The power of song

There are times when music just reflects, or pretty accurately represents, how you feel at the time... don't you think?

I love instrumental music for that reason - you can infer or project what you want onto the music you hear at the time. The Romantic composers; Schumann, late Beethoven, Wagner, Strauss, and composers after; Rachmaninoff, Mahler and such are especially great for this. Although many times their music is programmatic, you can still project your own mental pictures and strong emotions onto/into the music. It takes patience as many of these composers' works tend to be...uh...."lengthy".

There are actually two songs from an earlier time that I adore for "peace" music - "Wachet auf," ruft uns die Stimme" and "Sheep May Safely Graze", both by Bach. Although the former is from a Cantata with words.... they are in German so there's no need to discover the religious translation unless strongly motivated. And there are many non vocal versions to just allow you to enjoy the counterpoint and the melody. "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber ( made popular in the movie Platoon, I think) is also a very powerful, although pretty somber, piece. Great harmonies !!!

There are also many contemporary musicians that I feel provide the same service. Dave Matthews is my most favorite because his music is original and somewhat challenging/engaging to a listener ( not so repetitive, great rhythm section and sax player, has strong ties to jazz) and his lyrics are just awesome. My current favorite album of his is "Busted Stuff" ( thank you Jamie from Eddie Bauer), but he hasn't put out one I didn't like. And as for favorite songs.... too many to list. Love him !!!

Enya is another I really enjoy, but I know many consider her too strongly alternative or "out there". Whatever....

Lately though, I find myself really drawn to the song "Over My Head (Cable Car)" by The Fray. Ok, so the literal lyrics don't hold strong parallels (haven't been in a cable car since the summer) but the implied meanings currently stretch far and wide to many things. (But change the whole gender thing to). Another favorite, "Take the Long Way Home" by Supertramp is a transcendental classic. And, of course, there's "Mahna-Mahna" :-)

I get that every month or so - a song or two that is strongly represents what's in my mind or heart at the time. Although sometimes sappy, I think it's great to have.

(Oh, may son's favorites are " I Like to Move It" and "Clocks". Hmmm. Don't know if this is a good thing or bad.)

I'm always looking for some good music. If you have any suggestions, throw 'em on in.

As for now, Enya is going to help me sleep. Ahhhh.