Music

Music is a constant in our house. We play a good tune at mealtime, work time, just about any old time.  There's always something playing on the stereo, the laptop or on my headphones. I feel more alive when the notes bounce off the wall and fill the room. My go to sound is from the B&W speakers connected to the McIntosh Labs equipment which was purchased in a weak moment. I listened over my budget and the salesman had me. It was a good deal though not a steal. I bought the gear anyway. Late at night after a good meal and drinks with family and friends I enjoy a moment with the lights low and the volume high. If I put the chair at the optimum distance and close my eyes ... the musician(s) are in the room with me.

Some songs elicit memories of course. Don Mclean and American Pie will always be 6th grade and spin the bottle. You just have to laugh some of these memories away.  Elton John and Crocodile Rock is 8th grade basketball warm-ups. Bob Seger and Night Moves is Senior Year in High School, no more need be said about that one. Jackson Browne and the Running On Empty Album takes me back to Delta Chi and the "lounge" where we played pop shot (yes it's a drinking game). Those are just a few examples. 

I like to buy CD's rather than stream. They say it sounds better and I believe it. My collection is filled with 60's, 70's and 80's rock but over time I have diversified with BB King, Curtis Salgado, Keb Mo and Catherine Russell to name a few. I'm a huge fan of Van Morrison, Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs and the Eagles who played the greatest concert I ever saw. Lately I have purchased more Ruthie Foster and most recently a guy named Darden Smith and his Love Calling CD. It's terrific.

I am toying with the idea of learning to play guitar. My voice will fight the urge since it fails to deliver a good tune but I might want to write a song someday and strum it on my own guitar.  I have a lot more stories to write first, but it's good to have another dream out there, something else to chase, something creative. I enjoy being a content creator not just a consumer. Why not create some new music next?