So, I’ve been kicking this idea around for a little while now, and in the absence of having anywhere better to post it, I’m going to put it here so I can refer to it later. I remember when I was young – and I hardly think that I was the only one who did this- sitting around with mix tapes and later CDs, or even listening to the radio (as I recall, the Request Fest on JJJ was a particular favourite) talking about music, listening to sons, forensically exploring different bands, searching for the lyrics on the ‘net, and the best part of all was arguing with your mates about what you liked and why this song was so much better than that song. I remember having earphones sneaking up your shirt in class so that you could listen to the Foo Fighters in the middle of maths, or having your Discman inside your blazer pocket at the library so you could listen while you were meant to be studying. Some of my best memories are linked to these moments.
But as I got older, and this might be my experience alone, but I doubt it, those conversations seemed to come less and less. This year I’ve been to more concerts than in the previous five years – which was good – but it was the company at the concerts that as important because they stimulated the conversations that made me feel alive again. And that got me thinking: how can we encourage this kind of conversation again? This is my idea.
We have a music get-together (I can’t bring myself to call it a party – I’m chasing lost emotions, not my lost youth). And besides, I don’t think it should be that kind of wild, raucous celebration – not that I mind these, but I think that works at cross purposes to what we’re trying to achieve. Everybody brings the following:
1. An old classic (whatever they think that means) that they haven’t listened to for at least 5 years.
2. An old song that you secretly love – and are no longer ashamed to admit to it.
3. A song that has really powerful lyrics that are important to you.
4. A song that’s from a different genre to that which you normally listen to.
5. Something from the last 5 years that you like.
6. Something from the last 6 months that you like.
What else?