Looney Tunes

Over and over again, I hear about songs that evoke certain feelings or songs that make you remember that one moment in time. But what if I want to create a new playlist? I’m tired of having those old feelings.

I was on my way home from school with the windows down, actually enjoying the humid but moving air, when my iPod shuffled to a song that made me roll my eyes a little. It was a great song but one that will forever be ruined because there’s an extra event attached to it.

I know now that I have to be careful about what musical soundtrack is accompanying my fights, breakups, shacking, and terrible hangovers. Even albums that I listened to when I was truly in love are a little depressing. They’re a reminder of how happy I was and how that artist came to represent that time for me so perfectly. Not all the memories are bad but the bad ones are painful.

For example: Bash and Pop takes me back to the time I was happy rocking out with musicians. Celine Dion makes me miss karaoke with my dear friends. And the soundtrack to Once reminds me of a weird time in my life when I was adjusting to certain changes (I’m going to leave that one vague).

Don’t judge me on my examples although as I’m writing this, I know it’s too late. It’s so funny how much I care about what people think about my musical taste. Sure, I’ll judge you with no restraints when you tell me you “rock out with your cock out” to Creed but other than that, I’m going to try not to care. I remember this one time, I was sitting at the bar and the guy next to me chatted me up about music. Judging by the tattoos on his arm and the way he was dressed, I knew he enjoyed old school rock. So naturally, when he asked me about what bands I listened to, I gathered all the usual members: the Beatles, Sean Lennon, and the Replacements. It’s a good smorgasbord, I think. It’s something classic, something a little indie, and all out RAD! Of course to a certain degree, I wasn’t lying about any of it but to say that the Replacements were on heavy rotation on my iPod is a little suspect.

And of course my selection was met with a, “Replacements, huh? Right on.” All I could do was hope he didn’t ask me what my favorite song was on which album.

I like what I like. I enjoy Mozart and Celtic music. I love cheesy 80’s as much as the next neon legwarmer wearing, “Swap” ready sorority girl. I love my show tunes, RENT included. And I listened to Hanson and Spice Girls--although I think it’s “cool” now to claim them as a like. I’m not going to apologize or make excuses…but know that there is more to my musical selection than this and I like obscure bands and independent labels too. (ha)