HTT - Music Edition

Since I’m on a frivolous kick these days, it’s only natural that today’s Hot Topic follow suit.

The topic is music and the heat is on!

Admittedly, I’m borrowing this topic from my bro-in-law, who recently wrote about his personal music evolution here.

Everyone’s music preferences have their own story. Mine is just harder to trace since it began at birth. I was born into a home with a hearty record collection, with a significant amount of Neil Diamond, John Denver and Cat Stevens.

“Sweet Caroline” is still sweet to me. “Country Roads” takes me home to my childhood. And a ride on the “Peace Train” always brings a smile to my face.

But over the years, I got hip to current music. Like in kindergarten, when my siblings and I were rewarded with albums for our good grades. (Laura Brannigan, Bon Jovi and Michael Jackson were among our picks.) Fourth grade, I got deep into The Beatles. Sixth grade, I got hooked on Jane’s Addiction. Seventh grade, I fell in love with Radiohead. (Still smitten, by the way.)

I even had a stint in rock and roll with my “band,” Trees without Roots. Our killer cover of STP and Screaming Trees at the eighth grade graduation is still famous in some parts of Scottsdale.

Then it was onto high school and tons of alternative, punk rock and rockabilly bands. I discovered Björk . I rocked out to Operation Ivy. I familiarized myself with the classics – The Clash, The Ramones, Elvis Costello.

Then I got to college and embraced indie and emo with a passion. And I discovered the world of “workout” music, which is a great excuse to own hip-hop and rap music when you think you’re too good for it. And really, aren’t we all?

(As for me and my house, however, we will not listen to country music. Sorry. I feel it dulls my musical senses.)

These days, sadly, I’m not really into music. Sometimes I hear good tunes and download them - most of the time it's mellow girl music making the rounds on MTV. Which makes me happy on one hand – the fact that I’m mature enough to be mainstream. And makes me sad on the other – that I’m too old to keep ahead of music.

I don’t know why I don’t care about music like I used to. Maybe because new music can’t compete with the great memories that play in synch with old favorites. Or maybe because I can’t love music half-heartedly. It’s a full-time job for me, which doesn’t mesh with mommyhood.

So I plead with you to join my meme, in loving tribute to our favorite melodies.

1. Name one group/artist you love the mostest. For me, it’s Radiohead.

2. Name one group/artist you would like to push off a cliff. For me, it’s Barenaked Ladies.

3. Name one group/artist that will always take you back in time. For me, it’s Cowboy Junkies.

4. Name one new group/artist you can’t live without. For me, it’s Sia.

5. Name one group/artist that started your musical evolution. For me, it’s Simple Minds.

6. Name one word that best describes your music tastes. For me, it’s intense.



Post comments.

Please.

(Ooh, that reminds me of a fave Dramarama song. Where’s my iPod?)