Life without music would be unbearable. There is power in a well written lyric, an interesting melody, and a clear voice. Music has been on my mind a lot lately and I have found myself reflecting on the many times it has understood me, offered me peace, and essentially held me together. It seemed like an appropriate time to wax poetic about it here on the creation of beauty is art. so here are fifteen music lover questions. Be sure to share your own answers in the comment section below.
There was a lot to love about the 2000s when it came to media. Looking back, there was some seriously incredible music that came out at that time, not to mention movies and television shows. No wonder many of my favourites seem to be from that era. For the last 2000s theme week post here on the creation of beauty is art. it only seemed right to honour some of those releases. Keep reading for some of my personal favourites as well as some other iconic highlights from the decade.
My first portable CD player was silver. I loved it dearly and used it all the time. It was only replaced when anti-skip technology came out. Suddenly, it was possible to listen to CDs on-the-go without them skipping. What a thrill! I still have my second portable CD player, though it doesn't work anymore. I feel very nostalgic about it, so that is one piece of old technology that it is difficult to part with. More recently, I asked my husband about a CD player for the shower (I used to have one of those, too. Am I completing dating myself with this post?) since I don't like to stream music. He couldn't find one, but found something even better: a new and improved portable CD player with built in speakers. It was an instant love and it has been keeping me company ever since. Keep reading to take a closer look at the CD player and some of the CDs that I am loving lately.
The holiday season is fully underway. What could be more thrilling? How about a handful of new musical releases from some of the best and brightest? This year, there have been an awful lot of Christmas themed albums hitting the shelves. As an avid music lover and Christmas fanatic...this has been extra exciting for me. Especially since so many of my favourite artists were responsible for these seasonal albums. Wondering which ones are worth looking into? Are you ready to add something special to your holiday music collection? Then keep on reading. Here are some Christmas music reviews for Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Meghan Trainor, and Jamie Cullum.
Music has a way of letting light peek through the darkness. With the state of the world these days, it is hard to find much light, but I am certainly trying to. Maybe that is the reason I have turned to familiar songs by artists who are especially meaningful to me. Maybe that is the reason my beloved music collection feels even more important lately. As my former favourite band once said: this music is a place to hide. Perhaps I have been hiding in music...but I can't think of a better place to establish a sense of safety and belonging in uncertain times. On that note, here are four of the songs that have been on repeat in recent weeks.
Sour, the first album from Olivia Rodrigo, was easily my most listened to CD in 2021. And 2022. And it might be my most listened to in 2023 as well. The number of times that I have listened to that album is bordering on ridiculous. Though there had been a lot of incredible albums released in the last couple of years, Sour was the first one in a long time that made me feel the way I used to. See, back when I was younger, music was my whole identity. I would listen to the same albums over and over again, memorizing every little detail. Those albums made me feel safe and seen and understood in a way that I didn't feel in my day-to-day life. As I've gotten older, my love of music has stayed the same, but I don't always have that feeling when I listen to a new CD. I might love it, adore it, and listen to it many times, but it doesn't necessarily become a place of escape and understanding. Sour reminded me that I could still feel inspired in that way. It reminded me that music was (and still is) still a safe place for me. When it was announced that a new single would be released, there was a little nervousness on my part. Would it be as good as the songs on Sour? What if I didn't like it? What if I didn't have that feeling? It turns out that my fears were pointless, because her new song, Vampire, is perfection. I have listened to it at least a hundred times by now. I love everything about it. The lyrics speak to imbalanced power dynamics in a relationship (which is a topic that I am particularly passionate about) and the music video is a masterpiece. It is raw and emotional...and features some fantastic makeup.
It is almost impossible for me to leave a thrift store empty handed, especially when there are sections dedicated to music and movies. Well, there is one thrift store near me that is entirely dedicated to music and movies. This is not a place that I am able to visit often, because I am simply unable to hold back seeing so many wonderful items. (Music, movies, and television shows are all weaknesses of mine. I find so much comfort in the words and stories of others.) After several months away, there was a random visit that resulted in an armful of media. It is time to take a closer look at some recent thrifted finds.
I remember the first time I heard Taylor Swift. It was way back in the days of MSN Messenger. One night, a friend of mine mentioned seeing her open for another performer. She sent me one of her songs and it was love at first listen. Since then, Taylor Swift has cemented herself as an icon. Her music continues to break records and create buzz. Most recently, her single, Lavender Haze, was released. For full transparency, this song has been on repeat in my home since the release of Midnights late last year. (Along with Vigilante Shit.) The song is all about the honeymoon stage of a relationship and the desire to hold onto it despite outside influences. There are lots of standout lines, a catchy melody, and a music video that absolutely amazes. Speaking of the music video...I am obsessed. Taylor Swift normally has really intricate and interesting music videos, but this particular video has added a healthy dose of inspiration to my life. That's why today is dedicated to Lavender Haze.
The other day, there was an article on Buzzfeed called, "21 Times People Realized They're Officially Old." One of the first items on that list was: hearing songs from when you were a teenager on the oldies station. I can say that I honestly felt that deep in my soul. Growing up, there were certain radio stations that my mom would listen to. Those stations would play all sorts of "oldies" tunes. Music I had no real interest in. But in recent years, those same radio stations have begun to play the music of my youth. The songs that have meaning to my life. Songs from Britney Spears, Nsync, Spice Girls, Ricky Martin, and on and on the list goes. The songs that matter most to me are now considered oldies. It is a strange shift to go from the target demographic in most things to...well....not the target demographic in most things. The Top 40 radio stations now play music that I cannot stand. The new releases section is overloaded with CDs from artists I do not recognize. When did this happen? I'm not exactly sure, but it is a strange feeling nonetheless. Though, there is one artist who makes me feel both old and young.
I cannot be trusted in thrift stores, antique stores, or anywhere that sells music, movies, and books. This is clear based on the shopping that I did during the recent cottage trip with my family. Though the cottage is still not my favourite place to be (unfamiliar location, nature, mosquitos, and all the rest) there are usually some good finds at the various stores nearby. Sadly, my favourite store, Kicking Cowgirl Designs closed down, but there were still some fun items that were brought home.
Sometimes, a little escape from reality is a must. Thank goodness there are movies, television shows, and music to rely on in both the good and not-so-good times. Everyone has their own own ways to destress - and entertainment has always been my favourite way to do just that. Here are some of the songs, television shows, and movies that have been making life better.
Music has a way of softening the edges. It expresses what cannot be expressed, it makes happy moments happier, and it is a safe place to hide. Music has long been an important part of my life and who I am. Though what I am listening to may shift and change depending on my mood, there are usually a handful of songs in heavy rotation at any given time. Today, I wanted to share some of those songs. Just in case you are looking for a little something special to add to your next playlist.
