Soundtrack for ‘The Doomed Flight of the DMK’
My Mixtape’s A Masterpiece is a weekly feature in which a guest compiles a 12-song playlist around some theme. This week, for KaiJuly 2021, Rob Dean curates a soundtrack for an imaginary film about mankind’s hope to stop a Kaiju’s devastation.
In multiple Kaiju films, the government and armies rush to assemble and launch some experimental weapon or military vehicle to deal with the monster. Armed with untested and sci-fi weaponry, the mostly anonymous crew do what they can to stop the rampage—often failing to do so.
This playlist would be the soundtrack to a film centered on such an operation. Less about the creature wreaking havoc, but an ARMAGEDDON-style drama/action movie in which a team is assembled and has to face impossible odds to neutralize the threat and save the world. So this is the story of the emergence of the threat, the frantic construction of the ship and its crew, as the experimental aircraft the DMK takes wing for its first and final mission.
…Yeah I know it’s stupid.
1. “Awake O Sleeper” by The Brothers Bright
Kicking off the whole thing is the emergence of the threat, some giant monster who seemingly comes out of nowhere to wreak havoc. Beginning in a small rural area before moving towards densely populated cities, the introduction of the kaiju is full of shots of disaster and panic which leads to the mobilization of an armed response. Conventional weaponry like tanks and jets do nothing against the creature. Time to go the unconventional route…
2. “Right Now” by Van Halen
The classic “prepping the solution” montage meets the reliable “getting the team together” montage. This is the type of crosscutting that begins with some government type seeking out the disgraced scientist who proposed an experimental vehicle to combat unforeseen dangers. Once laughed at, he now may be the Earth’s lone hope against the rampaging monster. It’s the type of cross-cutting that begins with a dialogue exchange like:
“I mean…it’s three months away from even a prototype!”
“Well now you’ve got three days to get it out there.”
As the aircraft is assembled a team of 12 including trained pilots, accomplished gunners, IT wunderkinds, and engineers are assembled to work together in the new weapon and stop the kaiju’s reign of terror. As training winds down and the finishing touches are applied to the new war machine, the scientist says it’s time for the DMK to take flight.
3. “Leaving On A Jet Plane” by John Denver
The various crew members say their goodbyes to family and friends the night before launch. Some have much to prove to loved ones whose hearts they’ve broken while others know this may be the last time they see the people who make their lives complete. Zero hour draws ever nearer.
4. “Right Here, Right Now” by Fatboy Slim
It’s time for launch. Ground control is on pins and needles hoping the whole thing doesn’t just explode. The ragtag crew that’s never worked together is uncertain of each other. Hundreds of thousands of lives remain in jeopardy as the beast continues its onslaught. But the DMK takes flight and is quickly on its way to try to stop the murderous juggernaut.
5. “Blockbuster Night, Pt. 1” by Run The Jewels
Just in case the audience has forgotten the severity of the situation, the creature has reached the outskirts of a metropolis. Shattering buildings and crushing people beneath its mammoth feet. People watch their TVs as the town is reduced to bloodstained rumble. The kaiju’s power seems impossible to match...
6. “Battle Royale feat. Panther - VIP Mix” by Apashe
…until the DMK arrives. Firing off sci-fi weaponry from its laser cannons and torpedo bays, it seems that humanity is finally having an effect on the behemoth. The DMK narrowly avoids getting swatted down or hit by the monster’s other abilities while the crew coordinates with each other to drive the kaiju back, away from the city and giving people a chance to flee for safety.
7. “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd
The beast is still a force of destruction hellbent on leveling everything in its path, including the DMK. It finally gets in a few hits with hits piercing talons and powerful fangs sending the craft and its crew to the ground. Only seven teammates remain, the others perishing in the assault and subsequent crash. The rest of the world realizes that it’s possible the last line of defense has been obliterated and there is no stopping this monster. Other nations prepare nuclear strikes to prevent the beast from going any further and threatening their shores.
8. “Heroes” by Peter Gabriel
The surviving crew of the DMK survey the damage and mourn their dead. They feel like their failure has made it possible everything they love in this world will soon be wiped out—if not by the kaiju then by the bombardment of nukes that will certainly be deployed soon. Together, almost wordlessly, they realize that if there’s anything they can do to help, they have to try it. They’ll patch up their broken aircraft as best they can and bring the fight back to the monster, though it will most likely be a suicide mission.
9. “‘Till I Collapse” by Eminem feat. Nate Dogg
Another sweet montage as the remaining team does what they can to fix the DMK. Lots of welding, moving pieces around, rebooting computers, sparks, etc. Meanwhile there’s a ticking clock as the impending nuclear strike draws ever closer. All this as the giant creature moves further inland and causing more destruction and death.
10. “無情のスキャット (Heartless Scat)” by Ningen Isu
It’s round two and this time the DMK has nothing to lose. They know the odds and know the stakes as annihilation of the country seems imminent. After making a few tweaks to the machine, they are able to score some real hits and cause true pain for the kaiju. For its part, the beast gets in a few of its own licks but it’s a much more even fight now. Unfortunately, time is running out.
11. “VI: Sons of Fate” by The Protomen
The moment of no return for the crew of the DMK. They need to put down the monster now or all is lost. They decide to fly into its chest and explode, killing the kaiju but taking them with it. People around the world watch the intrepid team sacrifice themselves for the good of the planet.
12. “Here’s To You (feat. Joan Baez)” by Ennio Morricone
Time has passed but rebuilding is ongoing. The massive carcass of the monster is still being carted off while people are returning to their homes. Commendations and awards are given out to everyone involved with the DMK project—including posthumously to its deceased crew. A statue is erected commemorating the last stand of the DMK and the time that humanity was able to will itself away from the brink of obliteration.