When I hear music, I slightly bob my head and often drum my fingers. I like all kinds of music and depending on the mood, the genre could range from “country to hard rock”. I am a runner and the thread mill requires the highest of upbeat music, as the beat is transferred into my effort. I used to listen to rap and enjoyed the beat, but unfortunately, most modern rap has regressed to vulgarity and profanation. I certainly don’t want to expose my kids to music that glorifies disrespect and a life of crime.
Recently, I have found myself listening to old 70’s songs. They are easy to sing along with and many are just fun. Thank goodness for XM radio, now I can pick any genre at any time and enjoy it all. If you really want a fun taste of the 70’s, you must see Mamma Mia! the recent smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA.
One of my fondest memories of music is really more of a recent discovery. My dad has a group of buddies that are quite talented. They look a bit haggard in their overalls and work boots. Most of them enjoy a taste from the bottle and to be honest, likely personify what many would call, “rednecks, hillbillies or hicks”. I was amazed one night as they started pulling banjos, guitars, and fiddles from their trucks. These old men circled around and after a minute of tuning up, started “pickin”, the sound was almost hypnotic. I was amazed that these old guys had such talent, not a single one had a sheet of music and I doubt any of them ever had a formal music class. They smoothly rolled into song after song with casual ease, reminding me that this was certainly a work of art that took years and years to perfect.
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2 comments:
You described perfectly what I wanted to say about music-- that the beat correlates to effort when it comes to working out.
However, I thought it interesting that you associate all current rap with vulgarity. While it is true that a lot of it is in fact not appropriate for anyone under 18 or over 40 (people by then usually have kids or other influences) there is a lot of current music that is positive. MTV is currently doing a special that has music with positive messages about the need for political and social change. If you look closely at a lot of heavy metal today you will find a lot of it has satire and strong messages about the need for change.
Hi Kevin! That's really neat about your dad and his music-buddies...what a treat to encounter. This past weekend I was up in the mountains and one night listened and danced to a bluegrass band just jammin' away- so amazing. It sharply contrasted to the uptight and formal trio my mother, younger brother and I would form to play mostly Mozart on the piano, violin and viola.
Now I've picked up playing a string instrument again and so want to diverge over to some Irish style fiddlin' once I get the basics down again. Maybe bluegrass too...we'll see.
Enjoyed your post on music. Best, Lachlan
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