In a new installment of the long-running series where readers answer each other's questions, the topic turns to intergalactic first contact. The question: if an alien landed and asked, "What is this thing you call music?" what would you play for them? And why? The responses range from classical masterpieces to quirky pop hits, creating an epic extraterrestrial playlist.
Classical and Cosmic Choices
Many readers turned to Gustav Holst's The Planets, a suite that directly references celestial bodies. "Gustav Holst, The Planets, of course!" wrote winelf. Others suggested Bach, with Simon01 proposing "Air on the G String" or Pachelbel's Canon in D, noting the progression from simple to complex. "I would vote for Bach, all of Bach, streamed out into space," quoted tjccjt from essayist Lewis Thomas. "We would be bragging, of course, but it is surely excusable."
Ralanfish recommended Richard Strauss's Also Sprach Zarathustra, famously used in 2001: A Space Odyssey, while Sagarmatha1953 picked John Williams's score from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. "Because he's a genius," they added.
Pop and Rock Favorites
Several readers opted for accessible pop. Beijingcalling chose "Rock Lobster" by the B-52s, and PingPonger suggested "Planet Claire" by the same band. The Beatles were a popular pick, with SwindonNick simply saying "The Beatles." Others highlighted Queen, noting that "Klingons are mad for Queen" (therealjonbob).
For a more modern touch, eminentone recommended Charli XCX's "Lucky," while RicardoDiMagnifico chose Björk's "Hyperballad," describing her as "barely of this world anyhow – in a good way." BirtyDankers added "Big Time Sensuality" as a "proper alien foot tapper."
Humor and Defiance
Not all responses were serious. bunkendrum suggested bagpipes: "They would sod off, never return and leave 'Danger! Keep away!' signs." DocMesa1981 proposed a medley of "Barbie Girl," "Baby Shark," and "Crazy Frog" before the death ray strikes. Onesiphorus offered "They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!" by Napoleon XIV to scare them off.
hurtinthewarmup recommended Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" as a rickroll. "I'd embed it in a link, of course," they added.
Cultural and Educational Approaches
Some readers took a more educational stance. d33pf1x suggested starting simple, like "London Bridge Is Falling Down," to explain rhythm and melody before moving to complex works. artisticallyinclined emphasized communal music-making: "I would much rather gather a group, take out my guitar and sing together spontaneously."
Serenissima6 proposed a mix: "Some traditional west African music. And some Gregorian chant. Bach's Brandenburg Concertos. And the Stones' 'She's a Rainbow.'" SRW647 recommended Bach followed by Indonesian and Indian classical music to show diversity.
Avant-Garde and Experimental
For those seeking to impress, unclestinky suggested Cardiacs' Sing to God and The Residents. theRotorvator picked late-period Autechre, "because maybe they get it." realmOdusk compiled a challenging list: Schoenberg, Xenakis, Captain Beefheart, and Merzbow. "I believe this would adequately prepare them for the reality of life on Earth," they wrote.
Charismata proposed John Cage's 4'33", four minutes and thirty-three seconds of silence. "We're not Lady Gaga and Elton John," they quipped, referencing the band Angine de Poitrine.
A Final Thought
Micktrick would play Debussy's Clair de Lune, explaining that music is an idea converted into sounds that evoke emotions. "If by chance the alien said they had the same thing on their home planet, I'd beg them to take me back with them."
The full collection of responses showcases humanity's musical diversity, from the sublime to the ridiculous, all in the hope of making a good first impression – or at least a memorable one.
