Back in May, I decided I would try an experiment; not using test tubes and dissection knives, but rather in the music department.
Each summer, I put together a playlist of songs to listen to when I clean or swim or work on yet another novel I wish I could get published. This time, there was a twist: all songs could be released no earlier than 1999.
The decision was in part influenced by my time in London in early summer. I saw "Sunny Afternoon," the musical based on the story of the British band the Kinks. The music really got me going (pun intended) and encouraged me to explore more of the musical groups popularly associated with the British Invasion.
Upon my return, I continued to look into "oldies" songs, surprised by how many tracks I already had in my iTunes library. I moved my way through the decades, working mainly through the '70s—James Taylor, Carole King, the Eagles—and the '80s— Bryan Adams, U2, Bon Jovi—with a few good tracks from the '90s thrown in. When my mom heard the playlist I'd composed, she was pleasantly surprised she didn't have to ask who the artists were after each song.
It also happened some of the artists I was listening to were touring this summer. Granted, they were 20 or so years older, and I was one of the youngest audience members, but seeing them perform gave me the full experience of what it was like to fall in love with the songs right after they were released. I sang along just as I had when I'd listened to the recordings on my MacBook. I can honestly say I loved every second of it just as much as I love seeing some of my favorite bands live.
(Bryan Adams at Mohegan Sun Arena on August 1st, 2015)
(Robin Zander of Cheap Trick at The Grand Theater at Foxwoods on August 2nd, 2015)
(Peter Frampton at The Grand Theater at Foxwoods on August 2nd, 2015)
While I can't say my playlist will remain so exclusive going into fall, the experience of living in the musical past did give me new insight to the modern music industry. There's a reason these old songs have lived on for so many years and why multiple generations know the words. They've influenced nearly every artist since in some way, whether it be lyrically, stylistically, or simply by giving them the idea they could do the same thing someday. Honestly, without these artists of the past, we might not have some of the bands we love today.
Therefore, next time you're in your car and searching for a radio station, I encourage you to find the "oldies" station; you might just be surprised.
