LIBRARY BLOG

A Playlist for M. L. Rio’s If We Were Villains

Have you heard of our upcoming New Adult Book Group (name pending) yet? Because it just so happens that If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio is the first book pick. Here’s a playlist to listen to when you’ve finished reading.

Spoilers ahead!

1. “The Cult of Dionysus” by The Orion Experience

A encompassing song: Oliver tells us that Dellecher was a cult rather than an academic institution. The Dionysian revelries in the The Orion’s Experience’s song remind me of the book’s quote, “When we first walked through those doors, we did so without knowing that we were now part of some strange fanatic religion where anything could be excused so long as it was offered at the altar of the Muses. Ritual madness, ecstasy, human sacrifice” (Rio, 86).

The Tower is just a secret society for the wild and free who like Shakespeare, anyway.

2. “Limelight” by Rush

A encompassing song: Getty Lee was inspired by Shakespeare plays when he wrote this song about putting on different faces for the world. I think it’s a good fit here.

3. “Fear and Trembling” by Gang of Youths

An encompassing song: This song shares the novel’s vibes of looking back onto a better time and catching up with the world after being absent for a while. Of course the novel also details a very terrible, not simple time. But whatever.

4. “Happy Together” by The Turtles

A plot song: This song is more so about an established and commited relationship, but the happy lyrics backed by the darker music reminds me of Meredith and Oliver’s brief stint together. Oliver thinks the two of them might have loved each other for a minute, but it ultimately goes nowhere amist all the turmoil happening around them.

5. “Teeth” by 5 Seconds of Summer

A plot song: I feel this one captures Meredith’s feelings for Richard at better periods in their relationship.

6. “Starring Role” by MARINA

A plot song: We already have one song for Meredith and Richard’s relationship, but here’s another angrier, more psychologically driven one.

7. “Banks” by Lincoln

A plot song: This brings to mind Oliver driving back to Dellecher with Filippa for the first time in ten years to tell Detective Colborne the true story of what went down the night Richard died.

8. “This Was A Home Once” by Bad Suns

A plot song: The singer’s disbelief over his parents’ divorcing and everything from his childhood changing mirrors Oliver’s winter break visit to his parents’ house. Alternatively, it can also be Oliver’s changing view of The Tower as the remaining six residents struggle to get back on their feet and find their way to nearly normal after Richard’s death.

9. “Clint Eastwood” by Gorillaz

A character and plot song: I’ll admit it doesn’t match entirely, but the song reminds me of Oliver feeling like he’ll only ever be seen and casted as the leftover sidekick and later making himself the hero. He’s useless, but not for long, if you will.

You can also connect it to James hinting that their usual typecasting might be switched up soon (and then confirming immediately after that it totally will be).

10. “Slip” by Elliot Moss

A plot song: This reminds me of Oliver taking the fall for James. Similar to the song, Oliver won’t watch James be arrested for a necessary crime and watch him flicker out.

11.“Let’s Kill Tonight” by Panic! at the Disco

A plot song: I feel like this covers the necessary (or maybe unnecessary) wicked things Oliver speaks of. I can also hear it playing in the background of Oliver, James, and Alexander’s conversation backstage about taking Richard down a peg. Maybe they should stab Caesar.