As fans of nostalgia living in a hipster time and area, we often bemoan today's contemporary tunes, with their lack of creativity and annoying monotony. Like adults have always said of top 40 music, "There's just nothing good anymore." The hard part is, I think this time it's true; today's songs really all do sound the same, and what we've found is that our millennial friends have no idea that up until about twenty years ago, "good music" actually did exist! Unfortunately, there's something uncool for many folks about going into the past; surely we're enlightened enough to not have to do that!
It seems to us almost a crime that "young folks" today (i.e., those who don't remember or weren't exposed to any music before 1995) have no clue of the musical feast that has been prepared and set before us. Actually, it's not just younger people; there are plenty of ones my age (40) who act as if they've never heard good music at all, clinging to today's stations as if it's cool. The twenty somethings have a reason, but what's your excuse if you graduated from high school before the year 2000?
If I sound indignant, it's because I am! C.S. Lewis once described us as "an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." Now, he was talking about us in reference to the Lord, and how we settle for mediocrity too easily, but I think this quote captures our lack of variety in musical taste, too. Our culture "settles" for things too easily; we accept lack of imagination too readily, and can't fathom going outside the box.
Wise Solomon, in Ecclesiastes, states that there is nothing new under the sun. This has to be true, as God Word says it is so. We see things today as revolutionary, new, cool, head and shoulders better than anyone has ever done them. Music is no different. I witness folks who have had the misfortune of never hearing truly good music playing with mud pies, having no idea that if they just got on YouTube or iTunes, they could broaden their horizons, and have a holiday at the sea. Dare to go back...way back...maybe to...dare I risk being uncool...oh, the '70's or '80's?
Jeremy and I took this dare last week, although for us, it wasn't terribly risky since we already listen to old stuff. The challenge was being not stared at as we boarded the shuttle at Biltmore Estate with people fifteen to twenty-five years older than we are. My indignation rose then, too, as I thought, "Where are the people in their forties who grew up with this stuff? Why do we look like tots compared to these other folks?!" I didn't think one had to be twenty in 1982 to appreciate its music; even a first-grader like me back then could discern a fine tune!
Do you remember Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs? If you're 35 or older and say no, just Google a tune. If you're younger, still Google it, and enjoy a kind of music you probably haven't heard unless you're in the grocery store (provided you're not walking around with your own earbuds in). I knew most of the words to the songs they sang; I think we both felt like little kids again, hearing these two guys sing. Others there were taken back to high school or even to being in their twenties or older, but it doesn't matter; music is for everyone, regardless of your age, or its decade. We love Glenn Miller's orchestra, and that's World War II era! Go back to the twentieth century and find something different to listen to.
I wish the lady weren't behind us in the photo, but at least we got a shot of the House. It was a beautiful evening and setting, not hot...just right. I was so excited, I couldn't stand it. Michael McDonald, formerly of The Doobie Brothers, appeared on time, sat down at his keyboard, and rolled out all the tunes we knew, and even ones we didn't. At 64 years old, he still has his unmistakable voice, although hitting high notes was a little difficult.
He sang all the familiar songs: "Sweet Freedom," "Minute by Minute," "It Keeps You Running," "I Keep Forgetting" (which, he said, he does a lot these days at his age), "On My Own," "Taking it to the Streets," and my favorite, "What a Fool Believes." He also added some random oldies like "I Heard it Through the Grapevine," and "What the World Needs Now." I was surprised when he threw in the Kenny Loggins song "This is It," in which he sang backup in 1979. McDonald is a likable performer who obviously delights in sharing his songs on stage.
As Michael was singing, I looked to the left, and a stunning full moon stared over the crowd, a reminder of God's provision, beauty, and goodness. To the right, I had this view:
As thrilling as it was to hear Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs was even more fun. As a kid, I knew some of his songs, but have become more of a fan as an adult.
This 72-year-old man performed with the energy he probably had thirty years ago, and with the same voice, too. He blew me away, and hearing his music live was exhilarating. His are the type of songs (Michael McDonald's, too) that should be listened to around the house while cooking or cleaning. Boz (too good a name to not use when talking about him) started off with some new songs I hadn't heard, then launched into my favorite, "Jojo," which sounded almost just like the recording from 1980. He, too, sang all the famous ones: "Lowdown," "Georgia," "Look What You've Done to Me," "Miss Sun," and did an amazing rendition of "Lido Shuffle."
I rode home driving Jeremy nuts with all the video clips I'd taken, and might've created the same sensation for my parents with each new one I texted. I wanted to share these treasures! These are only two phenomenal artists whose music needs to be dusted off and heard today. Others I love and haven't mentioned are Billy Joel, Elton John, Christopher Cross, Paul Davis, Dan Fogelberg (I like his "harder" songs like "Missing You" and "Heart Hotels" better than the soft ones), Kenny Loggins (I did mention him), Men at Work, Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, and even guys like Dave Matthews and Hootie, who had so much good stuff before 1995 when they became internationally known.
Take the music dare...you'll be so glad! God gives us good music for our enjoyment, and it's because of Him that these performers are able to write and sing as they do. The pleasing sensation of a good song is a gift from God. Imagine how the songs of heaven will sound (we can't). Don't settle for mud pies when you can have a holiday!
No comments:
Post a Comment