I first heard the song "Sailing" by Christopher Cross, while exploring the city of San Francisco in June of 1980 with some friends, and this song seemed to be playing in every store and restaurant we frequented. I remember one morning waking up early to go jogging, (friends that have only known me since the 90's will be shocked at this revelation . . . ) and after my run getting back in my car at Fisherman's Wharf, watching the fog bank slowly retreat into the Pacific, the sun skillfully illuminating that void, and hearing this song on my car radio. Magical times.
Another place that holds court with several of these types of memories is my friend Tim's house. He lived in a large house that contained a library right off the garage entrance. From this room there were mammoth french doors that opened up to the rest of the house but when shut offered an almost sound-proof area where we listened to some of the greatest albums of the 70's. This room is where I remember first hearing Billy Joel's "Ballad of Billy the Kid". I also remember a group of us coming back from a hike in the hills behind Tim's house, making hot chocolate, and then huddling near the fireplace in the corner and listening to Chicago's "Make Me Smile". Side note: Did you know that Chicago's first three albums were all double albums? Who does that? And finally, being blown away by the song, "Roundabout" by Yes, laying on the deep carpet, staring at the ceiling, trying to contemplate the talent needed to create such genius.
I remember listening to Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon", on a 8 track, fighting to stay awake while driving across the state of Kansas in the early morning hours.
Hearing the Doobie Brothers at Red Rocks play their hit, "Taking It To The Streets" as the sun set behind us, splashing the rocks with the last vestige of light as the stars took their appointed places above the stage.
Getting lost somewhere in Montana while listening to Marshall Tucker Band's hit, "Can't You See". (Yes, the irony is not lost on me . . . )
On a boat in Harrison Bay, listening to our portable radio blaring out "Song of America" by Kansas.
Watching the sun coming up while driving through Albuquerque listening to "Wichita Lineman" by Glen Campbell.
Trying to survive after my greatest heartbreak, listening to my personal mix of Don Henley's song, "The Heart of the Matter" over and over for what seemed like forever. But each day the hurt retreated just a little bit more, until finally, one day I found I had went 5 minutes without dwelling on the pain. There was light at the end of the tunnel! The passing of time does numb the hurt even if the wound sometimes remains, but the end result was far better than I could have possibly dreamed of at the time.
On a lighter note, another Don Henley song is burned into my brain, listening to his song, "Sunset Grill" while traveling back from Myrtle Beach, suffering from the worst case of sunburn I have ever had, praying for nightfall and dreaming of future relief.
Hearing "Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night at Vogel State Park blaring from the outdoor jukebox on the deck that overlooked the lake. Man, that was a great vacation.
Playing the song, "For the First Time" by Kenny Loggins over and over after the birth of my daughter. Still makes me cry each time I hear it.
Listening to "Brandy" by Looking Glass at my friend Jon's house in the 70's. He had a Fisher stereo system from Sears that sounded like heaven to my virgin ears.
Putting on my sunglasses, (totally not needed considering it was 11:00 pm), firing up AC-DC's song, "Back in Black" and rocketing down I-53 in my Datsun 200SX at speeds I'm not even going to admit to 40 years later.
Jamming out with our band, English Beat, outside of our practice space, which was our apartments parking lot, (We were adored by a few, endured by most, and hated by a small but very vocal group opposed to great music and young people following their dreams) as we covered the song, "And We Danced" by The Hooters in the mid-80's. Great music video and who could forget the lyric, "She could dance all night and shake the paint off the wall"?
Finishing a long shift at Red Food Store on Lee Highway, and following my friend Steve out to his car to listen to his favorite group, Genesis and their new album, "Duke". Have been one of my favorite groups ever since.
Unwrapping one of the first records I ever purchased, from the Columbia Record Club, when I was around twelve years of age, a K-Tel Hits album, and playing the Hamilton, Joe Frank, and Reynolds song, "Don't Pull Your Love" over and over and over . . . (My loving parents didn't deserve this punishment)
Playing the Carpenter's song, "We've Only Just Begun" for my friend David's wedding. The song was what the bride had selected for David to walk into the church but I ended up playing the song about 8 times because unknown to everyone in the church, David had gotten stuck in a bathroom while getting dressed for his big day. In retrospect, it would have been better for him if he had stayed there . . .
Working 3rd shift, unloading trucks and stocking shelves, and hearing KZ106 FM play Steely Dan's "Aja" album. (This was back in the day where some FM rock stations would play the entire albums of their favorite artists) You know the standard question, If you were stranded on an island what one album would you want to have with you? My answer, "Aja", I never get tired of listening to that album.
(Also, I've lost track of how many weddings I've played for and you wouldn't believe the number of wedding stories I could tell but that's a blog for another day)
Finally, playing "House of the Rising Sun" by the Animals on my Hammond B3 organ in my living room, joined by the neighborhood kids on guitar, makeshift drums, and harmonica. Did I mention that I have very loving parents? Side note: Did you know that you can sing Amazing Grace to the chords of this song?
Okay, enough of my ramblings, what are some of your favorite musical memories?
