` why Elvis Costello makes good funeral music`

[johnfoyle]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/women/story/0 ... 25,00.html


Monday February 16, 2004
The Guardian

(extracts)
Emma's diary

In June 2003, at the age of 35, Emma Candy was
diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Four months later, she
began to write a daily weblog charting her treatment
and - hopefully - recovery. In these extracts, she
talks about her wig called Gloria, why Elvis Costello
makes good funeral music - and how cancer can make you
popular. She died earlier this month

------------------------------------------------------


· October 14

There's an angel, contemplate my fate

Is it wrong to want to play Robbie Williams at your
funeral?

I watched Robbie's Millions on Sunday night and it
said that Angels was the most played track for
hatches, matches and dispatches in the UK.

Personally I think I'd prefer something more cheeky
and uplifting like I don't wanna rock DJ, or perhaps
more quizzical: the one that goes, "When there's no
love in town, this new century keeps bring me down,
all the places you have been trying to find a Love
Supreme".

Of course there's always a spot of Take That maybe,
but I guess Back for Good just isn't going to cut it
when everyone's sniffing in to their hankies. A bit
more pathos needed me thinks.

I came up with some oldies but goodies:

1. My Funny Valentine: Elvis Costello

Something really sweet about this song ... makes you
think of the one you love and makes you wanna be that
Funny Valentine too.

2. Alison: Elvis Costello

Again not appropriate for a funeral but there is a
longing about this song that I just love. "Alison, I
know this world is killing you, oh Alison, my aim is
true."

3. Speak Like a Child: The Style Council

Uplifting, I wish I was the girl in the song, "Your
hair hangs in golden steps you're a bona fide in every
respect you are, walking through streets that mean
nothing to you, you believe you're above it and I
don't really blame you."

4. Don't matter what sign you are: Diana Ross and the
Supremes

"You're gonna be mine you are, don't let astrology,
chart our destiny." Just cool.

5. By the time I get to Phoenix: Isaac Hayes

Makes you wish you'd been on that road trip across
America.

6. Moonlight in Vermont: Betty Carter

Ditto roadtrip. One of those places I haven't yet been
in America and the song makes it seem all the more
evocative.

-----------------------------------------------------
The diary in full

http://mayibefrank.typepad.com/

[laughingcrow]

surely Earthbound would be most appropriate!

[Jackson Doofster]

My wife is under strict orders to have either Green Song or The Birds will Still be Singing played at my funeral. No pathos at all - let the bastards weep - I was a good bloke!!

[verbal gymnastics]

I was a good bloke!!

So it won't be Tramp The Dirt down then JD

[miss buenos aires]

I'm just glad to hear that other people name their wigs; mine is named Feather.

[Jackson Doofster]

its always a possibility VG.....esp when they find out how little I've left them!