As I mentioned in my last blog entry, I've been listening to Alan Cross' "History of Alternative Rock." It's reminded me of many albums, groups, and songs from my history which I've put aside; I have their music but I rarely listen to it actively anymore. The history's section on U2 got me listening to their music again, particularly the album "The Joshua Tree."
I've always been a U2 fan; not to the extent that I loved Springsteen (well, that love was a bit disturbed, to be honest. At one point in my life, I actually thought Springsteen was God's incarnate representative on Earth. But that is another story for another time.) but I was definitely a fan. In fact, I am probably one of the few people that saw them in completely different venues as they made their way to stardom: I saw them at the Hollywood Palladium, the Long Beach Arena, the Sports Arena, and the Coliseum, on their various tours of America. I clearly remember hearing "Where The Streets Have No Name" for the first time and being absolutely exhilarated. As I grew up and my musical tastes changed and morphed, I think I began taking their music for granted. I listened less and less and relied on my memory instead of actually putting their albums on.
I put The Joshua Tree on for the first time in a while today. The music hit me hard, and I remembered why I became a U2 fan. I couldn't believe how incredibly powerful the music is, even 21 years on. Listening to "Running To Stand Still" on the bus this afternoon, I nearly broke out in tears. I guess I never really heard the lyrics, or, more likely, my life experience has changed my perception of them and the emotion they elicit from me.
Music is incredibly important to me; it always has been. It is as important as food, water, and air. It connects me with others, and connects me with my Higher Power, God. I am blessed to have experienced the wonderful creativity of the bands who make me smile and cry.
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Ben,
Reading your blog about Music makes me want to tell you a story of how powerful music has been to me.
We were watching a PBS special about "Doo Wop" music. I was just loving it. I remembered every word to every song sang and I was just having the time of my life singing along with the music. Then the infomercial came along and we could purchase these 6 CD for a meager payment of $125.00 for three months. I looked at Steve and just knew this was not going to happen.
But, I could not get the music out of my head and we continued to watch the program with the preformers doing the insinc dances together and doo wopping just as happily as could be. Never mind that they could not really sing it the way the used to, or that there were new people in the group. What really mattered were the love songs and the tender words.
Listening to them again, it reminded me of where I was at the exact moment I first heard the song and sweet memories flooded my heart strings.
I was so delighted, because I knew all the words, but can't remember what I ate a hour ago, or where my glasses are, etc. etc.
I know this is a long story and it is coming to end. So for my "65 th" Birthday, Steve reconstructed all those Song on 6 CD's for me.
Now I happily driving down the road singing at the top of my lungs, knowing ALL the words and as happy as a clam.
Must is wonderfully powerful, enough to make me laugh and cry.
I am glad you too can enjoy.
Hope you are feeling better.
Love,
Gayle
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