Monday, February 14, 2011

The Power of Music

Recommended listening: You decide! Comment with some of your favorite songs from 2011 :)
__________________________________________________________________________

In honor of the Grammy Awards last night, I thought I would try something new and create a list blog. Throughout my blog thus far, every one of my posts has been named after a song. Without ever stating it explicitly, I've made it pretty clear that music plays a critical role in my life and shapes who I am. I get my music from Kairos CDs my friends have made me, musical soundtracks, and Pandora Radio. When I'm working on homework, spending time alone, or driving I typically enjoy chill, acoustic music. However, in times when I'm down I like louder, more intense music. And sometimes, I can't resist rocking out to some classical music. Music fits my mood, sets my mood, and accompanies me wherever I go.

Here's a list of some favorites:

Kairos music:
OneRepublic
Ray LaMontagne
Relient K
Superchick
Shawn McDonald

Musical soundtracks:
Next to Normal
Phantom of the Opera
Rent
Spring Awakening
Wicked <--fun fact, this musical was also my Bat Mitzvah theme!

Pandora playlists:
Glen Hansard
Joshua Radin
Missy Higgins
Owl City
Secondhand Serenade


Without music, life would be an error. 
Friedrich Nietzsche

6 comments:

  1. So true!! Cool post, Jamie. As you know, I have my "Song of the Day," and the song I pick really does set a mood for my day. Music is so powerful, and for a lot of people that is hard to see. Here's, like you said, my favorite song from 2010/2011: The Weight of Lies by The Avett Brothers. I think you'd like this song and this artist, too - they are a good definition of how music has real meaning.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love so much of your music :) especially Phantom, Next to Normal and Joshua Radin. One of my favorite bands this year was Mumford & Sons, who performed at the Grammys last night along with the Avett Brothers and Bob Dylan.

    here's the song they performed, it's called "The Cave". enjoy :)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KkUeRPjc-Y

    ReplyDelete
  3. I LOVE MUSIC AND I LOVE LISTS! This is a fantastic post, Jamie. I love sharing music, btw... Here are my recommendations for you:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXl870NoF4E

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqDlTKqxu2w

    ReplyDelete
  4. Two thoughts
    1. Ms. Nelson mentioned in class today (using the full weight of her master's in psychology) that listening to music while working is bad for productivity. I disagree, but I'm not allowed to say that until I also have a masters in psychology, so it'll be a while.
    2. I like the Nietzsche quote because he was all about self(ish) affirmation, and admired a composer in his life (I think Wagner) and thought of him as the uber-mensch. That view of humanity I think contrasts with the messages of some of your songs, but it goes to show the diversity of meanings.
    Peace

    ReplyDelete
  5. P.S. More recommendations are in my newest post:

    http://silverlinedstrata.blogspot.com/2011/02/happy-valentines-day.html

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love Next to Normal! Another musical that I love that you might want to check out is "The Last Five Years".

    ReplyDelete