Set the Night to Music (written 4/19/09)
I have been contemplating the impact of music on my life lately. Really, who CAN’T classify themselves as a “music lover”? So many genres, so many artists. There really is something for everyone. As I write this blog entry I am listening to my top 25 most played on iTunes. As each song enters the queue, I am reminded of when I downloaded the song and why. I am not sure if others are like me in that the purpose is different each time I download a song from iTunes. It depends on my mood, my day, my taste at the moment… Sometimes I’ll hear a song on the radio and like it instantly and want to return to it. When I’m feeling exploratory, I’ll search for an artist at the suggestion of a friend, or I’ll look to see what some of my favorite artists have put out there. Sometimes I search for remixes of classic songs that I have come to love. Once I complied an entire cardio workout mix in an afternoon. Ah, the beauty of iTunes. Gone are the days of purchasing an entire CD for upwards of $12.00 only to discover that the other songs, well, suck. Having an iPhone makes my access to iTunes even more immediate and convenient, but that’s a whole nother post :).
What is it about music and its ability to enhance life? I find myself turning to music during all kinds of times. When I’m feeling nostalgic or reminiscent, I’ll put on a fitting tune, usually something classical and lyric-less. Or I’ll throw on some William Fitzgerald, John Mayer, or Missy Higgins. When I miss my dad, my favorite song to cry to is “Dance with my Father” by Luther Vandross. It evokes emotions within me that can only truly be expressed when set to music. When I’ve had an awesome day, I love to throw on a techno version of Madonna or jam to some Akon. My dad loved the Beach Boys. Who doesn’t? He loved to cruise in his duct taped Le Baron convertible blasting songs that reminded him of a youthful and carefree time in his life. At the end of a long day, or when my head is jammed with things I need to think about, bills I need to pay, or social events I will be attending, I put on my Bose noise cancellation headphones that my dad got me 4 years ago for Christmas and my mind is instantly cleared. The undoable seems doable. The unattainable doesn’t seem so distant. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying music is a cure-all or withholds some kind of magical abilities, but it definitely has the capacity to soothe, comfort, uplift, excite, seduce, you name it. It’s therapeutic. It’s catchy.
My first boyfriend made me a mixed tape as a 3 month anniversary present. Gone is he, but not the tape :). Or N*SYNC and Boys to Men :). Outdated perhaps (feel free to argue, I don’t want to tear up your heart…). Sometimes I return to it when I have the patience to dust off my cassette player, and when I want to remember the joys of my young heart. As soon as I hit play, the memories come flooding back, more vivid in my mind than if I were to recall them sans the music. Music encompasses and records the past. It pushes us through the present and helps us dance toward the future. People are constantly experimenting with new ways to mix a tune and with topics for songs. They are coming together to mix genres, which brings me to the idea that people occasionally even use music as a small defining factor. If I had a quarter for the number of times someone has asked me what kind of music I listen to (to which I usually reply: “I’m open”), I’d have enough for… 2 CD’s. :) The music we choose to listen to says something about us. Country haters judge country lovers. Rap enthusiasts don’t understand what’s so hard to understand about “tonight Wclef, Akon, Weezy on the bill” or “I put on for my city” (I still don’t get it). Pop listeners can find themselves being oldie admirers. Music gives us hope, sets our life to a beat, and expresses things we feel when spoken words fail us. I liken it to poetry in that sometimes eloquent things hold the simplest messages. Music is timeless, every piece unique (covers, debatable) :) but each piece evokes a reaction. Quite simply put, music has something to offer everyone.
