60's, 70's, 80's Galore: A Listen Down Memory Lane
/It was the best of times, it was the worst of times — but either way, I remember
Music can spark many emotions – it can make you nostalgic for the past. It can bring up memories of the good old days, bittersweet emotions or things that you’d rather leave be in the past. There might be that one song or artist that you can’t listen to without wanting to bawl your eyes out, needing to crank up the volume or simply needing to sit and digest it as a whole. Everyone has a different story – a different song from the past – a different reason to listen. The experience of listening to music, for better or for worse, can ignite something within you (which is pretty cool if you ask me).
A blast from my past
It was the 90’s to early 2000’s. My dad was blasting yet another album on the home CD player. He always needed the volume to the max. He rarely played the same music twice – his music collection was quite extensive. It was clear that whatever he played was considered top notch and worthy – something that I often took to heart. His main muse was none other than rock n’ roll.
Stevie nicks
Some classics for you
1) The Rolling Stones
I cannot express to you how many times I’ve heard them on full blast in my youth – whether it be from at home or in the car. “Gimme Shelter”, “Beast of Burden” and “Sympathy for the Devil” were personal favourites, even if I was too young to really understand the lyrics at the time.
2) The Who
They were constantly on repeat. Back when I had a paper route (my first ever job), I used to play “My Generation” and “Magic Bus” exclusively while putting papers in mailboxes.
3) Fleetwood Mac
When I was younger, I genuinely thought I was so cool for knowing more songs than just “Go Your Own Way” (many friends of mine knew it from Guitar Hero). Their album Rumours is and always will be a classic. I remember sitting on my carpeted living room floor, hearing “Rhiannon” and “Never Going Back Again” for the first time, and just thinking “wow”.
4) Peter Gabriel
Who can forget “Solsbury Hill”? I know I will always cherish that song, along with “In Your Eyes” and “Sledgehammer”. I remember (innocently) wondering why Gabriel wasn’t the one chosen to sing for Disney soundtracks (anyone who’s familiar with Genesis or Phil Collins might understand this reference).
5) Bruce Springsteen
My dad and I shared the mutual love for “Atlantic City”. As a young girl who glamorized angst and moodiness, it seemed like the perfect song. “Darkness on the Edge of Town” and “I’m on Fire” seemed to coincide well too.
6) Led Zeppelin
My brother and I were heavily influenced by Zeppelin. My dad made sure to instill their music into us at a young age. “Kashmir”, “Going to California” and “Stairway to Heaven” were game changers for us.
7) Tom Petty
I’m sure many might share this same nostalgic memory: picture yourself on some kind of road trip and “Free Fallin’” starts playing on the radio. Iconic, right? “Don’t Come Around Here No More” is also a classic – I remember loving the music video because it had Alice in Wonderland elements.
And on that note
I would like to personally thank my dad who, although extremely biased, refused to let me listen to anything else at the time. I still fondly listen to all of this music to this day.
I listen to music constantly, no matter how I’m feeling — so for me there is and always will be that connection.
Natasha Lanceman
A uOttawa social sciences graduate and a second year professional writing student at Algonquin College. Will gladly edit or look over your work if you ask her. Enjoys anthropological non-fiction novels, black and white films and music that makes you feel something. Always caffeinated and probably conveys ideas much better on paper.
