dark silhouette, an inky subject taking up the pages.
Creature Fear by Bon Iver
At the beginning, we think we’re supposed to be scared of the Monster. By the end, it’s clear it’s not the type of fear we thought at the beginning.
Reminder by Mumford & Sons
“Don’t let me darken your door / It’s not what I came here for / No it’s not what I came here for.” Nothing sums up the Monster better than these first few lines of this song.