Thursday, April 22, 2004

Music - Just a theory

Our moods and personality are affected by the music we listen to. I'm convinced about that. I don't mean a sad song makes us sad or songs make us go out and shoot people. I'm not talking kids killing themselves after listening to "Don't Fearthe Reaper."

This is just my personal observation. I notice that I feel down about my relationships when I listen to BNL's album,Maybe You Should Drive. Of course, the entire album is about the bitter end of once-loving relationships. But am I feeling down because previous relationships have actually soured or because the music is influencing me to believe so? Am I identifying with a theme and that's why I really like a song or do I like the song because it's got a good beat and I can dance to it? Maybe I'm just reminded of bad times and bad feelings...

I notice that I feel sexy when listening to Liz Phair. There's a gleam in my eye and a smirk on my face. I know that I am not sexy, but the music makes me feel that way.

Music is like the best addictive drug that way. It gives me that high I so desperately crave. When I'm at a concert, I can feel the music flowing through me, much like the Force I suppose. I'm not making my body dance, the music controls that. Sometimes when I close my eyes and take I deep breath, I can smell the music. Yeah, that makes NO sense, but maybe you just don't get it... Not that there's a scent, but more of an energy in the air that I desperately want to experience through all of my senses. I haven't tasted a live show, but I have smelled it.

So, does the music - the mood, the energy and the lyrics - have an impact on us? Does it morph our beliefs and our thoughts? It takes more than one listening, but I suspect that after a person understands a song, then it can.

Am I depressed because of the music I am listening to or because of other reasons? If I start listening to more upbeat songs will my personality follow? If Garth Brooks sings about his dog dying, will my dog die? (Ok, that's impossible seeing how I don't own a dog, but the analogy...)

I guess music kinda helps define me. I guess that's why I love and identify with the songs I do. It's good to know that someone else feels the way I do and is so inclined to share their feelings with the world.

Sad songs really do say so much.

Monday, April 19, 2004

Random Thinkings

Sorry, it's been a long time. Still no home computer... I guess the ETA on that might be in Mid-May. Then, I have to get net service and set all this up again. So, I guess regular posting could theoretically continue sometime in June. More on that when it's more definite.

This concludes the Public Service Announcement... Now for some Random Thinkings...

-- Ain't no way in hell will I be voting to re-elect Bush.
-- On the Condy Rice Affair: So, let me get this straight, the President and VP will speak privately to the 911 Commission, but not if they are under oath... Nope, nothing to hide there...
-- The best thing I could think of to do for Easter (a religious celebration of JC's resurrection) was to go see Hellboy. Good flick, didn't need the romantic triangle, but otherwise good flick.
-- Ron Perlman should always be in special F/X makeup.
-- Thank you, Firebirds (and free tickets), for making me an Arena football fan. 6 - 5 after a 0-5 start. Looking good.
-- It took moving to Indy for me to start supporting the Astros. (I still don't like baseball enough to watch it)
-- Concerts I MUST go to: Barenaked Ladies on July 20th. Guster - Tomorrow Night!!
-- I need cookbooks or I need to learn how to eat the same 5 or 10 meals for the next 2 months when cookbooks will accompany the family.
-- It really sucks that now that the move is in full effect, the wife is finally getting great theatre and acting offers that she has to turn down because she's moving here in June. I feel completely fucked about that. I wish there was a way for her to live her dreams, while I'm living mine. I'm starting to feel like I've been completely selfish by making this great career move. Yet, at the same time, I never look out for myself and what makes me happy...
-- Bought lotion for my "dry elbows." Wanting to go shopping for better pants. Metrosexual transmogrification nearly complete.
-- Thinking about behavior sciences research. My theory is we are only as happy/sad, etc. as the music we are listening to. Furthermore, music helps shape our thoughts, ideals, and moral structure at the time. It's just a theory at this point.
-- You know, I'm kinda glad that I'm getting back into watching and enjoying professional wrestling.
-- Too much Krispy Kreme IS a bad thing. But really how much is too much?
-- Moving really gives you a good idea who your real friends are. Is the distance greater than the effort of maintaining friendships?

That is all for now.