The 1964 album that ignited my life-long love of music. A prose poem from 1927 that remains as relevant today as it was when published. And a fresh heaping of new tracks added to Alphabet Soup.
A lot of great tracks here! Duran Duran sometimes got dismissed because of the way they looked/dressed, but underneath all of that is the reality that they are/were just a really talented band.
I haven't heard David Gray in a while, but "Babylon" was a track a lot of people asked us to play at our wedding reception. Any time I see his name, it reminds me of that night.
One of the first records I reviewed was 'Making Movies.' It quickly found it's way to the top of my list and my favorite record by the band!
Totally agree on Duran Duran. I doubt many would have expected the longevity they’ve displayed. Last year’s Danse Macabre was a strong album with a couple fantastic tracks.
Happy to remind you of your wedding night! Mine seemed like a blur it went so fast.
Making Movies is such a great album, so glad I got over myself as a kid and was able to appreciate them
I loved this analysis of what’s wrong with them/what’s wrong (or right!) with me. Wholeheartedly agree that music can feel like a religious experience.
What a great, resonant issue, Mark! As I'm not really a religious person maybe I'll start calling it "spiritual experience" 🤔 Anyway, my eye opener was definitely "She" by Green Day. For the first time ever a song moved me to tears, induced goosebumps, and electric feelings down the spine. It made me realize that for some reason my perception of music is different than regular. But I was lucky enough to always find people around me who were passionate about music. Exchanging mixes and finding each other's gems has always been my love language. These crazy emotions when you've been listening to some gifted mix, not knowing what to expect.. 🔥 In the era of playlists we are currently in, I definitely miss that adrenaline and element of surprise.
Awesome list of song, as always really. Basically love everything by Dire Straits and DJ Shadow, "Sail Away" is one of my all-time nostalgic favorites, about "Groove Is in the Heart" I was truly obsessed back in the days, and "My Love Is Real" is awesome to discover, so thanks!
I'd love to read more about your deep connection to music, and it's nice to hear that you're planning to write a longer form on it 🫶
P.S. About Desiderata and this whole style of giving sets of advice to live by I really recommend you to take a look at the book "How to Live: 27 conflicting answers and one weird conclusion" by Derek Sivers. I think you may enjoy it
Thanks for being here Stygi, and for your comment. I too am not a religious person but used Steinberg’s phraseology in my piece. I think the religious/ spiritual experience is a good comparison for people who are deeply moved by music.
“She” was such a great song and an even better album. I haven’t listened to it for a long time, will give it a spin today.
Dire Straits have a fantastic catalog that’s for sure. DJ Shadow I’m not sure I’ve listened to much outside his debut album. If you liked “My Love is Real” I suggest listening to the full album.
Life has been a little hectic lately and I’m behind on my Substack reading. I have a couple of yours in my queue that I’m looking forward to getting to soon.
A lot of great tracks here! Duran Duran sometimes got dismissed because of the way they looked/dressed, but underneath all of that is the reality that they are/were just a really talented band.
I haven't heard David Gray in a while, but "Babylon" was a track a lot of people asked us to play at our wedding reception. Any time I see his name, it reminds me of that night.
One of the first records I reviewed was 'Making Movies.' It quickly found it's way to the top of my list and my favorite record by the band!
Totally agree on Duran Duran. I doubt many would have expected the longevity they’ve displayed. Last year’s Danse Macabre was a strong album with a couple fantastic tracks.
Happy to remind you of your wedding night! Mine seemed like a blur it went so fast.
Making Movies is such a great album, so glad I got over myself as a kid and was able to appreciate them
I loved this analysis of what’s wrong with them/what’s wrong (or right!) with me. Wholeheartedly agree that music can feel like a religious experience.
What a great, resonant issue, Mark! As I'm not really a religious person maybe I'll start calling it "spiritual experience" 🤔 Anyway, my eye opener was definitely "She" by Green Day. For the first time ever a song moved me to tears, induced goosebumps, and electric feelings down the spine. It made me realize that for some reason my perception of music is different than regular. But I was lucky enough to always find people around me who were passionate about music. Exchanging mixes and finding each other's gems has always been my love language. These crazy emotions when you've been listening to some gifted mix, not knowing what to expect.. 🔥 In the era of playlists we are currently in, I definitely miss that adrenaline and element of surprise.
Awesome list of song, as always really. Basically love everything by Dire Straits and DJ Shadow, "Sail Away" is one of my all-time nostalgic favorites, about "Groove Is in the Heart" I was truly obsessed back in the days, and "My Love Is Real" is awesome to discover, so thanks!
I'd love to read more about your deep connection to music, and it's nice to hear that you're planning to write a longer form on it 🫶
P.S. About Desiderata and this whole style of giving sets of advice to live by I really recommend you to take a look at the book "How to Live: 27 conflicting answers and one weird conclusion" by Derek Sivers. I think you may enjoy it
Thanks Stygi, that book sounds interesting, I’ll check it out!
Thanks for being here Stygi, and for your comment. I too am not a religious person but used Steinberg’s phraseology in my piece. I think the religious/ spiritual experience is a good comparison for people who are deeply moved by music.
“She” was such a great song and an even better album. I haven’t listened to it for a long time, will give it a spin today.
Dire Straits have a fantastic catalog that’s for sure. DJ Shadow I’m not sure I’ve listened to much outside his debut album. If you liked “My Love is Real” I suggest listening to the full album.
Life has been a little hectic lately and I’m behind on my Substack reading. I have a couple of yours in my queue that I’m looking forward to getting to soon.
Ooooooh, another David Gray song and album to explore! No one I know seems to know him or his music.
It’s a fantastic album. I had one or two more of his but this one reigns supreme