10 Thematically Relevant Songs For The Transit Of Venus

Eyes in the skies today people! Today a rare planetary phenomenon, the Transit Of Venus, will be visible in Australia from 8.15am (AEST) to 2.30pm (CST) approximately, during which Venus will intersect the Sun and Earth making it visible against the Sun as a black dot. This is a once in the lifetime sight for some, with the next passage expected to take place in 105.5 years time, ergo you better get your shades on and look skyward, friends. Sit back, relax and listen to this thematically relevant playlist we’ve devised to get you in the Venus Transitting mood…

“VENUS” SHOCKING BLUE
Many know this tune best by the Bananarama version from the late Eighties, but the original version by Dutch band Shocking Blue is supremely cool with the organ riff and a sweet guitar solo between verses A and B. But we’re not here for a lesson in music history! The relevance of this tune on this playlist doesn’t really require explanation. It’s also enjoyable to sing “I’m your PENIS / I’m your fire / your desire”. It’s juvenile but penis you guys! Giggle!

“VENUS: THE PLANETARIUM” SUFJAN STEVENS, BRYCE DESSNER, NICO MUHLY
This collaborative number was inspired by the Roman goddess of love, beauty and sex, as well as the gleaming planet second closest from the Sun. The clashing of indie rock and classical genres make for a celestial aural experience.

“LOWER YOUR EYELIDS TO DIE WITH THE SUN” M83
Turn skyward, crank M83’s euphoric 10-minute epic, hold hands with someone, and watch a rare solar moment occur. Some New Age legend on YouTube has commented: When I listen to this I imagine floating in a sea? of light and loving eternal energy…I never want to return to the physical plane. Right on man! (PS Someone else wrote: i want acid =(?) This tune is space-sational.

“PLANET QUEEN” T. REX
If you can think of a a band in history that’s more cosmic sounding than T. Rex, well, you and I are about to have a punch up my friend. The repetitious refrain Flying saucer take me away! of this spacy little acid-rock trip “Planet queen” is the perfect accompaniment to star gazing and metaphysical contemplation.

“VENUS” AIR
You can’t have a space-inspired mixtape without Air and, of course, today “Venus” is a contextually appropriate choice from their catalogue.

“ALPHA” VANGELIS
The unforgettable soundtrack to Carl Sagan’s equally memorable documentary series “Cosmos” was composed by electronic music pioneer Vangelis. If the Transit of Venus makes you feel small and insignificant play this epic song and remember that it was created by another human being. That has to mean something.

“SO FAR AWAY” CAROLE KING AND JAMES TAYLOR
Get it? Plus it’s just one of the great duets.

“WHERE YOU END AND I BEGIN” RADIOHEAD
I’m not sure what Thom Yorke is singing about in this song. Some people say it’s a conversation he’s having with God. Others interpret the lyrics as the textbook existential crisis put into words. The words I can watch but not take part / Where I end and where you start seem appropriate for this kind of rare solar event.

“STARING AT THE SUN” TV ON THE RADIO
Apparently you should not look directly at the sun during the Transit because it could do serious damage to your eyesight. Booo.

“BLINDED BY THE LIGHT” MANFRED MANN
No radio cut for you my friends! I hope you like fuck-off guitar solos with your astronomical phenomenons.

Add you own suggestion in the comment section.

Main image by Joe Klamar, AFP

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