LET THERE BE MUSIC

My list of enjoyable music feels endless. The history of music goes back farther then we can imagine; I feel as though I'm forever hearing something new. Just to name a few types of music: Rock, R & B, Blues, Hip Hop, ( some ) Rap, old Folk songs are cool, and so is old country. Appalachian music; also, intrigues me. It seems to have been an important part of their culture,performed in family gatherings, or with whole communities involved. Along with other cultures music; certainly, has been an important custom in their history.
Music can be delivered, received, and interpreted, in so many ways. We enjoy the metaphors, poetry, story telling, and words in their simplest form can be, so profound. There are so many poetic artists past and present. With some though, Its just the sound of their voice, or the music they produce that just makes you want to listen.
If I may, I'd like to speak of just a few artists to whom are dear to me. I'll start with the musician Maria Maldaur. Her first album, yes I used the "A" word, had some really cool folk songs on it. It also had the song that hit the charts, in 70 sumpin, sumpin, " Midnight at the Oasis." She somewhat reminds me of Norah Jones who's one of those artists that it really doesn't matter what they sing, I'd listen. Another great one is Van Morrison with his son "Moondance," it just seems to flow " Marvelous Night for a Moondance with the Stars up above in your Eyes, Fantabulous Night to make Romance." That song just never gets old to me. Cat Stevens has many songs I enjoy; in fact, I named my dog after one of them,"Moonshadow." And one of Annie Lennox's songs she sings, "Dying is easy its Living that Scares me to Death," sometimes I think I'm the only one that feels that way until she sings that to me and reminds me, I'm not alone. One of my favorites, and she hasn't been around very long, would be Alanis Morrisette's CD "Jagged Little Pill." When I first heard her I thought, what is this woman screaming about!? Until I really listened to her lyrics. Then I was absolutely hooked! The next thing I know I was screaming the words to her songs, In my car, at my house. People must have thought I was nuts. Her simple little words touched me so. I just love the song " Hand in my pocket," it says things like: " I'm Broke but I'm Happy," " I'm Lost but I'm Hopeful," " I'm Sane but I'm Overwhelmed," " I'm Hard but I'm Friendly." How simple, yet to me, so true. Another song that tickles my fancy is,"Isn't it Ironic," she states: " A Death Row Pardon two Minutes too Late," Good Advice that ya Just Didn't Take," " Ten Thousand Spoons when all you need is a Knife," "Life has a Funny way of Sneaken up on you," "Life has a Funny, Funny way of Helpen you Out." (love her, love her!) Other artist such as: Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Gnarles Barkley, and even Eminem ; however, alittle harsh and crude. I can still appreciate his artistry.As for the others, I'm just naming a few out of hundreds of performers that are so very talented.
Back in my youth, It was hard rock for me. AC/DC was profound and poetic to my ears. Along with Arrowsmith, Led Zepplin, and all the hard rock I could get at the time. It went right along with drinken, partying, and my rebellious ways, music seemed to help me vent my youthful anger. Of course, I'm still aroused by this music because of all the youthful memories they hold.
There are many artists and types of music I could talk about. And hundreds more I've , yet to discover. The bottom line is " Music is Great!" It's a gift, and still brings people together. Although not like it used to, music is still the source of: gatherings, topics of conversation, It sooths you, gives you energy, makes you happy,and sad. Music is even said to be healing. Heal away!