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0608-0609-08: 1990 and Sisters of Mercy
Well, it's crossing over to Monday morning, as I sit here,
listening to a 1990 release by The Sisters of Mercy, '
Vision Thing' which brings mention of Bush#1 in office,
and to quote Andrew Eldritch's lyrics from the song
"Vision Thing" & "It's a small world and it smells bad,
I'd buy another if I had, back, what I paid, for another
motherfucker in a motorcade." And I have to ask, have
we actually evolved in the last 2 decades? I'm not really
sure.
I've been limiting myself to listening to music, as my
wife thinks that I'm obsessed with both collecting
various items/cds. I admit that I do often use music
to escape, though I've started reading on a daily basis
as I'd like to keep my mind sharp. The result of too
much "intake" in my earlier years.
I now find it funny as when I first started dating my
wife, she was living with her parents at the time (Who
we now share a 2 family house), and I had my
apartment in Astoria, NYC, and instead of her spending
the night at my former apartment, I'd often drive her
home at about 2 AM, and I usually had Sisters of Mercy
on tape, and played loud, at least to her ears. She was
of the opinion that Andrew Eldritch had a scary voice,
but then, she's a huge Air Supply fan, so my music was
a drastic change, especially when I played the song
"More" which was co-written with Jim Steinman (of
producing Meatloaf fame).
The whole album relates to the late 80's/early 90's,
yet is still relevant today. Yet, at least to me, it's easy
to fall into cynicism.
I've often wondered as to how I was feeling, if anyone
else in music/the arts, felt the way I do, and thankfully
I found bands that both the lyrics and music struck a
chord with my thoughts.
I actually saw The Sisters a few years ago, and was
disappointed as it was just Andrew and 2 guitarists, and
though show wasn't bad, I expected a lot more. For
example, saw Siouxsie & The Banshees around 1994,
and loved the show. In the same style of music.
I guess this was a continuation of my Goth years
(which continues to this day/age). I identified with the
outlook of my fave Goth bands, though I was easily
entertained by them. I wanted to delve deeper,
regarding looking up questions I had for each song, as
if I was searching for the Holy Grail, also of which I've
read up on.
I guess it boils down to aural fixation, as I've often
returned to listening to the whole album/cd of The
Cure's release 'Disintegration & Pornography' and
identified in an almost primal sense, as I actually so
identified with the albums/cds, in both lyrical context
and with the music.
Bottom line is that I'm using certain music, as do people
regarding "comfort food." And even though the music
could be labeled depressing, I often find solace within
the songs. As an outlet for my anger and frustration,
and sometimes for my outlook of the day. As most
people see the glass as half full, I often go with the
glass is half empty.
Apologies as this became a ramble of thoughts and
speculation, and I wish I had something more
contemporary and could let loose with facts and
opinion, yet at this point I'd really wish for employment
and benefits, as well as a boost to my self esteem.
My tempter's been short for the past year, and even
though I realize it, I haven't made any changes, though
I know/feel the time is near.
Still listening to The Sisters, and feeling a little bit of
Andrew's presence in possibly influencing my thoughts
as the night has gotten away from me.
Scientists did a study a while back that showed the effects of music on
mood and behavior. I happened to be in the car in a traffic jam and was
conducting my own little experiment. While listening to fast paced Rock
music, I found myself feeling angry and frustrated at not making headway
while trying to drive. I dialed over to the classical station and found my
mood much more calm in a matter of minutes. Do you find the same effects
with the different musics you listen to?
It's a peculiar thing aint it. How...we still enjoy a certain type of
music. I still find find solace in the sesame street song *sniffles*.
No...uh.... what I mean is....no matter how old we grow....we never truly
change...we just change an outlook on life. Whats that saying, once a man,
twice a child. Everything is borned, preserved and then decayed as a
natural phase. Not trying to get metaphysical on ya, but when you think
about it......you have never really changed. You will always remain a
constant way(meaning a constant positive force). When you feel depression,
thats like your causing a distraction to yourself that Isn't you. I've come
to know music as a pure thing because the spirit has a love for creating.
Music is a product of the spirit.
hi kev, i think music can affect your moods. i had always been into rock,
hence the queen of angst side of me. but needless to say, i've been grouchy
for the longest time.. now, im broadening my music preferences. im going
mainstream like pop and rnb. among the changes ive noticed since then is im
more pleasant now, i feel more agreeable to others. i guess if uv followed
my entries, i dont complain as much about stuff (ahem...or that may be the
most self -serving statement ive ever come up with).
anyway, im not telling you to switch your music genre. i believe you really
do find solace in your music because you relate to their woes and all.
misery loves company, you know. but i hope you will also consider listening
to other stuff that can influence you in more positive light. you probably
have an idea of how i traversed thru my moments of depression and all i can
really say it that sometimes, positive thinking can do wonders. its a
start. then you can find something else to sustain the happy trails of
thought. did that make sense?
heya Kevin!
I sometimes feel that especially in these days of the iPod we attempt to
turn our lives into something coming off a movie set.
You know what I mean, want to change the mood change the musical score. it
makes it all too easy to slip into that mood reinforcing situation, a sort
of closed loop that really doesn't need any communication with the outside
world.
There are a lot of things that affect us, but nothing stronger than what we
believe about ourselves and reality. You're current beliefs have created
what exists now. Don't change your beliefs! Stalk, observe, or hunt them.
Really examine what you believe and question why you believe what you do.
When you know YOUR BELIEFS regarding your circumstances well enough, you
will be able to change the beliefs through actions. WHEN YOU CHANGE YOUR
BELIEFS ABOUT YOURSELF AND LIFE, YOU CHANGE YOUR REALITY!
I saw a quote once in a good book called Women, Heroes and a Frog. It said
"He who plays music finds his solitude peopled at once." Therefore, you
can think of what kind of people would be most healthy for you to be around
at any given time, and restrict yourself to playing that kind of music. As
for whether the glass is half empty/full? I just wanna know who the heck
drank half my water!!!!;-)
heya Kevin!
Dadgum, I I have this annoying feeling that I missed your birthday... Did
I?? If so, Happy Belated Birthday!
Hi Kevin,
just dropping by to say hello, I hope things are going OK with you.
Just realized I didn't comment the first time I read this post. It's been a
while now. Hope you're doing okay. I like what the Capt. said, and it fit
with your close. I think we all tend to get "stuck" from time to time and
sometimes we require a swift kick to the rear to turn and move, even if it
means going in a different direction. Then sometimes, when our knees get
weak, we're held up by the folks around us, the folks who love us, while we
find our legs again. It's always hard, more like work than most peole think
our personal lives should be. Bless you, Kev. I'm a big believer in
therapy. It made a huge difference for me.
hey, i talk to jesus...search 'Jesus'
Art thou still alive & rousting the villagers?
*hugs*
I was wondering that very same thing. Give us a ping, please, Kevin, just
one ping. ;)