Open Thread Update: The Wayback Machine, Music Edition

Last time we asked you for the songs that take you back to a particular time or event and opened a grab bag of fun, romance and more.

Readers Carol, Debbie S., Karen, Sadie L. and several others shared my love for disco – and the 70’s!

Disco was my era. Being away at college living in the dorm or in my apt for one spring session, disco was the best. We’d go to the bar, Thurs nites started the weekend, & dance dance dance. Or I remember the guy across the hall would blast songs by The Babies. I’d go back to college days sooner than high school.

-Carol

Like it Live

Reader Daniel recalled his time at the Fillmore East (“Bloomfield & Kooper, Jefferson Airplane, Santana….”) and Reader Joy went all out more recently.

Just stepped off StarVista Malt Shop cruise. Hearing Little Anthony sing Hurt So Bad, followed by the Frank Sinatra song It Was A Very Good Year, blew me away. I walked out of that show with tears in my eyes, also now as I am writing this. Must be stirring up a lot of memories. So many great shows and artists this week from our earlier years!

-Joy 

Moments in Time

Reader Gail F. summons a potent memory and reminds us of the joys of the car radio.

I loved listening to ‘Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum in the late 60’s on the car radio. I was 12 or 13 years old and my mother would drive home after a long summer’s day at the beach… 

…And Reader Jay G. shares an extra special song and memory.

10cc’s “I’m Not In Love” from 1975. I was 15 years old and had an AM radio on my bike and this song was a huge hit that summer. I heard it every day and night as I rode my bike to my girlfriend’s home. I married that beautiful girl and 50 years later we still listen to the song together!

Magic Moments

A ‘back in time’ song for me would be Misty by Johnny Mathis. In early courtship with my husband, this became ‘our song’, and we spent many dates dancing to this song…very danceable and romantic…59 years and still going!

-Karen

Isn’t it interesting how songs trigger those forgotten memories?! The group Lobo was popular when my husband and I were dating. We loved their music and would sing at the top of our lungs. One song, Me and You and a Dog Named Boo, was our favorite, talking about traveling with a dog named Boo. We always said when we retired, we’d follow that lead and we are. We enjoy winters down south and we have a new pup named Boo! Also, You Light Up My Life by Debby Boone, sung at our wedding.

-Debbie

Maybe this reader summed it up best.

“Those Were the Days My Friends.”

-Lisa

 

ORIGINAL COLUMN:

I’ve been in the throes of restarting my stereo (and isn’t it wild how vinyl is making a comeback?).

I’ve got a bunch of reasons.  I’m losing my hearing, so I want to listen to as much as I can while I”m still able.  I’m also aware that the stereo is a big investment that’s not being used because the cables and hookups are intimidating. (My late husband was the audiophile.)

And most of all, I want to curate my music to suit my unique tastes.  Music, is a sort of time machine, isn’t it? There are songs that take me back, instantly, to a different time.

Love and Marriage

“Ballerina” by Van Morrison takes me to a special date with my late husband. (Frankly, that whole album!)  When I was engaged, I listened to “Let’s Get Married” by Al Green every day. It took me a long time to be able to listen to both of these but I still do, and I remember.

Fun with Friends

I admit it – I was a disco fan when I was younger (in nightclubs I liked to dance near the speakers, and I’m paying for that now, but whatever). I had many, many nights out dancing in clubs with my very best friend, John. It took a long time to get over his death when AIDS claimed him, but there are two songs and groups that take me right back to the dance floor with him:  First, the SOS Band and this song.

and Shalimar. I love the bass line in this song.

The first time I rediscovered these songs online, about 25 years later, and played them on my PC….I got chills and the hair raised on my arm.

YOUR TURN

I could go on and on…but how about you?  What songs are your Wayback Machine, that bring you to a certain event or time?  Let us know in the comments!

 

Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers; she writes frequently on Old School New York City and performs at open mic readings throughout New York City.  Send  Open Thread suggestions to editor@seniorplanet.org.