Playlist link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMqVKPkJHK6Io3chdx9HiAyp7Mdbc6ASl
A second Kalin and Radley fanmix, first focusing on image songs prior and during Crash Town and then branching into songs for different scenarios they encounter as friends. I kind of think this mix should be the first one, with Hold On Forever as the next one. I wanted to mostly focus on Kalin and Radley's post-arc relationship in Hold On Forever, but this one focuses largely on Crash Town and what happened there. After the main story, I included a few other songs that I felt fit them in various hurt/comfort and angsty situations after they're close. It feels like a darker mix than Hold On Forever, although there are definitely squee moments here too. And you'll notice Red appears many times, but that's because so many of their songs fit so well, lol. I think I'm becoming obsessed with this amazing band! How are they so perfect for these two?!
Human by the Killers
Kalin and his thoughts of being kind and then descending into cruelty and madness. I associate this song with several characters, and although it isn't perfect for Kalin, it does make me think of him.
Somewhere I Belong by Linkin Park
Radley's longing for true loved ones, most likely when he's been abandoned in the mines. I characterize Radley as deeply longing to be loved (albeit not necessarily in a romantic way), and this song was just perfect for that. Ironically, it's also the Doma bikers' theme song, so all the characters I think of with it are motorcyclists.
45 by Shinedown
Kalin and his struggles with depression and self-destruction in Crash Town. This has been a favorite song for years and I realized it sounds a lot like Kalin. I mean, come on: "Whatever happened to the young man's heart? Swallowed by pain as he slowly fell apart. And I'm staring down the barrel of a 45, swimming through the ashes of another life."
What Do You Got? by Bon Jovi
Radley has been trying and failing to get through to Kalin and make friends for weeks. He can't understand Kalin's constant rejections of him and his disinterest in everyone and everything around him. Radley finally exclaims this song in frustration, wondering what meaning Kalin even finds in life when he won't open his heart. Crystal Rose of Pollux showed me this song and I knew it had to be here.
Fallen by Sarah MacLachlan
Radley's world has come crashing down. He's been abandoned and sent to the mines and he has no more hope left. I also associate this song with multiple characters and I thought of it with Kalin too, but I think it's a better fit for Radley in my verse. The first two verses could still fit both of them, however.
Please Forgive Me (Song of the Crow) by William Fitzsimmons
Kalin's mind clears and he realizes how he has treated Radley and left him to suffer and die in the mines, and he is devastated. I really needed an "I'm sorry" song on the mix, and only this one has the proper feeling and anguish for the situation.
Walk On by U2
Kalin has managed to revive Radley, but Radley is still drowning in his despair. Kalin tries to get through to him. This is a beautiful song that captures the seriousness of the situation and how sincerely Kalin has changed. He has found the light, and must help Radley find it again too.
Angel by Sarah MacLachlan
More of Radley's despair, but now there is comfort and hope. This song sounds like how Radley changed over time from naivete to world-weariness and eventually sinks into despair when abandoned. But the angel (in this case, Kalin) provides a beacon of light in the darkness.
Not Alone by Red
At last Kalin finally pierces the heavy darkness surrounding Radley with the assurance that he is not alone, as he fears he is. Kalin will always be here for him. This song could also fit the reverse scenario, but I think of it particularly as Kalin to Radley because of the line about broken dreams and that's how Radley felt at this point.
Carry On, My Wayward Son by Kansas
Radley and his naivete when he first arrived in Crash Town, and how he changed over time, and how he's pulled out of his sorrow. I hadn't heard this song in years, and when I did, I knew it was Radley's image song for my verse.
Who I Am Hates Who I've Been by Relient K
Kalin hates his past as a Dark Signer and now wants to make up for it. This song sounds a lot like Kalin's feelings in the situation. Someday I may make an AMV with it. There's one on YouTube already, but it doesn't really capture my vision, so I would like to make one too.
If I Break by Red
Kalin is struggling again. In his darkest moments, he wonders if Radley will be there for him despite all he's done. Of course, Radley is a loyal and steadfast friend.
Hymn for the Missing by Red
A scenario where one of them is missing and the other is trying to find them. I stumbled on this song for the first time the other day and its heartbreak and devastation fits their feelings for each other once they become close.
A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton
Kalin is returning from being missing, having survived whatever the bad guy put him through and is coming home to Radley. I've loved this song for years and am happy it has a place on this mix.
Pieces by Red
Kalin is desperately in need of comfort again. He comes to Radley and of course Radley will do all he can to help.
Never Be the Same by Red
Radley has been stricken with amnesia and Kalin is heartbroken and unable to deal with it. I've toyed with writing a serious amnesia fic for a while, and I still might, but right now the thought of it hurts my heart too much. Nevertheless, I still like the idea enough that when I found this song, it had to go on the mix.
Oath Sign by AmaLee
Radley is starting to remember and is confused still, but is receptive to Kalin's caring for him. He knows Kalin isn't telling him everything and he wishes Kalin would. Autumn Hazel Scarlet13 suggested this lovely song.
Yours Again by Red
All of Radley's memories have been restored at last, and he feels horrible for having forgotten, but at the same time, he's rejoicing to finally remember his friend. This is probably too shippy when they're not a couple, but for the moment it's staying unless I can find one that's more ambiguous.
Ghost in This House by Alison Krauss
Inspiration for the story Just a Whisper of Smoke, when Radley thinks Kalin has been killed. The song talks of one who is so heartbroken over losing a loved one that they go through the motions of life like a ghost, and also either imagine their loved one still there or see his ghost. The only reason this one doesn't fully fit is the line "I'm all that's left of two hearts on fire, that once burned out of control." Of course, if one wants to see Kalin and Radley in a romantic relationship, it would fit fine. It was originally a bonus track on the other fanmix, but I don't want the mix to end with a sad song.
One Sweet Day by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men
Kalin's anguish when he thinks Radley is dead. I've loved this heartbreaking and beautiful song for many years and it definitely sounds like it fits the situation when Radley has to sacrifice himself to save Kalin and the others. What doesn't quite fit is that the singer has some solace and Kalin has none. Although admittedly, he would try to think of Radley being in Heaven, at least.
Come Home by OneRepublic
Kalin can't deal with Radley's death and begs for his return. I tried this haunting song on all of my fanmixes, but I think it fits best on this one.
Coming Back to Life by Kathleen Carnali
God heals Radley and he returns to Kalin. This is a religious song, but it has a double meaning for its inclusion here, as the "he" could also mean Kalin and how their connection has brought Radley back. It's hard to find songs like this, and at first I thought this one was probably too sweet and worshipful, but I decided to use it anyway after hearing the next possibility on my list and realizing I much preferred the sweetness of this one.
No Matter Where We Are by Us the Duo
Kalin and Radley celebrate being together and reaffirm that they are in this for the long haul. This one fits Yusei and Kalin too, but I love it for Kalin and Radley in my verse.
You Carried Me With You by Brandi Carlile
This amazing, beautiful song certainly fits with Yusei and Kalin in canon, and I also find it immensely fitting for how Kalin and Radley develop in my verse. Kalin tells Radley how much Radley has helped him through all of their adventures and how much he appreciates it. Radley feels likewise about Kalin.
Best is Yet to Come by Red
After everything they've been through, Kalin and Radley are still devoted to each other and still determined to face the future together.