I have expressed my love of music on my blog before, but there is a difference in simply saying you love it and truly being thankful for something. For me, I a truly thankful for music for several reasons and that’s what rates a mention here in my 30 days of thanks series.
There is Not Right or Wrong. Diversity Rocks!
When I think of music, my mind drifts all over the place. I grew up in a place that appreciated a diverse range of music. Memphis gave rise to soul stars like Al Green, blues greats like Howling Wolf & BB King and rockers like Joe Walsh. More recently, you could stumble upon Justin Timberlake, Jeff Buckley (who died too young), rapper Al Kapone of Three 6 Mafia, operatic star Kallen Esperian and jazz musician Phineas Newborn. With that sort of diversity in my hometown, its easy to understand how I end up listening to a little bit of everything.
Helps Me Screen Out the Noise
I have to admit, I use music as a protector at times. Sometimes that’s by putting on noise-cancelling headphones when I’m in the airport and other times, I simply play music so my brain can focus on that instead of the other sounds that may be around me. That’s especially the case at night as I look to keep my mind from drifting to the sound of an ice machine or elevator in the hotel.
Music Can Help Me Express Emotion
There are times when it seems nearly impossible to verbalize what you are feeling, and then you hear a song that says what you were thinking in musical notes and words. The absolute highs with fast pace and dramatic shifts in notes and lows of long, drawn out notes…. they just put things in a way that I can’t at times. There are also times when you simply want to celebrate or grieve…. and a specific song helps push that forward.
Taps Into Specific Memories
Since yesterday’s post about ornaments talked memories, you may think I’m especially reflective. I don’t know, I just think it is coincidental. But hearing a certain song, taps a part of my brain that connects to memories. The song “You Can’t Rollerskate in a Buffalo Herd” makes me remember going to the fair with the family when I was really young. Beatles tunes remind me of a trip to Liverpool or Rock Band sing-alongs nd most Clapton music has a concert or two for me to connect to! Pink will be connected to the girl’s weekend last spring & more recently, my niece’s first concert experience! Remember, I have seen LOTS of live music and have more than 20,000 songs on my iPod! This list can go on and on!
I’d Love Some New Tunes
So…. increase my thankfulness by telling me some bands, artists, albums, etc that you think I should give a listen to. As I say above, I have eclectic tastes. I have downloaded Blake Shelton and Kendrick Lamar recently. What tunes do you listen to these days?
How about some Maynard Ferguson? http://youtu.be/gDZCT2MinPY
You’ve mentioned musical artists who are new to me, so I have to check them out. I love anything by Joe Bonamassa, another blues great: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYtZtwVMLPY
Oooh…. I do love Bonamassa!
Here are a couple of non-mainstream people I know/like:
Nearly Beloved-Kind of an electric jug band
Kenny White-A great pianist.
And one mainstream:
The Baseball Project-It has Peter Buck from REM
Will check them out! Thanks!