Quietly Subversive

March 9, 2009 11:20 AM

I'm doing a little video project at work that entails finding about 30 seconds of quiet, non-offensive, instrumental music.

I'm a little annoyed that I have to find the music too so I thought I'd turn it over to the hive mind to see if I could find something quietly subversive that is simultaneously non-offensive (worldwide, or at least in the USA and the UAE) and, well, offensive. Minimum requirements are that the music be instrumental, easy enough to procure on the web and not going to get me fired.

posted by GalaxieFiveHundred to grab bag (19 comments total)

And in the public domain? Apple's iMovie has a selection of royalty free music.
posted by Gungho at 11:24 AM on March 9

If you don't mind spending $10, www.revostock.com should have something for you.
posted by timshel at 11:24 AM on March 9

jamendo.com

lots of creative commons licensed music.
posted by devbrain at 11:25 AM on March 9

I appreciate the quick responses but I'm looking for something a bit more specific. I'm not desperately looking for media. Just trying to amuse myself.
posted by GalaxieFiveHundred at 11:28 AM on March 9

Just checking: You're looking for instrumental non-offensive, yet offensive music?
posted by otherwordlyglow at 11:32 AM on March 9 [2 favorites]

sounddogs.com has a large collection of production music at pretty affordable prices with mp3 previews available.
posted by zachlipton at 11:32 AM on March 9

yeah, sorry, this question wasn't put together well. I'm just winging it here. What I'm looking for is, say, midi versions of Napalm Death. Or something. That's where the hive mind comes in.
posted by GalaxieFiveHundred at 11:37 AM on March 9

In addition to your search for existing pieces, why don't you post this as a challenge in MeFi Music? I'm sure there are folks there for whom this would be an enticing one.
posted by ocherdraco at 11:45 AM on March 9

I'm afraid I don't understand the question. No lyrics, but somehow the music should be both offensive and not offensive?

without lyrics, what would offend? What would offend but not offend? Are you looking for an instrumental version of something that normally sounds like The Girl From Ipanema, except that it's called "Fuck Your Mom" or something? I don't totally understand what you're asking for.
posted by shmegegge at 11:51 AM on March 9

Let's Get Close - Brian Simpson
posted by netbros at 11:52 AM on March 9

This youtube video features Death in June's "Break the Black Ice" as its soundtrack. Its a beautiful instrumental track by a band that has been accused of being Nazis, fascists, and Satanists, and banned in several countries.
posted by googly at 11:54 AM on March 9

Equinox - Craig Chaquico
posted by netbros at 11:57 AM on March 9

So you're looking for something that would be kind of an inside joke: those who know what the song is would be amused/impressed at what you did but others would be none the wiser, I guess?
posted by otherwordlyglow at 12:01 PM on March 9

Yes, otherworldlyglow has it! I should mark that as best answer. I really blew this one.
posted by GalaxieFiveHundred at 12:04 PM on March 9

Well, the UAE isn't so keen on gay rights. Find an instrumental by Queen.
posted by kldickson at 12:22 PM on March 9

Sounds like a job for Richard Cheese, though you'd have to search to find an all-instrumental 30s.
posted by game warden to the events rhino at 12:22 PM on March 9

loungey instrumental versions of Misfits songs
posted by generalist at 1:08 PM on March 9

Good call by googly - Boyd Rice has done some instrumentals that are very pleasant and unless you knew who Boyd Rice / NON are/were...

There's also Trent Reznor's recent instrumental work, although I'm guessing that's not 'subversive' enough for your purposes. They're creative commons licensed.
posted by Weighted Companion Cube at 1:26 PM on March 9

Rockabye Baby does instrumental lullaby version of rock music, including Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, Tool, The Ramones, etc. No Napalm Death unfortunately. Here's the complete list: http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com/ecom2/index.php/catalog/category/view/limit/all/id/3/
posted by Requiax at 4:44 PM on March 9