Uneasy Listening?
December 12, 2010 12:36 PM Subscribe
What are some songs that make you feel unnerved or uneasy just listening to them?
What are some songs that make you feel uneasy or stressed listening to it? I'm not talking about lyrics, but songs where the music itself sounds uncanny or stressful or haunted or in other ways gives you a bad feeling. I also don't mean sad or depressing or maudlin songs, necessarily, either.
Any genre from choir or classical music to jazz to rock and techno. I guess a good example of what I'm talking about would be Night on Bald Mountain.
What are some songs that make you feel uneasy or stressed listening to it? I'm not talking about lyrics, but songs where the music itself sounds uncanny or stressful or haunted or in other ways gives you a bad feeling. I also don't mean sad or depressing or maudlin songs, necessarily, either.
Any genre from choir or classical music to jazz to rock and techno. I guess a good example of what I'm talking about would be Night on Bald Mountain.
I would say all of The Mars Volta's "Octahedron"...I still can't listen to that whole album.
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 12:40 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 12:40 PM on December 12, 2010
The score/soundtrack from Requiem for a Dream.
posted by mireille at 12:41 PM on December 12, 2010 [8 favorites]
posted by mireille at 12:41 PM on December 12, 2010 [8 favorites]
Sober by Tool...although the video might have something to do with that. I don't know why I find it so disturbing...
posted by smirkette at 12:43 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by smirkette at 12:43 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Seconding mireille, I came here to mention that the score from Requiem for a Dream gives me nightmares.
posted by OLechat at 12:43 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by OLechat at 12:43 PM on December 12, 2010
Peter and the Wolf. We used to listen to it with a narrated version of the story. Still gives me chills.
posted by Leezie at 12:47 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by Leezie at 12:47 PM on December 12, 2010
Somewhere Over the Rainbow as performed by Blixa Bargeld.
Nancy Sings by Jandek
Corpses as Bedmates by Third Eye Foundation
Storm by Godspeed You! Black Emperor
posted by griphus at 12:48 PM on December 12, 2010
Nancy Sings by Jandek
Corpses as Bedmates by Third Eye Foundation
Storm by Godspeed You! Black Emperor
posted by griphus at 12:48 PM on December 12, 2010
Off the top of my head:
PJ Harvey's 'Down by the Water.'
'Jump Around' by House of Pain.
Prodigy's 'Firestarter.'
And although I like it, I kind of like it in an 'in spite of' sort of way - Genesis' 'Mama.'
(sorry, can't link to anything today b/c my workplace cuts off access to streaming media)
posted by analog at 12:48 PM on December 12, 2010
PJ Harvey's 'Down by the Water.'
'Jump Around' by House of Pain.
Prodigy's 'Firestarter.'
And although I like it, I kind of like it in an 'in spite of' sort of way - Genesis' 'Mama.'
(sorry, can't link to anything today b/c my workplace cuts off access to streaming media)
posted by analog at 12:48 PM on December 12, 2010
A visit from drum is a lovely little ditty by Liars. I once used it to wake up a group of kids...they all reported having nightmares just before waking up. Make of that what you will.
posted by sarastro at 12:50 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by sarastro at 12:50 PM on December 12, 2010
Also The Conet Project is strangely trippy and nightmarish and seems to carry a whiff of nuclear apocalypse.
"Revolution #9" by the Beatles was the first song to scare the shit out of me, about 30 years ago. Still does.
posted by ROTFL at 12:50 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
"Revolution #9" by the Beatles was the first song to scare the shit out of me, about 30 years ago. Still does.
posted by ROTFL at 12:50 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
The Residents' album Eskimo
The Mars/DNA collaboration, John Gavanti
posted by voodoochile at 12:51 PM on December 12, 2010
The Mars/DNA collaboration, John Gavanti
posted by voodoochile at 12:51 PM on December 12, 2010
Vexations by Erik Satie
Next Heap With by Aphex Twin
Most of the work by Jandek. She Fell Down comes to mind, but I can't seem to find it online.
posted by Dr-Baa at 12:52 PM on December 12, 2010
Next Heap With by Aphex Twin
Most of the work by Jandek. She Fell Down comes to mind, but I can't seem to find it online.
posted by Dr-Baa at 12:52 PM on December 12, 2010
"Haunted" by Poe -- if you listen to the entire thing, and soak up the lyrics and meanings... It's a pretty tough album to listen to. I always get the chills listening to it.
posted by frwagon at 12:53 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by frwagon at 12:53 PM on December 12, 2010
Also:
Dwr Budr -- Orbital
Weather Storm-- Craig Armstrong
posted by mireille at 12:57 PM on December 12, 2010
Dwr Budr -- Orbital
Weather Storm-- Craig Armstrong
posted by mireille at 12:57 PM on December 12, 2010
How about the aptly named Stress by Justice?
posted by caaaaaam at 1:00 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by caaaaaam at 1:00 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: How about the aptly named Stress by Justice
It samples Night on Bald Mountain :)
Thanks everyone, keep them coming.
posted by empath at 1:02 PM on December 12, 2010
It samples Night on Bald Mountain :)
Thanks everyone, keep them coming.
posted by empath at 1:02 PM on December 12, 2010
You painted your teeth by Jandek. Also, seconding "Nancy Sings."
"Devil, Devil Go Away" by Little Marcy, which I can't find online. She was a christian children's music ventriloquist. This track is also creepy, but more unintentionally hilarious.
posted by Blue Jello Elf at 1:02 PM on December 12, 2010
"Devil, Devil Go Away" by Little Marcy, which I can't find online. She was a christian children's music ventriloquist. This track is also creepy, but more unintentionally hilarious.
posted by Blue Jello Elf at 1:02 PM on December 12, 2010
The most terrifying music I've ever heard is the opening to Black Angels by George Crumb.
Also:
Musica Ricercata ii by Gyorgi Ligeti (theme on the Eyes Wide Shut soundtrack)
Requiem by Gyorgi Ligeti (strange choral sounds when Dave is approaching Jupiter in 2001: A Space Odyssey
posted by outlandishmarxist at 1:03 PM on December 12, 2010
Also:
Musica Ricercata ii by Gyorgi Ligeti (theme on the Eyes Wide Shut soundtrack)
Requiem by Gyorgi Ligeti (strange choral sounds when Dave is approaching Jupiter in 2001: A Space Odyssey
posted by outlandishmarxist at 1:03 PM on December 12, 2010
Very topical and uneasy is the music by Diamanda Galas for "Fire in My Belly" (the piece that just got pulled from the Smithsonian; NSFW). Diamanda Galas, in general, makes disturbing music.
posted by outlandishmarxist at 1:06 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by outlandishmarxist at 1:06 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Also, good call on Stress by Justice.
posted by outlandishmarxist at 1:07 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by outlandishmarxist at 1:07 PM on December 12, 2010
Venetian Snares — Galamb Egyedül
Actually, pretty much anything by Venetian Snares. (But this one isn't breakcore!)
posted by decagon at 1:07 PM on December 12, 2010
Actually, pretty much anything by Venetian Snares. (But this one isn't breakcore!)
posted by decagon at 1:07 PM on December 12, 2010
Boards of Canada "The Friendly Stranger."
A.k.a the background music for the ultra-creepy Saladfingers cartoons.
posted by cranberrymonger at 1:13 PM on December 12, 2010
A.k.a the background music for the ultra-creepy Saladfingers cartoons.
posted by cranberrymonger at 1:13 PM on December 12, 2010
Rob D - Clubbed to Death
J Ralph - One Million Miles Away
A couple versions of Gloomy Sunday
Gravenhurst - See My Friends
Mozart's 25th Symphony
Mozart's 40th Symphony
Mozart's Dies Irae Requiem
Hellfire from Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame
Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C sharp minor
The A La Menthe
Bernard Hermann - Twisted Nerve
Tupac Shakur - Hail Mary
Young Jeezy - Go-Getta
King Crimson - Thela Hun Ginjeet
46bliss - The Way You Are
Simon and Garfunkel - Patterns
Nirvana - Lithium
Old 97's - Four Leaf Clover
posted by foursentences at 1:16 PM on December 12, 2010
J Ralph - One Million Miles Away
A couple versions of Gloomy Sunday
Gravenhurst - See My Friends
Mozart's 25th Symphony
Mozart's 40th Symphony
Mozart's Dies Irae Requiem
Hellfire from Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame
Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C sharp minor
The A La Menthe
Bernard Hermann - Twisted Nerve
Tupac Shakur - Hail Mary
Young Jeezy - Go-Getta
King Crimson - Thela Hun Ginjeet
46bliss - The Way You Are
Simon and Garfunkel - Patterns
Nirvana - Lithium
Old 97's - Four Leaf Clover
posted by foursentences at 1:16 PM on December 12, 2010
Somehow I misposted one of those:
J Ralph - One Million Miles Away
posted by foursentences at 1:17 PM on December 12, 2010
J Ralph - One Million Miles Away
posted by foursentences at 1:17 PM on December 12, 2010
When I Grow Up or If I Had A Heart by Fever Ray.
Her stuff is creepy and beautiful.
posted by bibliogrrl at 1:25 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Her stuff is creepy and beautiful.
posted by bibliogrrl at 1:25 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
It's not supposed to be creepy or unpleasant, but I've always had a visceral reaction to "Wonderful Christmastime." The synth line feels like the musical equivalent of the uncanny valley.
posted by Metroid Baby at 1:30 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by Metroid Baby at 1:30 PM on December 12, 2010
It always makes me feel uneasy, or stressed really, but Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries is apparently the worst song to listen to while driving.
posted by General Malaise at 1:38 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by General Malaise at 1:38 PM on December 12, 2010
Oh! Forgot On To The Next One by Jay Z.
(I love this one, but it is unsettling)
posted by bibliogrrl at 1:42 PM on December 12, 2010
(I love this one, but it is unsettling)
posted by bibliogrrl at 1:42 PM on December 12, 2010
Morton Feldman generally
Wolf Eyes generally
"Frankie Teardrop" by Suicide
"Sabrina" by Einstürzende Neubauten
"Nineteen" by Smog
posted by tealsocks at 1:44 PM on December 12, 2010
Wolf Eyes generally
"Frankie Teardrop" by Suicide
"Sabrina" by Einstürzende Neubauten
"Nineteen" by Smog
posted by tealsocks at 1:44 PM on December 12, 2010
On a tangent from Fever Ray: The Knife - Still Light. The music is creepy as hell, and the lyrics, even creepier/sadder.
Also - The Kills Black Balloon
posted by baxter_ilion at 1:55 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Also - The Kills Black Balloon
posted by baxter_ilion at 1:55 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Beatles - Revolution 9, which probably stems from getting the White Album when I was 9. The combination of learning about the "Paul is dead" thing and this track kept me awake a couple nights.
The Toadies - Tyler
Eric's Trip - Girlfriend
nine inch nails - A Warm Place
I know a lot of people claim that Pink Floyd - One Of These Days creeps them out, but it just seems kinda jokey to me.
posted by Bernt Pancreas at 1:55 PM on December 12, 2010
The Toadies - Tyler
Eric's Trip - Girlfriend
nine inch nails - A Warm Place
I know a lot of people claim that Pink Floyd - One Of These Days creeps them out, but it just seems kinda jokey to me.
posted by Bernt Pancreas at 1:55 PM on December 12, 2010
No Quarter, Led Zeppelin
Virtually anything by the Cure. (Seriously. As far as I'm concerned they're the aural equivalent of that creepy-icy shuddering feeling I get when I snag a fingernail on something, like a pair of tights. Gggguguguguguuuhhhackkkk!)
posted by scody at 1:56 PM on December 12, 2010
Virtually anything by the Cure. (Seriously. As far as I'm concerned they're the aural equivalent of that creepy-icy shuddering feeling I get when I snag a fingernail on something, like a pair of tights. Gggguguguguguuuhhhackkkk!)
posted by scody at 1:56 PM on December 12, 2010
I'll second outlandishmarxist's recommendation of Ligeti. Lux Aeterna is another creepy one.
Messiaen's Turangalîla Symphonie can be pretty unsettling.
This may not be precisely what you're looking for, but I remember when I was a kid I bought Led Zeppelin II on vinyl at a garage sale. I brought it home, plugged in the big old '70s headphones, and put the record on. The middle section of Whole Lotta Love, blasting in stereo directly into my ears, creeped me right the hell out, to the point where I felt nauseous and had to lie down.
posted by Balonious Assault at 2:02 PM on December 12, 2010
Messiaen's Turangalîla Symphonie can be pretty unsettling.
This may not be precisely what you're looking for, but I remember when I was a kid I bought Led Zeppelin II on vinyl at a garage sale. I brought it home, plugged in the big old '70s headphones, and put the record on. The middle section of Whole Lotta Love, blasting in stereo directly into my ears, creeped me right the hell out, to the point where I felt nauseous and had to lie down.
posted by Balonious Assault at 2:02 PM on December 12, 2010
Moderat- Rusty Nails
John Murphy- In the House. In a Heartbeat. (The theme from 28 Days Later)
Portishead- We Carry On
Air- Venus
DJ Sprinkles- Grand Central, Pt. 1 (Deep into the Bowel of House) [MCDE Bassline Dub]
The Knife- Pass this on
posted by null14 at 2:08 PM on December 12, 2010
John Murphy- In the House. In a Heartbeat. (The theme from 28 Days Later)
Portishead- We Carry On
Air- Venus
DJ Sprinkles- Grand Central, Pt. 1 (Deep into the Bowel of House) [MCDE Bassline Dub]
The Knife- Pass this on
posted by null14 at 2:08 PM on December 12, 2010
Totally weird, but the theme to the TV show Knitting Daily
posted by elpea at 2:26 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by elpea at 2:26 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Almost all Christmas carols.
Also almost everything by Hafler Trio.
posted by cmoj at 2:31 PM on December 12, 2010
Also almost everything by Hafler Trio.
posted by cmoj at 2:31 PM on December 12, 2010
un-smooth Jazz makes me very uneasy. Smooth jazz annoys me.
posted by flippant at 2:34 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by flippant at 2:34 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Coil--the Unreleased Themes from Hellraiser. Actually, lots of Coil. And Diamanda Galas' Plague Mass.
posted by crush-onastick at 2:36 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by crush-onastick at 2:36 PM on December 12, 2010
Nobody's mentioned Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima yet?
posted by KathrynT at 2:46 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by KathrynT at 2:46 PM on December 12, 2010
I used to a creepy feeling from Carl Orff's O Fortuna, but after I saw an entire live performance of Carmina Burana I bought a CD of it. I think my initial discomfort with "O Fortuna" was because I mistakenly associated it with the movie, The Omen (the original 1976 version).
The Beatles' A Day in the Life
Paul (with a backup group), performed this live on SNL last night. It was great by itself but then he led right into an audience sing-along of "Let it Be". For a guy who's pushing 70, he still gets it done. Not creepy at all.
posted by fuse theorem at 2:56 PM on December 12, 2010
The Beatles' A Day in the Life
Paul (with a backup group), performed this live on SNL last night. It was great by itself but then he led right into an audience sing-along of "Let it Be". For a guy who's pushing 70, he still gets it done. Not creepy at all.
posted by fuse theorem at 2:56 PM on December 12, 2010
A visit from drum is a lovely little ditty by Liars. I once used it to wake up a group of kids...they all reported having nightmares just before waking up. Make of that what you will.
Well, shit, half of Liars' ouvre would fit the bill here. Their album prior to Drum's Not Dead has pretty much the same subject matter as A Night on Bald Mountain. "Broken Witch", "We Fenced Other Houses with the Bone of Our Own" and "Hold Hands and it Will Happen Anyway" are all pretty creepy.
posted by LionIndex at 2:57 PM on December 12, 2010
Well, shit, half of Liars' ouvre would fit the bill here. Their album prior to Drum's Not Dead has pretty much the same subject matter as A Night on Bald Mountain. "Broken Witch", "We Fenced Other Houses with the Bone of Our Own" and "Hold Hands and it Will Happen Anyway" are all pretty creepy.
posted by LionIndex at 2:57 PM on December 12, 2010
Benjamin Britten's War Requiem is a very powerful major work, alternatingly ominous, dark, sometimes pretty, and over an hour long. It's choral, orchestral, and with soloists. Here is the first part of it.
posted by wondermouse at 3:03 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by wondermouse at 3:03 PM on December 12, 2010
Sorry, that isn't the first part of the War Requiem, but it is part of it at any rate. :)
posted by wondermouse at 3:07 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by wondermouse at 3:07 PM on December 12, 2010
like fuse theorem I also mistakenly bought Carmina Burana but then got the actual Omen Soundtrack . "Ave Satani" is the scariest track
posted by canoehead at 3:29 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by canoehead at 3:29 PM on December 12, 2010
A lot of stuff by Giacinto Scelsi, especially Canto del Capricorno.
Arvo Pärt has many haunting works. On the more bombastic side, there are a lot of parts in the "Lamentate" that you might like. I'm having trouble finding links to the right bits on Youtube, unfortunately; this is the best I could do. Wallfahrtslied (Pilgrim's Psalm) is also very haunting. If you like these, you should browse Youtube for more of his work, which can be stunningly beautiful.
Diamanda Galas has already been suggested. Personally, I don't like all of her stuff, but what I do like, I love. One of my favorite songs is Artemis (too bad my favorite version isn't on Youtube). The one that creeps me out the most is Cris D'Aveugle (just ignore the video, I couldn't find another version)--worth getting your hands on the album version of that. Also worth looking up the lyrics to both of these, if you want creepy.
Street Wars / Exotic Foxholes is probably not the most "sinister" of the stuff The Blood Brothers ever released, but I think it's more effective because it's more melodic. Weeping Rock Rock by Múm is off their Summer Make Good album, which is creepier than their rest. Svarte Griener does creepy ambient. For Heaven's Sake shows off 16 Horsepower doing their country gothic thing.
Garmarna has a lot of songs that might fit the bill: Vedergällningen, Varulven. Sorten Muld as well: Harald Kongen. Oh, and very creepy: Aïjo - Värttinä.
And how about Sodom i Gomora by Yat-Kha? It's a Tuvan take on a Russian Old Believer psalm.
(I tried to stick with stuff I could find on Youtube.)
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 3:42 PM on December 12, 2010
Arvo Pärt has many haunting works. On the more bombastic side, there are a lot of parts in the "Lamentate" that you might like. I'm having trouble finding links to the right bits on Youtube, unfortunately; this is the best I could do. Wallfahrtslied (Pilgrim's Psalm) is also very haunting. If you like these, you should browse Youtube for more of his work, which can be stunningly beautiful.
Diamanda Galas has already been suggested. Personally, I don't like all of her stuff, but what I do like, I love. One of my favorite songs is Artemis (too bad my favorite version isn't on Youtube). The one that creeps me out the most is Cris D'Aveugle (just ignore the video, I couldn't find another version)--worth getting your hands on the album version of that. Also worth looking up the lyrics to both of these, if you want creepy.
Street Wars / Exotic Foxholes is probably not the most "sinister" of the stuff The Blood Brothers ever released, but I think it's more effective because it's more melodic. Weeping Rock Rock by Múm is off their Summer Make Good album, which is creepier than their rest. Svarte Griener does creepy ambient. For Heaven's Sake shows off 16 Horsepower doing their country gothic thing.
Garmarna has a lot of songs that might fit the bill: Vedergällningen, Varulven. Sorten Muld as well: Harald Kongen. Oh, and very creepy: Aïjo - Värttinä.
And how about Sodom i Gomora by Yat-Kha? It's a Tuvan take on a Russian Old Believer psalm.
(I tried to stick with stuff I could find on Youtube.)
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 3:42 PM on December 12, 2010
Royskopp - What Else Is There? Bonus creepiness for the clip.
posted by Jimbob at 3:44 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Jimbob at 3:44 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Skinny Puppy - Left Handshake (the voice processing is very unnerving - it's the only voice that creeps me out more than that girl in The Exorcist)
posted by Hardcore Poser at 3:50 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by Hardcore Poser at 3:50 PM on December 12, 2010
Anything by Julee Cruise or Angelo Badalamenti, especially the stuff from Twin Peaks, but definitely not limited to it.
posted by dizziest at 4:00 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by dizziest at 4:00 PM on December 12, 2010
I find Rehab's "It Don't Matter" to be, well, pretty depressing and somewhat disturbing (which makes sense, given that it's about depression...).
YMMV.
posted by karizma at 4:25 PM on December 12, 2010
YMMV.
posted by karizma at 4:25 PM on December 12, 2010
Throbbing Gristle - Hamburger Lady. A listener reaction.
posted by evisceratordeath at 4:43 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by evisceratordeath at 4:43 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
A great deal of the music I listen to probably counts as uneasy listening in one way or another, so I've heard more examples of this kind of thing than I can name. Here's some that I think particularly exemplify the sort of unsettling sound you're after:
"12 Souls" by Sigh- a nightmarish-sounding black metal/horror movie soundtrack/jazz blend. I was pretty new to extreme metal when I first heard it, and it was easily the most frightening music I'd ever heard then. It's still way up there on the list, for me.
Basically anything from the album "The Work Which Transforms God" by Blut Aus Nord- very strange, dissonant, otherworldly industrial black metal. This track is a particularly good example of it.
Anything by Aghast- ritualistic dark ambient. Very dark ambient.
A great deal of music by The Moon Lay Hidden Beneath a Cloud- as they had the irritating habit of not titling their songs, I can't name specific titles, but most of the album "The Smell of Blood But Victory" in particular is as dark as it gets, and a couple of tracks on there might well be the most disturbing pieces of music I've heard.
"The Devil Is In The Details" by Boards of Canada. Easily the most unnerving thing they ever did, IMO.
"Threnody For The Victims of Hiroshima" by Krzysztof Penderecki, as mentioned above.
And it's not quite on the level of some of the other stuff here as far as "uneasy listening" goes, but I'd also mention "Suki Suki Daisuki" by the (amazing and brilliant, IMO- I've considered posting an FPP about her) Japanese avant-pop artist Jun Togawa. A lot of her stuff might work for this question, actually, but this song is a particular highlight. Essentially a parody of the typical J-pop love song, it's an extremely catchy little tune that immediately makes it clear that it's not a normal pop song and that all is not right with the world by the incredibly sinister-sounding synth melody it opens with, and the lyrics- the chorus apparently culminates with a line that translates to "say you love me too or I'll kill you!" The impact is probably greater if one is fluent in Japanese, but one sort of gets the idea of it just from how it sounds. Here's the video.
posted by a louis wain cat at 5:16 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
"12 Souls" by Sigh- a nightmarish-sounding black metal/horror movie soundtrack/jazz blend. I was pretty new to extreme metal when I first heard it, and it was easily the most frightening music I'd ever heard then. It's still way up there on the list, for me.
Basically anything from the album "The Work Which Transforms God" by Blut Aus Nord- very strange, dissonant, otherworldly industrial black metal. This track is a particularly good example of it.
Anything by Aghast- ritualistic dark ambient. Very dark ambient.
A great deal of music by The Moon Lay Hidden Beneath a Cloud- as they had the irritating habit of not titling their songs, I can't name specific titles, but most of the album "The Smell of Blood But Victory" in particular is as dark as it gets, and a couple of tracks on there might well be the most disturbing pieces of music I've heard.
"The Devil Is In The Details" by Boards of Canada. Easily the most unnerving thing they ever did, IMO.
"Threnody For The Victims of Hiroshima" by Krzysztof Penderecki, as mentioned above.
And it's not quite on the level of some of the other stuff here as far as "uneasy listening" goes, but I'd also mention "Suki Suki Daisuki" by the (amazing and brilliant, IMO- I've considered posting an FPP about her) Japanese avant-pop artist Jun Togawa. A lot of her stuff might work for this question, actually, but this song is a particular highlight. Essentially a parody of the typical J-pop love song, it's an extremely catchy little tune that immediately makes it clear that it's not a normal pop song and that all is not right with the world by the incredibly sinister-sounding synth melody it opens with, and the lyrics- the chorus apparently culminates with a line that translates to "say you love me too or I'll kill you!" The impact is probably greater if one is fluent in Japanese, but one sort of gets the idea of it just from how it sounds. Here's the video.
posted by a louis wain cat at 5:16 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
Lots by Genesis, especially:
Home by the Sea
In the Air Tonight
All in a Mouse's Night
and Horse with No Name (America)
posted by martianna at 5:22 PM on December 12, 2010
Home by the Sea
In the Air Tonight
All in a Mouse's Night
and Horse with No Name (America)
posted by martianna at 5:22 PM on December 12, 2010
"Mother" by The Police. This song creepsmethefuckout and will guarantee an uneasy feeling for at least a day or so.
posted by Fuego at 5:25 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by Fuego at 5:25 PM on December 12, 2010
What about the obvious In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins? (With the accompanying stories heard as a child in the 80's of course). Also many songs on Pink Floyd's The Wall album are creepy/sad...especially the one with the ringing phone.
posted by bquarters at 5:34 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by bquarters at 5:34 PM on December 12, 2010
Apologies for repeating Martianna- quick scan for Phil Collins didn't work out for me.
posted by bquarters at 5:37 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by bquarters at 5:37 PM on December 12, 2010
Beatles Helter Skelter for its Manson significance
posted by canoehead at 6:00 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by canoehead at 6:00 PM on December 12, 2010
A lot of the creepiness comes from the lyrics but I find everything about "Where Did you Sleep Last Night?" really unnerving.
posted by atropos at 6:36 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by atropos at 6:36 PM on December 12, 2010
You might also be interested in the LP (do we still say LP?) of "Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet" by Gavin Bryars. There are shorter versions on YouTube, but the full length version wears you down with the sheer repetition of the same 20 second or so sample for over 70 minutes. The orchestration evolves over that time, but the sample just keeps repeating over and over until you think it's going to make you crazy.
posted by Gilbert at 6:46 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Gilbert at 6:46 PM on December 12, 2010 [1 favorite]
As far as the Beatles go, Blue Jay Way creeps me out pretty good.
posted by banwa at 7:34 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by banwa at 7:34 PM on December 12, 2010
Pluto by Bjork
posted by smokingmonkey at 8:08 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by smokingmonkey at 8:08 PM on December 12, 2010
The Ukranian Bell Chorus.
Only eleven seconds long, but "Link", the first track from Robyn Miller's soundtrack to the game Riven.
posted by brainwane at 8:10 PM on December 12, 2010
Only eleven seconds long, but "Link", the first track from Robyn Miller's soundtrack to the game Riven.
posted by brainwane at 8:10 PM on December 12, 2010
From The Truman Show, Living Waters by Philip Glass is a very haunting track with its dissonances and chord progressions. Listening to it gives me the creeps as the song perfectly conveys the sense that there is something horribly, ineffably wrong with the world.
posted by datarose at 8:35 PM on December 12, 2010
posted by datarose at 8:35 PM on December 12, 2010
Anouar Brahem, Rue du Depart
Art of Noise, A Time for Fear (Who's Afraid)
Brian Eno, Alternative 3
The Fall, Riddler!
Harmonia 76 with Brian Eno, Luneberg Heath
Holger Czukay, Traum Mal Wieder
Holger Czukay & Rolf Dammers, Boat-Woman-Song
Laibach, Die Liebe
Low, Do You Know How To Waltz?
Matching Mole, Gloria Gloom
Nico, Chelsea Girls
Stina Nordenstam, Mary Bell
Residents, Hello Skinny and Happy Home
Wire, French Film Blurred
posted by mykescipark at 11:29 PM on December 12, 2010
Art of Noise, A Time for Fear (Who's Afraid)
Brian Eno, Alternative 3
The Fall, Riddler!
Harmonia 76 with Brian Eno, Luneberg Heath
Holger Czukay, Traum Mal Wieder
Holger Czukay & Rolf Dammers, Boat-Woman-Song
Laibach, Die Liebe
Low, Do You Know How To Waltz?
Matching Mole, Gloria Gloom
Nico, Chelsea Girls
Stina Nordenstam, Mary Bell
Residents, Hello Skinny and Happy Home
Wire, French Film Blurred
posted by mykescipark at 11:29 PM on December 12, 2010
Pretty much all of Dido's first album "No Angel". This album is etched all over a somewhat unhappy/awkward period of my life. I loved that album a lot. Still do, just can't listen to it.
On the other hand: Every song from this thread that I recognize, I like. So I guess I will have a blast going through all the songs.
posted by _Lasar at 4:03 AM on December 13, 2010
On the other hand: Every song from this thread that I recognize, I like. So I guess I will have a blast going through all the songs.
posted by _Lasar at 4:03 AM on December 13, 2010
Sorry - can't figure out how to link:
The Judy Garland Version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". In fact, all versions of that song always remind me of her version, which sounds just tragic to me, for some reason.
That creepy music from the movie "Sleeping With The Enemy". I think it was referenced already (Rachmaninoff?).
Also nthing "Sober" by Tool.
And even though I love it, "Antichrist Television Blues" by Arcade Fire tends to set a certain mood for me.
How DOES one link to songs, by the way?
posted by sundrop at 4:38 AM on December 13, 2010
The Judy Garland Version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". In fact, all versions of that song always remind me of her version, which sounds just tragic to me, for some reason.
That creepy music from the movie "Sleeping With The Enemy". I think it was referenced already (Rachmaninoff?).
Also nthing "Sober" by Tool.
And even though I love it, "Antichrist Television Blues" by Arcade Fire tends to set a certain mood for me.
How DOES one link to songs, by the way?
posted by sundrop at 4:38 AM on December 13, 2010
Everything ever by Thin White Rope, but let's start off with "Red Sun." 95% of their musical output evokes the feeling of a bad acid trip in the middle of the desert with vultures circling overhead.
posted by SomeTrickPony at 5:12 AM on December 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by SomeTrickPony at 5:12 AM on December 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
This song from the Irreversible soundtrack. Helps if you've seen the film, of course.
posted by orme at 6:31 AM on December 13, 2010
posted by orme at 6:31 AM on December 13, 2010
Every song by Rush. Uneasy is exactly how I feel. I get a little unhinged even.
posted by oreofuchi at 7:11 AM on December 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by oreofuchi at 7:11 AM on December 13, 2010 [2 favorites]
Tori Amos's version of Eminem's "'97 Bonnie & Clyde." The original doesn't faze me (Eminem actually puts enough clownishness in it to cut the frightening subject matter sufficiently, IMHO) but the whispery vocals in the Amos version are terrifying.
posted by dlugoczaj at 7:25 AM on December 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by dlugoczaj at 7:25 AM on December 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
In the Court of the Crimson King - King Crimson
Hey Joe - Jimi Hendricks
I Ain't Marching Anymore - Phil Ochs
Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair and Black Mountain Blues - Bessie Smith
posted by paulsc at 7:39 AM on December 13, 2010
Hey Joe - Jimi Hendricks
I Ain't Marching Anymore - Phil Ochs
Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair and Black Mountain Blues - Bessie Smith
posted by paulsc at 7:39 AM on December 13, 2010
Indiscipline/King Crimson
posted by troywestfield at 8:30 AM on December 13, 2010
posted by troywestfield at 8:30 AM on December 13, 2010
the Goblin soundtrack from Suspriria is pretty creepy
posted by Redhush at 8:54 AM on December 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Redhush at 8:54 AM on December 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
I find myself literally short of breath sometimes when listening to "Cinder and Smoke" by Iron & Wine. Something about the big, loud, deep breaths he takes as part of the chorus - I find my breathing reacting to it.
posted by jbickers at 9:24 AM on December 13, 2010
posted by jbickers at 9:24 AM on December 13, 2010
Run for Your Life, by the Beatles
I was familiar with the Beatles by the first time I listened to Rubber Soul in its entirety, but had no idea that was coming. When that song came on I couldn't believe the lyrics I was hearing, I mean the opening line is "I'd rather see you dead, little girl, than to be with another man."
posted by Ndwright at 9:24 AM on December 13, 2010
I was familiar with the Beatles by the first time I listened to Rubber Soul in its entirety, but had no idea that was coming. When that song came on I couldn't believe the lyrics I was hearing, I mean the opening line is "I'd rather see you dead, little girl, than to be with another man."
posted by Ndwright at 9:24 AM on December 13, 2010
"wonderful christmastime." easily.
posted by twoforty5am at 11:42 AM on December 13, 2010
posted by twoforty5am at 11:42 AM on December 13, 2010
also rilo kiley's better son/daughter that song makes me uncomfortable. not really in a bad way? but I don't know... makes me uneasy.
posted by twoforty5am at 11:43 AM on December 13, 2010
posted by twoforty5am at 11:43 AM on December 13, 2010
"Run" by Air
posted by Four-Eyed Girl at 12:39 PM on December 13, 2010
posted by Four-Eyed Girl at 12:39 PM on December 13, 2010
Seconding "Storm" by Godspeed You! Black Emperor (actually, the whole Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven album is unnerving to me).
"Man Next Door" by Massive Attack (which reminds me of living near a dangerous neighborhood when I was a teen).
"Sephiroth's Theme" from Final Fantasy VII is a repetitive song but it's creeeeeeeepy and super evil.
Oh and a LOT of the songs in the film (currently in theaters) Black Swan crawled under my skin and worked my psyche into a creepy and paranoid state that I've not felt watching a movie since Alien when I was a 12 year old boy. In one part of this film the creepy music and visuals and Portman's heroic and unnerving performance got me worked up to a point where I yelled "jeZus!" uncontrollably in the theater (followed by "Fuck. Sorry").
Check out the Black Swan soundtrack:
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack/dp/B0046M15BQ
I can't think of any others right now, but I hope you find some good things here. Metafilter is boss at this, baby.
posted by fantodstic at 1:18 PM on December 13, 2010
"Man Next Door" by Massive Attack (which reminds me of living near a dangerous neighborhood when I was a teen).
"Sephiroth's Theme" from Final Fantasy VII is a repetitive song but it's creeeeeeeepy and super evil.
Oh and a LOT of the songs in the film (currently in theaters) Black Swan crawled under my skin and worked my psyche into a creepy and paranoid state that I've not felt watching a movie since Alien when I was a 12 year old boy. In one part of this film the creepy music and visuals and Portman's heroic and unnerving performance got me worked up to a point where I yelled "jeZus!" uncontrollably in the theater (followed by "Fuck. Sorry").
Check out the Black Swan soundtrack:
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack/dp/B0046M15BQ
I can't think of any others right now, but I hope you find some good things here. Metafilter is boss at this, baby.
posted by fantodstic at 1:18 PM on December 13, 2010
A bunch of Blondie songs, actually. Thye all sound like, you know, Blondie songs, but some of them are really very creepy if you pay attention to the lyrics.
posted by cmoj at 1:24 PM on December 13, 2010
posted by cmoj at 1:24 PM on December 13, 2010
Golden Brown, by the Stranglers.
Hyperballad, by Bjork.
Goldfrapp's Felt Mountain album - creepy, creep clown music.
The Man Who Sold the World, by David Bowie.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 2:47 PM on December 13, 2010
Hyperballad, by Bjork.
Goldfrapp's Felt Mountain album - creepy, creep clown music.
The Man Who Sold the World, by David Bowie.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 2:47 PM on December 13, 2010
When that song came on I couldn't believe the lyrics I was hearing, I mean the opening line is "I'd rather see you dead, little girl, than to be with another man."
Apparently it eventually creeped Lennon out as well -- he once said "Run for Your Life" was the worst song he'd ever written.
posted by scody at 3:17 PM on December 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
Apparently it eventually creeped Lennon out as well -- he once said "Run for Your Life" was the worst song he'd ever written.
posted by scody at 3:17 PM on December 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
This may be the best askMeFi thread of all time.
posted by outlandishmarxist at 8:28 PM on December 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by outlandishmarxist at 8:28 PM on December 13, 2010 [1 favorite]
Much better recording of Black Angels (and much more unsettling).
posted by outlandishmarxist at 9:30 PM on December 13, 2010
posted by outlandishmarxist at 9:30 PM on December 13, 2010
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield, at least in the context of The Exorcist. Outside of that context, it's actually an awesome piece of music (it's actually one piece spanning an entire album).
posted by holterbarbour at 12:39 AM on December 14, 2010
posted by holterbarbour at 12:39 AM on December 14, 2010
The Priest They Called Him, William Burroughs with Kurt Cobain on guitar
Laurie Anderson's O Superman
posted by benzenedream at 1:24 AM on December 14, 2010
Laurie Anderson's O Superman
posted by benzenedream at 1:24 AM on December 14, 2010
Also, Mean Mr. Mustard and Maxwell's Silver Hammer by the Beatles always rubbed me the wrong way nerves-wise.
posted by elpea at 7:28 AM on December 14, 2010
posted by elpea at 7:28 AM on December 14, 2010
Oh! And the version of "Close to You" in MirrorMask
posted by Deathalicious at 8:19 AM on December 14, 2010
posted by Deathalicious at 8:19 AM on December 14, 2010
Sorry, this is a much better link for Que Sara Sara
posted by Deathalicious at 8:22 AM on December 14, 2010
posted by Deathalicious at 8:22 AM on December 14, 2010
A lot of the freakiest music I've heard is "drone metal," "drone ambient" or "dark ambient."
Aphex Twin - Tassels and many other tracks from Selected Ambient II
Arvo Pärt - Miserere, "Ikos" from the Kanon Pokajanen, First Symphony - 2nd movement
Boards of Canada - Gyroscope, The Devil Is In The Details, You Could Feel the Sky, Chinook, Diving Station, M9, Under the Coke Sign
The Beatles - Love You To
Brian Eno - almost every track from Ambient 4: On Land, starting with Lizard Point and The Lost Day. Most of the tracks from Apollo Atmospheres and Sountracks, starting with The Secret Place and Matta. Many tracks from Music for Films, starting with Alternative 3 and Inland Sea.
György Ligeti - Cello Concerto, first movement. Violin Concerto, fourth movement.
Popol Vuh - Bruder des Schattens
Lustmord - Black Star, Heresy and lots of other tracks.
posted by Vic Morrow's Personal Vietnam at 12:53 AM on December 18, 2010 [2 favorites]
Aphex Twin - Tassels and many other tracks from Selected Ambient II
Arvo Pärt - Miserere, "Ikos" from the Kanon Pokajanen, First Symphony - 2nd movement
Boards of Canada - Gyroscope, The Devil Is In The Details, You Could Feel the Sky, Chinook, Diving Station, M9, Under the Coke Sign
The Beatles - Love You To
Brian Eno - almost every track from Ambient 4: On Land, starting with Lizard Point and The Lost Day. Most of the tracks from Apollo Atmospheres and Sountracks, starting with The Secret Place and Matta. Many tracks from Music for Films, starting with Alternative 3 and Inland Sea.
György Ligeti - Cello Concerto, first movement. Violin Concerto, fourth movement.
Popol Vuh - Bruder des Schattens
Lustmord - Black Star, Heresy and lots of other tracks.
posted by Vic Morrow's Personal Vietnam at 12:53 AM on December 18, 2010 [2 favorites]
"Cherub" by the Butthole Surfers; "Poems" by Nearly God (aka Tricky); "UFO" by ESG; "Death Valley '69" by Sonic Youth; "667" or "Nothing to Say" by Soundgarden; anything by Fantomas; the Kids Soundtrack by Folk Implosion and "Janitor of Lunacy" by Nico.
posted by dancingfruitbat at 10:24 AM on December 19, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by dancingfruitbat at 10:24 AM on December 19, 2010 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
That, and anything produced after about 1972..
posted by HuronBob at 12:38 PM on December 12, 2010 [2 favorites]