Thursday, April 15, 2010

The Universal Language

So far, I've either been trying to write about things that I've long-wanted to write about, and took this Challenge as an excuse, or I've tried to write about what I was sure no one else would write about. Today, though I haven't checked yet, I'm confident that others will have written about Music.

It's one of the few topics that's truly universal. Years ago, I say a Discovery Channel special (Daily Planet, featuring Canadian band The Tea Party) that said that every culture, from Empires to isolated tribes had some form of music – no exceptions. I shouldn't have been surprised, but I hadn't thought of it.

This special also said that the only purpose that music served was community-building. I guess
While High School subcultures are often defined by their musical genres, you don't have to dig much deeper to see the effects music has on people.

While words spoken or written can speak to a persons spirit, they must pass through the mind first, and often don't get past the mental comprehension. Music will by-pass the mind, and go straight to the emotional and spiritual parts of a person. It will also impact your body in ways that words just can't – do you have a song that you can't help but move to? (I can't sit still if I hear Rag Doll by Aerosmith.)

I was fortunate to be in High School from '88 to '92. By then, MTV and it's Canadian version Much Music were well-established, and were, due to their random-ish play lists, cross-pollinating the musical genres. It wasn't a big deal for someone to listen to Guns N' Roses, Beastie Boys and Prince. (I still listen to all 3), so I don't feel limited, and rarely write-off an album out of hand based on the style.

So who's your favorite? (Since there's some Christians reading, is Rich Mullins still remembered?) What song keeps you from sitting still?

8 comments:

  1. Right now I'm loving anything and everything Bhangra. I can't stop myself from dancing and feeling light and bouncy when I hear it.

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  2. I like all sorts of music, happy upbeat music that always gets me out of my seat would have to be 'That Thing You Do' by The Wonders. However my favourite type of music would have to be anything played with a piano. I love the sound of each key being played. So in that case The River Flows in Your by Yiruma would have to be my favourite. Awesome post! Btw here is Jess's Blog http://todayscraniumspecial.blogspot.com/

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  3. Yes I remember Rich Mullins very well! Music is very important to me...Hillsong live always gets me moving!

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  4. Now you got me on a roll here, I did write about Music, I like all sorts really but I love the Irish singers Daniel O Donnell, Mick Flavin just to name a few and I go to their concerts. but I also like anything to do with the 60 era, I was a teenager then and what a wealth of talent there was.We were spoilt for choice.
    I think I will shut up now.
    Loved your post and look forward to your "N"word tomorrow.
    Take care.
    Yvonne,

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  5. You're right - music is universal. And anything by Rush or Dream Theater get me going.

    And I almost selected music, but went with movies instead!

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  6. I love music. What gets me moving? All kinds of things, I just filled a Shuffle with music for the gym.. Foo Fighters, Robbie Williams, Stereophonics, even some Rob Thomas, All American Rejects.. I like all kinds.

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  7. It's hard for me to name just one or a few. There is so much I like, excepting the rap and hip hop with the obscene lyrics or if it is overly monotonous and annoying.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  8. We are about the same age so we probably grew up on much of the same music. It amazes me how music defines "growing-up" years... To answer your question, I like just about every type of music. I find myself most often listening to contemporary Christian or "mainstream"/Top-40... and 80's/90's music now that the "oldies" stations have gotten to our generation. :) I loved and still love Rich Mullin's music. Perpetual, classic, long-term artist such as Billy Joel, Elton John, Chicago are favorites too. I draw the line at most rap music and don't like country much... though I grew up on it and had a country phase in college so still like those songs. I considered writing about music for M but didn't... maybe I'll use it for S... still thinking about lots of options there!

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