That Album

[cosmolinguist]

silverwraith's

so everyone has That Album they've beenhearing as far back as they can remember. mine is Graceland. I had the LP version (we didn't have a tape deck that functioned properly), and listened to it all the time when I was little, toddling downstairs by myself to work the turntable. I had to stand on my tiptoes to reach the lever, and it was difficult to flip the record over, but I managed. it wasn't technically MY record, really, but I sort of took it under my wing (this amused my parents to no end, I'm sure). I knew all the words before I knew what those words really meant. (I mean, how many 5 year olds know what a cinematographer is? or the meaning of astute?) anyway, "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" was my first favorite song, and remains one of my favorite Paul Simon tunes to this day. and I still remember all the words to all the songs...I love singing harmony with them.

got me to thinking about what That Album is for me.

Like hers, mine was an LP, so like her I was a toddler who know how to operate a record player (without scratching the vinyl) as soon as I was old enough to reach up to it.

Mine was Bruce Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A., and the title song was the first "favorite song" I remember having. I couldn't have been that old; even though I taught myself to read when I was three I remember not being able to read the words on that record; I just knew which one it was because it had red and white stripes that made it stand out from the rest of my parents' collection.

And, also like silverwraith, I of course had absolutely no idea what the words meant. Now that I look at it, "Born in the U.S.A." is a bitter, cynical song about tragic things ... but I liked the music. I was especially a fan of Max Weinberg, though of course I didn't know that at the time either.

I do remember that, towards the end of the song there is what I now recognize as brushes on a cymbal, building up to a crescendo. I remember that I used to hate that part of the song, and I would dread it coming. It always gave me this weird, tingly feeling, made me shiver. Much later, I would wonder if that was what people meant when they said that things "gave them goosebumps" ... and only then would I realize that that feeling didn't mean I hated that little cymbal thing, it probably meant I loved it.

Comments

[angel-thane.livejournal.com]

Like hers, mine was an LP, so like her I was a toddler who know how to operate a record player (without scratching the vinyl) as soon as I was old enough to reach up to it.

See, that makes me feel old. Forget being a toddler, I remember when Columbia house offered the choice of LP or Cassette. Hell, I was old enough back then to actually have bought some LPs.

[cosmolinguist]

If it's any consolation ...

By the time I was a teenager, I was babysitting for two little girls who live across the road from me. On several occasions they liked to show me their "dances" in the living room, which usually involved playing loud music. Their favorite song was The Eagles' "Get Over It," which made me smile because it reminded me of me. One day I watched the younger girl, who was maybe three or four then, get the Eagles CD off the shelf, take it out of its case--obviously trying not to touch it too much--put it in the stereo, and manipulate the controls of the 5-disc changer to her satisfaction. I realized that, at that age, I'd learned not to scratch records with a needle, and that had been only 15 years or so earlier. I felt very old then.

[silverwraith.livejournal.com]

it's strange when you've listened to a song your whole life, and then one day you realize what the words actually mean. on the other hand, it means you learn a new level of appreciation for the lyrics and musicianship.

I love that chilly feeling. that's the best feeling in the world, I think. (well, speaking as someone who equates music with breathing.) the buildup and then...*goosebumps*

[doctorstewie.livejournal.com]

Mighty Max Weinberg! One of my first favourite drummers. I taught myself to play whilst listening to, and playing along with Drive All Night, from The River. I did this on dining chairs.

[cosmolinguist]

I thought you would like this one if you got to it :) See even if I don't like Phil Collins I do have some redeeming qualities, eh?

Plus, I had a Genesis album once!

[doctorstewie.livejournal.com]

I know! Invisible Touch:-) (Sadly, not their best. Sadder, nowhere near their worst...)
*sunggles your redeeming features. ie all of you*

[cosmolinguist]

I really liked the song! Didn't think so much of the rest of the album (not that I remember anyway) but then I was about... oh god, eight or something.

Andrew said I should justify it by saying I was 28. I don't think he gets how this is meant to work. :)

But then now he's, apparently, doing a Kraftwerk impression -- so he tells me, but I think he sounds more like a Dalek. So who cares what he thinks anyway.