Music IS a Drug

Introduction

This is a Seven Days In piece that is getting a few reads, and the title intrigued me (even though I actually wrote it). On reading, I thought it was worth sharing on Vocal, now that I can publish on my main account.

I have interspersed it with a few vaguely related music stories that you may wish to check out.

I almost always have music playing, especially when I work or to relax at home. When I am working, it is CD, and when I am in my front room, it is usually vinyl, though sometimes it is DVD or Blu-Ray.

Music IS a Drug

Today I listened to Pink Floyd's "A Saucerful of Secrets" and followed that up with XTC's "Mummer", and when "Beating of Hearts" came on I thought wow, this is so good, I want more. I had been going thru "A Saucerful of Secrets" thinking how sinister and disturbing "Set The Controls For The Heart of The Sun" and getting lost in the three part soundscape of the title track, and the songs that close each side "Corporal Clegg" half comedy/half tragedy and Syd Barrett's farewell appearance with the band "Jugband Blues" which seems an almost cut and paste effort but sad realising the burnt out genius that this was showing us, and still is. Evering song is like a pill that makes you want another.

I think "Set The Controls For The Heart of The Sun" and the title track on "A Saucerful of Secrets" are absolutely excellent, but they are improved on in the live versions on the album "Ummagumma". I remember going into a shop that sold records at Lane Ends in Preston, and the hipster salesperson told me they didn't sell singles!! I never darkened their door again.

Someone once described Ramones songs as like Smarties, you can't have just one, you have to have lots.

So onto "Mummer" and "Beating of Hearts" which when you listen on headphones you get the low frequency hit after Andy Partridge sings "Louder Than Bombers In Flight" every time, you know it's coming, and eventually it finishes and you want the next one "Wonderland" and interlude before the single "Love on a Farmboy's Wages" and it continues on and you enjoy every moment.

I definitely could not be without music, even when I have nothing to play or not player or musical instrument handy, it's still there in my head, sometimes songs and pieces I know, sometimes things I want to rediscover.

I just felt I had to put this down here, before I go and sort out my tea, it was just an idea or a concept, and it's an excuse to share this incredible XTC song. Have a great Saturday Night, everybody.

Conclusive Thoughts

Am I addicted to music? I certainly don't like being without it, and if I have no music with me, I hum or sing to raise my spirits.

When I am working on something that is intense and difficult, and the CD finishes, the atmosphere suddenly flattens, and it feels like something has been stolen away. While I usually prefer to play another CD, sometimes there is no option but to play the CD again.

If I get a lull, I sometimes pick up a guitar and play an easy song, and even record it on my YouTube channel.

So it's not just about listening, it's about trying to play something as well, and though I am not very good, I find it very therapeutic.

Thank you for reading, hope you enjoyed at least some of it.