As most of you faithful or long-term readers know, I am a big fan of music. In the beginning the blog was all about music and I shared a weekly Friday 5. Those were links to songs I listened to a lot that week. Most Friday 5 posts have since been deleted and the blog transitioned into something different, more personal. Even more personal than music. For me, the genre is not very important, but I tend to be drawn to rock, alternative, indie, and mostly prog-rock. There is something about guitar riffs, bass drums and bass lines, something I enjoy. I also love 80s music, so many great and/or cheesy songs were written in that decade – my birth decade . And, even though only few would expect it, I love piano music. It is calming, soothing. It can be very sad and emotive; and it sounds beautiful on vinyl or live.
I am a moody person, but I am also open and curious. In my experience there is a fitting song for very situation and for every emotion. Sometimes music also triggers certain emotions and those inspire my writing more often than not. I think it is a beautiful way to create art and to leave an impression on the listeners. Through the years, I made many memories that are pinned to a song. It created a soundtrack to my life. And that’s a comforting thought for me.
This is a link to my music collection. Eclectic at best. It’s the good, the bad, and the embarrassing, I’d say. But it is also the music that kept me company over the years.
http://discogs.page.link/zc83L6fneS7mu86z5
https://discogs.page.link/zc83L6fneS7mu86z5
And here is a link to many hours of music on Spotify. I know, musicians don’t get paid and all. And I am torn about using the platform at all, but in the end, I listen daily and almost all day long. The easy way might be the lazy way, but it is what it is. To be fair though, I buy many records and CDs.
There is something about unwrapping and album from it’s cellophane wrap and holding it for the first time. I study the cover, the lyrics (if they are shared) and read the booklet from front to back. Like a little ritual.
Today, I had a beautiful album in my mailbox, and I did what I described before. I studied it from every side, enjoying this new arrival. It’s moody piano music with impressive vocals. The lyrics are poetic and the piano create a beautiful atmosphere. I am talking about a record by Martin Herzberg & Felix Räuber called “the art of dreaming”. It was released recently (October 20th) and only a limited number of vinyl was made. I was lucky enough to be in time to get a signed green copy. I listened to it a couple of times this afternoon and it is wonderful, just the right music for rainy and grey autumn days. It sets a fantastic mood.
Fun fact: I met Felix in 2013 and wrote about it here: https://micqu.org/2013/02/05/go-see-maximilian-hecker-felix-rauber-now/ I never forgot that night, even though it was quite embarrassing for me. You want to know more? Read the old post. It was a night to remember indeed. Do you have encounters that stayed with you through the years? I’d love to hear about it.
I am passionate about music, but I am very bad at describing it or reviewing it. I like most music I like because it triggers a kind of emotion in me. To me, that is like magic.
What’s the last song you listened to? Mine was “come around” by a British band called Corella. Corella were suggested by a playlist that focussed on Paolo Nutini’s music.
Do you still buy physical music or do you stream? (Which platforms do you use?)
In my life, music is very important. How about you? Do you have a favourite song or artist? I am curious to know about you. To be honest, right now I don’t have a favourite artist and somehow my favourite song was played so much lately that it is has lost it’s magic. I used to love Kate Bush’s running up that hill. It was the perfect mix of beautiful vocals, music to remember and poetic lyrics. Curiously, while I wrote this, another favourite came on: New Order’s 1963. I heard that song on the radio when I was a kid. I was one of those recording songs off the radio, and this one grabbed me right away. I had no idea who it was or what the song was called. Mind you, this was before the internet invaded our homes. It took many years before I found the song. There are two versions, but only one of them gets me in the feels.
I could ramble on and on about memories and meaning of this or that song. And I will, if you leave a comment for me. 🙂
Thank you for your continued support, and happy listening.
reflections of an unquiet mind 