Caught in a massive back to before Covid-19 traffic congestion. Searched endlessly for a bay in a multi-storey, not cheap, car park. I was running late. And, on the verge of turning a little green and grumpy.  When just like that. My mood lifted. A smile spread across my face. ‘Limbo Rock’ was being played loudly, somewhere. I was instantly transported to a party when a much limber me did the limbo. A snapshot of that night occupied my head. Happy memories with friends and colleagues. Whom I then remembered, and realised I hadn’t seen in quite a while. I made a mental note to contact the ones I got on well with.

I gave Chubby Checker, my mood enhancer, a thumbs up. Admittedly, my happy hormones were quite fleeting but it was enough to make a positive difference that morning. It helped that I like his inimitable voice. His fun, lively and ‘want to dance’ songs especially ‘Let’s Twist Again’ and ‘Loddy Lo.’ Thanks to YouTube, I watched and danced along with Chubby that very afternoon. Nice.

I like music and songs. Especially fast and catchy sounds and tunes. I am no aficionado. I can’t tell music genres apart although I read that there are 10.  I like Rock & Roll and Rock and Pop but I am unsure if I can make a clear distinction between the two. I can’t explain rhythm, tempo or melody. I can’t even identify some musical instruments, and some of the newer, more recent singers. To me, they all look quite similar. The singers, that is. This is age telling on me.

What I do know is whether or not I like a particular music or song when I hear it. The music and cleverly crafted lyrics – the sound to my ears – are the ingredients that win me over.  Instantly like ‘I’m Believer’ from the movie ‘Shrek.’  Wonderful lyrics like ‘Prettiest Eyes’ by Beautiful South. Sometimes, hearing it played enough times does the trick. For example, ‘Say Something’ by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera. Unusually slow music for me but the haunting tune and the very, very sad lyrics reeled me in.

Instantly or gradually. I listen and I like them. They make me happy to be alive, contemplative about relationships, nostalgic with that butterflies dancing in my stomach feeling, or downright sad and tearful. Calm and relaxing, I get from instrumental music. Usually at a spa when I have a massage or reflexology. Sadly, not since March this year.

Singers and bands matter but not so much, not to me at least. Although a nice voice, pretty/handsome face, likeable personality and a powerful performance, on stage or You Tube, do help seal the deal. This naturally explains the mullah spent on packaging and marketing talents with talent and the correct looks. Boy bands, girl groups and solo artistes are groomed to sing choreographed songs to win over particular target audiences. Spice Girls, Boyzone and Backstreet Boys come to mind. Apparently, current global flavours in the music world include Korean boy band BTS and girl groups like Little Mix, Blackpink and Twice. I am a little behind on the music scene. To be honest, I don’t have a playlist or Spotify account.

Like I said, for me it’s the music and lyrics – the sound – that makes me gravitate to my quite disparate but preferred choice of singers and bands. I liked and still do the likes of Tom Jones, Johnny Cash, John Denver, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Beatles, Bon Jovi and Credence Clearwater Revival (CCR). In my head, I hear Tom Jones’ distinctive style and rendition of ‘She’s a Lady’ and ‘What’s New Pussycat?’ I laugh at Johnny Cash’s sense of humour as expressed in the lyrics of ‘The One on the Right is on the Left’ (reflective of the current state of politics) and ‘A Boy Named Sue.’ His is another unmistakable voice. My favourite Boss’ number is ‘Dancing in the Dark.’  It just makes me want to get up and dance. I can’t stop the feeling and I can’t stop moving. I was fortunate to watch Jon Bon Jovi sing ‘Livin on a Prayer’ and ‘It’s My Life’ in concert. Yay.  No such luck with CCR but I never tire of ‘Bad Moon Rising,’ ‘Lodi’ or ‘Proud Mary.’ 

I also enjoy the fun music and engaging lyrics of the now and younger artistes like George Ezra’s ‘Shortgun,’ Macklemore and Jess Glynne’s ‘Rudimental,’ Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story,’ Pink’s ‘What About Us’ and Meghan Trainor’s ‘About the Bass.’  Actually, any sound that wakes my emotions is my idea of good music.