My first impression of the Golden Record came with some disappointment, if I am to be completely honest. Of the 27 songs, at least 12 were from the Western world which included 7 classical pieces. Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with classical music, in fact, I enjoy it, however, as a record that is supposed to be somewhat comprehensive in representing the music of the world, I think 7 classical songs is a bit excessive.

When I chose my 10 songs, I decided to choose based on representation in the world. I tried to choose one from every continent. I also carefully considered different instruments and different sounds and frequencies to create a more diverse record. In the Twenty Seven Hertz podcast, they did mention potential variations in hearing certain frequencies by an extra terrestrial life form, so I wanted to include as many variations as possible. The final list of 10 songs that I chose included:

1. 3. Senegal, percussion, recorded by Charles Duvelle. 2:08
2. 9. Japan, shakuhachi, “Tsuru No Sugomori” (“Crane’s Nest,”) performed by Goro Yamaguchi. 4:51
3. 13. Peru, panpipes and drum, collected by Casa de la Cultura, Lima. 0:52
4. 15. Azerbaijan S.S.R., bagpipes, recorded by Radio Moscow. 2:30
5. 18. Beethoven, Fifth Symphony, First Movement, the Philharmonia Orchestra, Otto Klemperer, conductor. 7:20
6. 20. Navajo Indians, Night Chant, recorded by Willard Rhodes. 0:57
7. 21. Holborne, Paueans, Galliards, Almains and Other Short Aeirs, “The Fairie Round,” performed by David Munrow and the Early Music Consort of London. 1:17
8. 24. China, ch’in, “Flowing Streams,” performed by Kuan P’ing-hu. 7:37
9. 25. India, raga, “Jaat Kahan Ho,” sung by Surshri Kesar Bai Kerkar. 3:30
10. 26. “Dark Was the Night,” written and performed by Blind Willie Johnson. 3:15

With these choices, I can’t help but wonder what it might be like to include a more modern electronic music piece. While I do say this in some seriousness, I also have read jokes about the genre “dubstep” being made for only aliens to understand. Maybe it would be a good idea to include a dubstep song! 🙂