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Take 5: Songs that take me back. . .

As I’ve mentioned before, I love music.  I love listening to it, I love playing it, I love being taken over by a melody, a chord, or lyrics.  There are a few songs, however, that remind me of very specific things – a time, a location,  a feeling.    No matter where you are, or what you’re doing, a certain group of notes can trigger a response, a memory, and recollection of time gone by. 

Here are five songs that do this for me.

1.  “You’ve Got a Friend” – James Taylor

This song will forever remind me of my KAIROS retreat the spring of my junior year of high school.  For those that don’t know, I went to a Catholic High School, and KAIROS was a 4 day retreat that students could go on their junior or senior year.  I won’t got into details about the retreat, but it was an experience that impacts me until today.  I may not be what someone would refer to as actively “religious” right now, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have my faith as a part of what drives me or guides me.  This song was one that was used during the retreat and still reminds me of the experience and the people I shared it with.

2.  “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole

This song has a lot of memories attached to it, but most specifically it reminds me of the last time I saw each of my grandparents alive.  They were two amazing people who instilled in me the love of travelling, service, and also allowed me to have a lot of great experiences that helped shape me into the person I am today.  I often stop and wonder what they would say to me if they could see me today, and I know, deep down, they would be proud of me and proud of the adult I have become.

3.  “Love Train” – The O’Jays

Duluth. April 23-25, 2010. This was the weekend where I had my first experience of the DFL endorsement process as a volunteer.  It was my first cycle where I wasn’t working directly for a campaign, and I was able to do things that I wanted to.  It was also my first big DFL “thing” after a year of big changes, some medical issues, and a lot of growth and soul searching.  Plus, it reminds me of the fabulous team I worked with, and the great friends I made as a result of being on Team MAK.  Plus, who can forget the epic floor demonstration?  I saw people busting moves I would not have expected from them – EVER!

4.  “Andrea Chenier”

During my junior year of college, we played a selection of music from this opera in Symphonic Band.  However, the concert that we played this at wasn’t just any concert, it was guest conducted by the Conductor of the U.S. Marine Corps Band, Col. Tim Foley (who has since retired).  This was a huge honor to have him at Marquette, directing our rag tag group of non-music majors on this complex piece.  It was one moment in all of my musical career where I truly felt like a musician.  I felt that it was more than just something that I did – it became very real.  Our group came together that day and gave one of the best performances of my time at Marquette.  It was an honor and a privelege, and I’m thankful to have been able to experience that moment.

5. “Hey Baby” – DJ Otzi

I heard this song while travelling in Australia in 2003 in a random club – in Brisbane or Sydney I believe.  It made me laugh, since it was a song that I heard a lot as a result of pep band, and it’s just a random remix.  When I returned back to the states, I would add it to party playlists and always be reminded of that trip.  This trip to Australia not only caused me to fall in love with this beautiful country, but also inspired much of the research I did during grad school.  There was just something about the people, the vibe, and the scenery that I loved.  I actually was planning to return for my PhD, but my life plan took a slight detour in 2006.  I hope to be able to visit again – perhaps for a bit longer of a stay – some day soon. 

Words really can’t capture fully why or how these songs cause this reaction – they just do.  I can only really explain what it reminds me of, but can’t figure out how to explain the more emotional part of the reaction.  I had a discussion with someone along these lines earlier this week.  The conclusions that music is simply inexplicable and that is the best way to explain music. 

And with that, I suggest that you take time to enjoy some music and the memories and emotions they carry along with them.  Good or bad, positive or negative, it will be worth it.  Sometimes you just have to feel and remember.

I know it’s been awhile. . . .

I’ve had a busy few weeks – my birthday was in there too – which has kept me from being able to write.  I have not been happy about this, but did jot down some ideas to write about during the craziness so will be getting back into the swing of things soon. 

For today, I’m just going to post a song.  The chorus is what I’m doing tonight, well the relaxing and taking it easy – blame portion TBD.

Enjoy.

Jammy’s Jam of the Day – July 3, 2011

I was tipped off to the 23 This Year: The Sub Pop Amazon Sampler (which is FREE on Amazon! – go get it now!) by a friend, and came across this song while shopping at Target.  Yes, I often to music while grocery shopping, which sometimes leads me to strutting around, bouncing my head, or generally getting into the song, but I digress. . . .

I am thankful that I have decided to expand what music I am listening too – otherwise I would be missing out on some really great music.  Not only am I adding variety to my choices, but also honing in on the genres I really like.  There are some other great songs in this mix too, and it’s free, so get it while you can! 🙂

I present today’s Jam of the Day – “Lost in My Mind” by The Head and the Heart.

Momma once told me
You’re already home where you feel loved
I am lost in my mind
I get lost in my mind

Enjoy.

Help me decide!

I like snarky/witty/random tshirts and I’d like to get a new one for my birthday.  However, there are just too many great options out there and I can’t decide.  So, I’m looking for some help to spend a bit of my money by crowdscourcing the decision.

Here are the “finalists”, in no particular order:

1.  Evil Genius

2.  Meh

3.  Catnip

4. Quack!

5.  Back to the Future shirt to be named later (there are quite a few options I’m thinking about)

6.  Not My Fault

7.  Selected options from The Oatmeal (Special Ops Bunny, War Kitten, or Polar Bear in Coffee)

Let me know which one I should get, or offer up a suggestion of your own (nothing too racy or vulgar, yeah?).  Aaaand, go!

Take 5: Albums everyone should own

This is a debate/discussion I’ve had with people from time to time – what are five albums, regardless of genre or original release date, that everyone should own.  Or at the very least listen to once.  Sometimes we’ll agree, but more often there are disagreements, but always an interesting conversation.  You can really learn a lot about people during a discussion like this and also find out some unexpected musical likes or dislikes that people you know have. 

What I’m looking for in a CD to make the list is one that just hits some sort of musical zen for me – a collection songs that are timeless or an album that flows from beginning to end perfectly.  My list changes from time to time, but here is the current version:

1.  Simon and Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits

2.  “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” – Lauryn Hill

3.  “Number Ones” – Michael Jackson

4.  “MTV Unplugged in New York” – Nirvana

5.  “Viva la Vida” – Coldplay

Agree? Disagree? What are your five essential albums? 

Share away, my friends.

Things you notice on a walk

Yesterday, I had to walk from my office to a friend’s house for a ride home due to what I will refer to as CARFAIL 2011.  I ended up walking along the normal route that I drive to and from work each day.  One thing that struck me about half-way into the mile long walk is how your perspective changes when you’re not in a car zooming by at 35 MPH.

I noticed small things like kids playing in the front yard of an apartment building – their laughter and joy rising above the din of the cars driving by.  I noticed the details on some of the great old houses along the street, where people have worked to preserve the historic beauty and charm.  I noticed the number of small buisnesses along the route, many bustling with customers and covering a wide variety of needs – including a Thai restaurant, a motorcycle shop, a music school, a youth hostel and a co-op.

I nodded hi to people as I walked by, each of us on our own journey, our own path, but recognizing we were both a part of this community.  While I may have been in my own world with my thoughts and music, I was still taking in what was around me. This often happens while I am walking around my own neighborhood during walks with Scout.

I want to see what is going on around me – notice those small things that bring a smile to my face or remind me of something.  I think I’m going to try to make it a point to go on more walks or ride my bike more places while the weather cooperates.  It not only helps me connect with things around me, but also has the pesky side benefit of being good for me.

It’s amazing the things you notice when you slow down a bit and really look at what is going on around you.  Something I need to do more of, and I’m looking forward to it.