Header image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS/Texas A&M University
Like everyone else, I’ve started my pro/con list for traveling to Mars.
Cons:
- Forced long term travel.
- Close quarters with near strangers.
- No breathable air.
- Certain death.
Pros:
- Reduced gravity.
- No mosquitoes.
- Blue sunsets.
That last one was verified in striking fashion by the latest photo from Curiosity Rover – an image of a cobalt disc poised over the crisp outline of a mountain range that only happens to be Martian.
It immediately hit me that the first Earthlings to set up camp there would have the opportunity to write a batch of songs about topics that have long been over-explored back home with the distinct advantage of a fresh set of unique experiences.
A blue sunset, for instance.
Then, somewhat less immediately, it hit me that I could only think of three songs that were specifically about a sunset.
- Sunrise, Sunset, of course. But it’s a shared billing.
- Canadian Sunset is obvious, but it has as many words as Mars has Canadians.
- Red Sails in the Sunset comes to mind but it has too much longing for home to be an effective Martian anthem.
Fortunately, the Kinks took care of everything when they did this:
And the beauty part – the song is already about a pronounced distaste for crowds and a fondness for chilly evenings in close company with a special friend – and both are Mars journey prerequisites!
Although the “special friend” is an accessory you will have to pack or make along the way.
As far as the song is concerned, all you have to do to Martianize it is substitute “What a blue” for “Waterloo”.
Done and done. Going to Mars may not be so difficult after all!
Recall a remarkable sunset.
Trail Baboon 