"My Top Rated"
1. YES - LMFAO
2. Wordplay - Jason Mraz
3. Ants Marching - Dave Matthews Band
4. Spice Up Your Life - Spice Girls
5. Riding Solo - Jason Derulo
6. Lose Control - Timbaland ft. Jojo
7. I'll Be The One - Backstreet Boys
8. Walking on Broken Glass - Annie Lenox
9. I Believe - Blessed Union of Souls
10. Run-Around - Blues Traveler
11. Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen
2. Wordplay - Jason Mraz
3. Ants Marching - Dave Matthews Band
4. Spice Up Your Life - Spice Girls
5. Riding Solo - Jason Derulo
6. Lose Control - Timbaland ft. Jojo
7. I'll Be The One - Backstreet Boys
8. Walking on Broken Glass - Annie Lenox
9. I Believe - Blessed Union of Souls
10. Run-Around - Blues Traveler
11. Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen
Eleven reasons why my i-tunes library is better than yours. Although songs may not be considered reasons in the eyes of some of my blog-followers, I would have to respectfully disagree. Each song on this playlist tells a different story. The reason why music (in my opinion) is such an interesting and intricate subject is because each of these stories is depicted differently and specifically by each listener. In addition, the artist of each song is trying to pass on certain emotions, opinions, and values to their audience. For these reasons alone, I believe that music is one of the most powerful aspects of culture.
I say culture without putting a descriptive word before it (i.e. "American" or "Teenage") because I am a strong believer in the idea that music is a significant part of every type of culture. Culture, similar to music, is interpreted differently by each person. Everyone expresses his/her culture in a way that is meaningful or specific to his/her personal values and emotions. I believe that being a teenage girl living in an American society, my form of culture is best expressed through the music that I embrace and listen to. Music is a part of my life, a part of MY culture, that is irreplaceable and necessary in order for me to function the way that I normally do.
Though these viewpoints may seem extreme and thus borderline ridiculous, I hope that my blog-followers will be able to understand where I am coming from. When I title this entry "Why My I-Tunes Library is Better than Yours", I truly do not mean to sound arrogant. I simply think that the music I listen to is representative of the type of person that I am. Therefore, my i-tunes library may convey different messages and meanings than that of the library of my fellow blog-followers.
My "top rated" play list is simply a list of songs that I not only enjoy listening to; but, songs that I believe describe my life in some sort of way. For example, Bruce Springsteen's "Born To Run" offers me exciting memories of the several Springsteen concerts that I used to go to with my father when I was a younger until he was diagnosed with Kidney Disease; thus, impairing his hearing and preventing us from going to these concerts together. Although we are not able to go to the concerts together anymore, it is a song that will always remind me of the times we had together when I was a child. Therefore, this specific song has significant meaning for me behind Springsteen's lyrics and music, as I'm sure it may for several other Springsteen fans or listeners who may have other experiences that are specific to their past endeavors in their own lives.
By creating this blog, I hope to enhance and instigate a thought provoking process for those who choose to read and follow my entries. I may not be a musician, a singer, or a famous lyricist; however, I do have substantial and creative thoughts about the music that I listen to. I am looking forward to expanding my horizons and truly looking in depth at the music that shapes my very own culture and my way of thought. I hope that my readers will be able to do the same for themselves. Even if this means just simply opening up their i-tunes and taking a closer look, I hope that my entries have a strong impact on my blog audience.
Your blog looks like it is going to take very fascinating turns down the road. Your view of music in life is not necessarily unique to yourself, but your application of it is. The example you gave, for instance, of the significance of Springsteen’s Born to Run is an emotion that only you will feel (of course there is probably someone else out there who has been in your situation, maybe almost exactly, but that gives you nothing except maybe an empathic coffee date or something). While Born to Run doesn’t hold much of an emotional significance for me, another one of your Top 10 songs does: Run-Around, by Blues Traveler (RIP Bobby Sheehan). That song inexplicably evokes a certain sense of homesickness within me; I recall my eldest sister and brother blasting the tape track throughout the house growing up, so I guess it all stems from that. There are a lot of songs that do that for me: Tubthumper, by Chumbawumba and One Week, by Barenaked Ladies are two of those. As you say, “[music] is irreplaceable and necessary in order . . . to function . . ..” I completely concur. Any song is somewhat original, even for mash-up artists like Girl Talk, or even Kid Rock (with All Summer Long, I mean. Not exactly original riffs).
ReplyDeleteHowever, there is one philosophical point I wish to address. When you said that, “I simply think that the music I listen to is representative of the type of person that I am,” can it not also be true that the type of person you are is representative of the music which you listen to? I have been shaped by the music of my youth, as I have been introduced to it. I was a nice little punk back in middle school, and it certainly wasn’t until high school that I was introduced to the real folk music of my North Country (Adirondack Mountains) friends and family. Something about that music attached itself to me, and I “blame” the likes of Arlo Guthrie and even Bruce Springsteen (ever hear a country version of Reason to Believe?) for shaping me as a much more mature man than what I was a few years ago.
I am patiently anticipating your next post; I, too, love the way music effects us all.
When reading this blog, I could not help but wonder what you think about painting/drawing and/or writing. If you do not think that the other arts are so influential, I would be curious to hear why. What I find interesting about your choice in music is that they all contain lyrics. Is there a reason why?
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree that music helps define and influence many people, to such an extent that some try to conform to what a "rocker" or "rapper" looks/acts like, I wonder whether or not you feel such an emotional connection towards the other arts. I liked how you listed eleven songs and then emphasized how one or two in particular hold significance. Not only does this show that you enjoy the lyrics to the song, but you provide context to show the reader how it has sentimental meaning as well.
What I would like to see in future entries is how your taste in music has evolved and how that has influenced you as a person. What do you think changes your taste in music? Is it your state of mind or does your taste simply change as time goes on? Do you think if your taste in music changes, does that mean you have changed as well?