The universal language which we know as music has changed over the decades. Who remembers 8 tracks??? We also had cassette tapes, vinyl records, CDs and now the new age of streaming.
In Part 1, Music and How we Listen I will delve a little into the way we listened to music back in the days of 8 tracks and cassette tapes. Also, how to fix that cassette when it either pops or gets tangled.
In addition to the sound of music, I also enjoyed the artwork that came in the package. The case of the cassettes, and CDs. Also, album covers. You get to really see the visual creativity along with hearing the way the artist creates with their lyrics and sounds.
Music and How We Listen will continue in Part 2. The next part is more about vinyl records, CDs and streaming music.
Vinyl albums- Public Enemy, Duke Ellington, McFadden & Whitehead
Music is a universal language. Jazz, rhythm and blues, rap, gospel, house, soul, rock and roll, disco and go-go. Some of these styles of music are a fusion from multiple genres. While some don’t want to admit that, just read the credits and you will discover. Groups that you thought might have been considered a “black” group, have some origins from other cultures.
Nonetheless, June is Black Music Month or African American Appreciation Month. President Jimmy Carter declared it in 1979. However, it wasn’t until 1998 that it was officially acknowledged.
Music has a way of getting a message across in song. Some people use it as a way to express their feelings. A way to release and purge. Music also brings about feelings of happiness. Others use it as a way to promote consciousness or bring awareness to the injustices going on in the world. Music has a way of uniting and bringing people together, no matter where you come from. It is so uplifting to hear the right song and it gets you singing along or dancing.
It amazes me how much music has changed over the years. New styles and artists emerge. Languages change too. Meaning the way artists enunciate in their music, sometimes you can’t understand a word. Some songs sound like the chorus is just on repeat and not many lyrics to it.
The one thing that I noticed is that songs in today’s time are much shorter. Back in my day, songs were an average of 8-12 minutes. Today, songs are averaging less than 5 minutes. To me, that is a snippet! Oh well, what do I know right?! Music can make you dance, cry, sing, smile and so on.
