Music is a major theme in Black Ocean. Carl Ramsey was raised in a family that made its living dredging up old acts from the past and passing them off as new again. Getting immersed in the culture of the mid 20th century was just part of the lifestyle, part of the con. The music of that era seeped into him and ever since, Carl’s been exposing everyone he’s ever met to its charms.

So what real-world musical references popped up in Salvage Trouble (Black Ocean Mission 1)?

Dust in the Wind, Kansas

(Don’t Fear) The Reaper, Blue Oyster Cult

Carl pulls out a couple references early on in an awkward attempt at a eulogy. With no real speech prepared, he ad libs and throws together metaphors from these two classic hits, as well as a bit of Winston Churchill.

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, AC/DC

Frankenstein, The Edgar Winter Group

These are included on Carl’s music cluster titled “Dogfight 7.” Neither song is mentioned by name, only description. But if you read the descriptions…

The cluster title was “Dogfight 7” and it dated back to his navy days. He selected “play” and slid the volume indicator to maximum. In seconds, the growl of distorted guitars thundered through the cockpit. By the time the snarling vocals came in, Carl’s hands had stopped shaking.

The beeping alarms stopped as the ship’s momentum was no longer enough to burn the atmosphere around them, and the next song came on. This time it was a heavy instrumental piece with a hammering bass line and primitive synthesizer.

Stairway to Heaven, Led Zeppelin

There is no explicit mention of what song Carl is playing in the final scene, but nevertheless, it’s Stairway to Heaven. Don’t mind the fact that Carl can’t quite actually play it; give him some credit for trying. He’s more of an enthusiastic amateur than a proper guitarist.