Julian Bashir Playlist Time!!
Apple Music playlist (if you’re a heathen and subscribe to apple music like me) here
I know that there’s plenty of people making playlists, but I really feel like this is an under-utilized brand of fan content. Instead of attempting to create a list of songs that Julian would listen to, or a playlist of songs which were all lyrically directly applicable (though there certainly some of those in here) regardless of genre, I tried to create something which captured, above all, his vibes instead, by choosing songs that balance at least somewhat relevant lyrical content with the energy or feel that I associate with the character. What it means matters, but not as much as how it makes you feel. That said, I signed up for apple music and read a TON of those overwrought iTunes store album review descriptions while I was making this, so I have a whole lot to say about all my choices here. In depth explanation of my symbolism and methodology behind each song under the keep reading. (I love tumblr. I want to write 1,000 words of analysis about why I picked songs to represent Julian Bashir and some of you are gonna read it. This is where I get to pretend to be one of those iTunes music writers. I feel joy.)
Hello, Sigyn, my beloved. Many months ago, I listened to these songs and wrote about my reactions to them, and then I forgot. It’s been in my drafts for forever, so I’m just gonna say ‘screw it’ and post it.
Okay so I know I’m late (my phone is weird and spotify doesn’t like it) but I’m, finally listening to this! (It’s gonna take a while though because I’m making myself do work in between songs.)
And the first song is immediately a mood: “I need to let you in… It’s out of my control.” Yep, sounds like our Julian obsession. “I’m an alien when I’m myself.“ How is this so accurate? I don’t think you could write a more Julian-like song if you did it on purpose, and I’m assuming this artist did NOT do it on purpose because Occam’s Razor.
Sweater Weather is a bit less literal, but very much conveys the warm, safe, caring, protective vibes Julian just radiates.
I’ll be honest, I don’t really know what’s going on with #3. Weird, weird lyrics, but I guess that’s not the point is it? The vibes are nice; that’s all I can say about it. It’s very calm, but also upbeat and feels kind of like hanging out with a good friend.
Ah, a Mika song! (I know @sigynpenniman loves this artist so of course it’s here.) This one almost made me cry in front of my roommate- I was not prepared for the emotions in this song. “I don’t trust rainbows,” ouch that’s relatable. It feels like how after dealing with various mental health shit I’m always expecting it to come back. And that chorus “All this to say that it’s okay/No matter what life throws at you/I will always love the blue in you.“ Stop making me cry, Sigyn. (Just kidding please never change.) I’m gonna listen to this on repeat now. That “it’s okay” is just… exactly what I needed. You said this could be either FROM or AT Julian, but I think for me it’s both. He needs to hear it, and so do the rest of us.
The City: Wow that one line is really extremely uncomfortable despite trying to be reassuring and… yeah. The Vibes. It feels like that fantastic yet awful pic we were all passing around a few months back- the first-person perspective of the infirmary with Julian leaning over the camera. It’s comforting, it’s viscerally terrifying, it’s impossible to explain.
Sit Next To Me: This feels like it’s about the weird undefinable relationship thing. Also: “Just say the word and I’ll part the sea“ immediately made me think of that scene from Adventures In Space Bureaucracy in which Savannah is certain that Julian can help Elias, even though he doesn’t believe it, and then he does it anyways. He absolutely can and would part the sea for somebody he cares about, even if he’d probably doubt himself the entire time.