Soundtrack to Geraldine: A playlist inspired by the novel
Geraldine, much like her author Andrea Thompson, is heavily involved in the music scene. Immerse yourself in the music of the 20th century with this playlist, curated by Andrea. Listen for free on the Fremantle Press Spotify, and read below for more context around each song and where they fit into Geraldine.
‘Geraldine’ by Glasvegas
This song doesn’t feature in the book, but it was on high rotation while Andrea wrote the novel, and was part of her inspiration for the central character. As she drafted and listened, Andrea also had a first edition copy of Peter Carey’s Oscar and Lucinda at her side to spur herself on to write a story that was gritty and real, as well as imbued with dark humour and magic, blurring the lines between worlds and exploring the truth and deeds that come from enduring obsession.
Chapter 15 — ‘Mpondolo’ by Rikki Ililonga & Musi-O-Tunya
As Geraldine and her family travel south to Rhodesia, they listen to Zam Rock on the car radio, and as Geraldine soaks in the sounds and sense of revolution, she’s hooked.
Chapter 22 — ‘Whole Lotta Love’ by Led Zeppelin
Geraldine’s teachers are surprised that she knows who wrote the theme song to Top Of The Pops (more adults who had no idea who she was).
Chapter 23 — ‘No Fun’ by Sex Pistols
Geraldine first hears mention of the Sex Pistols years before she gets to actually hear their music.
Chapter 30 — ‘Marquee Moon’ by Television
Music properly changes Geraldine’s world when she discovers Television.
Chapter 32 — ‘Janie Jones’ by The Clash
Geraldine’s brother, Harry, buys her a copy of The Clash’s eponymous debut, and they take their first trip to the Three Queens pub in Weston-super-Mare.
Chapter 34 — ‘Art School’ by The Jam
Geraldine and Harry buy tickets to see The Jam. They cost £1.50 each, and the experience was priceless.
Chapter 43 — ‘Orgone Accumulator’ by Hawkwind, ‘Solitary Ashtray’ by Inner City Unit
Geraldine and her friend John hitchhike to London to see Hawkwind. In the weeks afterwards, she buys the debut single from Inner City Unit and discovers LSD.
Chapter 44 — ‘Holidays In The Sun’ by Sex Pistols
Geraldine finally gets a copy of Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols and drives Harry over the edge.
Chapter 48 — ‘Temptation’ by New Order
Geraldine is at Glastonbury Festival. Tripping on LSD, she sees the Pyramid stage take off into the night sky, then loses her tent and her girlfriend.
Chapter 51 — ‘Identity’ by X-Ray Spex, ‘Suburban Boy’ by Dave Warner’s From The Suburbs
Geraldine arrives in Australia. One of her first outings is to see Dave Warner’s From The Suburbs while wearing her favourite X-Ray Spex t-shirt. Initially, Geraldine is not impressed with the Australian take on punk.
Chapter 64 – ‘Mannish Boy’ by Muddy Waters
Playing the Subi Hotel for the first time, Janine McArdle, Geradline’s housemate, wins over the crowd of indifferent (mostly) men with a slinky and decidedly feminine cover of Muddy Waters’ ‘Mannish Boy’, getting them to sing back the chorus to her with all the machismo they can muster. The track becomes a signature song in Janine’s live set.
Chapter 74 — ‘Bull In The Heather’ by Sonic Youth, ‘This Is Not The Way Home’ by The Cruel Sea, ‘Adam’s Ribs’ by You Am I
Geraldine hangs out backstage at the Big Day Out, ligging with the likes of Kim Gordon, Tim Rogers and Tex Perkins. Later in the evening, Janine gets up and plays with You Am I on ‘Adam’s Ribs’.
Chapter 85 — ‘Flame Trees’ by Jimmy Barnes, ‘N.D.C’ by Jebediah
Geraldine organises a fundraiser to support a High Court challenge to a WA law that was used to attempt to force gender-diverse people to have surgery before they could have their genders legally recognised. Jimmy Barnes and Jebediah were among the artists that played at the event, as well as Ignition.
‘Anybody Else But Me’ by Cecilia
The character of Janine McArdle was partly inspired by Walyalup/Fremantle musician, Cecilia. Though their music is very different, Cecilia’s song, ‘Anybody Else But Me’ is an anthem for anyone coming to terms with their true selves.
Geraldine is available in all good bookstores and online.
