Do you remember those days before Ipods,MP3 players,even CD players?I do and I miss them.I miss listening to a.m.radio and hearing that a band I liked had a new album out.I remember going to the record store and searching through the bins,distracted by the cover art that seemed to jump out at me,grabbing my attention and drawing me into a world of unknown possibility.Some of the artwork was provocative,s*xual,scary,shocking and even funny.And while I searched for the album I wanted,I came across bands and artists that i'd never heard before.I remember finding the album I was searching for and rushing home in anticipation to listen to it,to hear the music that moved me in a way that was confusing and exciting all at the same time.I'd get home and go to my room,my haven,my world of dreams and adolescent fantasy.I'd quietly close my door and sit down before my record player.I'd tear off the cellophane wrapping disgarding it to the floor.It was almost ritualistic,gently pulling the record out and sniffing the paper liner that protected the record and smelling the newness of what was to come.I'd pour over the liner notes,committing to memory every detail,every bit of information that concerned the band or artist,therefore being able to inform my friends of what I knew in case they didn't have the same album.I can remember putting on my head phones and gently placing the record onto the turntable,making sure it was set to 33rpm.Then turning on the record player and making sure the volume was set.Then ever so gently i'd sit the needle down and the hiss and crackle of the vinyl would draw me in as the record spun around.That sound was magical because I knew that what followed was unknown to me and I welcomed it.I learned alot about myself lying on my bed and hearing songs about love and betrayal,sorrow and joy.I heard songs that gave me chillbumps but I didn't know why.I heard songs that confused me,that made me laugh.Songs that made me question authority.In those moments of solitude,listening to so many different bands and artists,so many different genres of music, I realized that anything was possible.Looking back I realize that music is the soundtrack of our lives and that it is the one thing that brings people of different races,nationality and social standing together.That though we may be different,that we may not agree on political views,religion or what direction the world should take.Music affects us like nothing else...I'm 42 and I still get goose bumps from the opening notes and voice of Otis Redding on "These Arms of Mine." How I miss those days.
Mitch1968 Blog (1)