Exploring Poe's Haunted House of Leaves: A Musical and Literary Collaboration

Poes Haunted & House of Leaves Dominykas Bytautas and Shane Gordon

BACKGROUND Anne Danielewski (Poe) and Mark Danielewski collaboration Haunted released in 2000 House of Leaves released 2000 Both siblings state that the album and book are meant to be read and listened to together

Musical Background Alternative rock, coupled with electronic (and sometimes danceable) beats Regarded in some circles as Goth Pop A branch away from Goth Rock Goth rock began with The Doors and Jim Morrison s apocalyptic poetry, Lizard King alter ego, deep muddy vocals and audience antagonizing performances. Essentially, the atmosphere they created

The Music of Haunted Balanced mix of gentle, harmonious tunes coupled with minor/haunting chords This juxtaposition creates a type of emotional roadmap in relation to the lyrics and themes Samples from Poe s father, Tad Danielewski These recordings appear in between songs Serves as the idea of a woman singing songs to her deceased father, that he then responds to

LYRICS Haunted: I need to get my bearings, I'm lost and the shadows keep on changing 5 and a Minute Hallway: Landlord came today, he measured everything, I knew he d get it wrong & living in a hallway that keeps growing Hey Pretty: Into the belly of a whale where my secrets echo all around Dear Johnny: Johnny dear don't be afraid, I will keep your secret safe, bring me to the blind man who, lost you in his house of blue Lemon Meringue Spanish Doll House of Leaves Amazed And here in the foyer, the hallway is small, I don't really think it's a hallway at all & the ash is a tree

THEMES WITHIN THE LYRICS Being lost in a hallway or maze Waiting Darkness Missing someone Sounds Echoes Johnny Death

Tracks from the Album Track 8: Track 15: House of Leaves 5 & Minute Hallway