Rating: - I love Danny Elfman!
I love music that can trasport me to a different time and place. Sometimes it's the words, sometimes its the music. When I listen to Danny Elfman music, it puts me in a mythical place, full of adventure. His soundtracks work for much more than the movies they were written for. I put on Elfman to set the mood when reading favorite authors such as Laurell K. Hamilton, Barbara Kingsolver, or Alice Hoffman. Other artists set up perfect backdrops for my other reading, but if you want that ethereal atmosphere, Elfman's my first choice. Other people that can give you that spooky, perfect atmosphere are: Anna Madorsky (she's not signed, but you can find her on the web), some NIN (a little more techno, but some of it can totally transport you), Bauhaus, and classic Rolling Stones. If you like emotive atmosphere, but arent' a fan of the spooky, I strongly suggest picking through Prince's work. There are some wonderfully atmospheric songs in there. Of course, if you like Elfman's soundtracks, then you've got to check out the movies. Edward Scissorhands is an absolute classic.