I was planning to post in The Annex, but I guess that is now de-funked.
Just listening to Peter Gabriel: US at work the other day, it occurred to me how deeply that album affects me on an emotional level. It was one of a number of a handful of albums with which I (usually in concert with Mighty Tom) was obsessed during my college years. A handful that also includes but is certainly not limited to U2: Actung Baby (and who, except for black people, attending college in the early 90s was not obsessed with that album?), Tori Amos: Little Earthquakes, and The Who: Tommy.
Anyway, I can distinctly recall a few episodes of intense listening to that album when I was moved to an unnatural emotional state, carried away by the music. It's weird. I can still be affected on a deep level by music; but in college I seemed to either have the time or the freedom from worry to allow myself that luxury on a near daily basis. I recall a specific time, listening to US's The Blood of Eden when, at the end of a particularly powerful part of the music, I found myself slumped against the door, sweating, exhausted, and almsot as if waking from a trance. Interesting (or very likely related) to the emotional response I have to that album is the fact that I find it to be pretty much the most deeply personal album, lyrically/musically, I have ever heard.
Another album that connects with me on a nearly-equal emotional level is the much more accessible (and critically recognized) Paul McCartney album, Band on the Run. However, in this instance, though I do love the music dearly, my "connection" to this recording has a lot to do with the "T-Clog Model," in which there are particularly vivid memories of a time in my life when I was nearly destitute, financially, and just beginning to date Sharon. This album was particularly heavy in the playlist, and an incredible wave of wistfulness & nostalgia will wash over me upon hearing it; especially through the run of songs beginning with "Let Me Roll It" and ending with "No Words."
Anyone else care to open their soul and discuss an album that hits you right *here?* (I'm gesturing to my heart)
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7 comments:
very interesting post, let me get back to this...this could open several different threads of conversation
I agree with MT, in the sense that there are a few paths that this concept can wander down.
I'm not sure I've had quite the experience of 'lost time' while listening to an albumas you've had with US. I have lots of memory inspiring albums such as you get listening to Band on the Run, and lots of other simply evocative songs/albums /artists.
Just yesterday, while out walking the dog, listening to a guy talk about Aaron Copeland and his role in American music and more specifically the way he combined notes in ways that hadn't been done previously to make unique chords. I have no specific memories of listening to Copeland, but he almost universally strikes an emotional response in me that is remarkably strong. His stirring works can stir, but his more plaintive stuff makes me almost weep. Remarkable.
I'm going through my collection right now to see if I can write about at least one CD about. Interesting thing about the different models at work.
Brother there a couple of albums that get set me off in state of lost time. I am thinking of one right now that I wish I could play, but I am teaching math class. The students are finishing up a math test so I have a couple of minutes to blog.
What's the album, bonehead???
Neil Diamond's Greatest Hits Volume 1.
Like thunderstorms on the Nebraska horizon, I saw that one coming miles and miles off.
And for Clog, it's not 'lost time' it's 'jazz time', sort of like 'jazz hands' but with less hands and more everything else.
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