Some writers work in silence. Others need music. For Madeline Cash, author of Lost Lambs, Dua’s Monthly Read for August, it’s a “strictly classical playlist” while she writes. However, when we asked Madeline to share her writing soundtrack, she took that brief as seriously as her craft, curating a playlist that guides you through the novel.
“It starts with The Langley Schools Music Project, which was a children’s choir that sang pop hits in the 1970s, onto Belle and Sebastian’s Get Me Away From Here, I’m Dying for when a listless young Abigail, counting the days until she can escape her provincial town, meets her distraction du jour,” Madeline explains. “For Bud and Miss Winkle’s romance, Lana says it best: ‘Living for no one costs way more than it’s worth’.”
You’ll find the context for each track and the full playlist below. “Each song is situated in the Lost Lambs extended universe,” says Madeline, “laying backdrop to their follies and adventures as they navigate this strange world.” (Note: spoilers ahead...)
God Only Knows by The Langley Schools Music Project
“In which we meet Father Andrew and Harper...”
Suicide Is Painless (the M*A*S*H soundtrack) by Johnny Mandel
“In which Bud contemplates taking his life in the minivan...”
The Adults Are Talking by The Strokes
“In which no one listens to Harper...”
Get Me Away From Here, I’m Dying by Belle and Sebastian
“In which we meet Abigail Flynn...”
Teenage Dirtbag (cover) by Sega Bodega & Dorian Electra
“In which Louise tries out for the Inner Beauty pageant...”
I Am Confident (self-help tape)
“In which Bud joins a Christian guidance group...”
Common People by Pulp
“In which Abigail and Wes fall in love...”
Buddy’s Rendezvous by Lana Del Rey
“In which Bud and Miss Winkle have an affair...”
Childhood by Beach House
“In which Harper is sent to Wilderness camp...”
Is This What You Wanted by Leonard Cohen
“In which Bud and Catherine call it off...”
Under My Thumb by The Rolling Stones
“In which we learn Paul Alabaster is watching...”
Surrender by Suicide
“In which Catherine gives up and falls for the contractor...”
Eyes Without A Face by Billy Idol
“In which Abigail attends the masked ball...”
Sherlock Holmes by Sparks
“In which Wes solves the mystery and rescues Abigail...”
Love Story (cover) by Black Midi
“In which Abigail and Wes go to the dance...”
Here Come The Warm Jets by Brian Eno
“In which the story is resolved...”
There’s More – Delve Deeper Into Lost Lambs With The Service95 Book Club...
WATCH Dua’s interview with its author Madeline Cash
DISCOVER the books that inspired and informed the writing of Lost Lambs
EXPLORE a therapist's guide to Lost Lamb's complex central characters
BOOKMARK a reading list defined by dysfunctional family dynamics
