WHATCHAYA LISTENING TO
I confuse people when asked about my favorite music genre. My many multiple personalities kick in when it comes to selecting music. I love R&B. I enjoy edgy country, but not a lot of the current bubble-gum stuff. Struggle with rap. But I really love rock 'n' roll classics, though most of my favorites are from the 80s. I do believe it’s been proven that sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll will not kill you.
Old school music came in the form of 12 songs on vinyl. Or you depended on a radio to broadcast what would be the next big thing. I would carry a transistor radio to bed from 8th grade through 11th grade in high school. My dad would come and tell me to cut it off. He wasn't a big music guy. He preferred talking to listening to music. Nothing wrong with that. I would watch the Midnight Special with Wolfman Jack on Friday night. Saturday night was Don Krishner's rock concert. Also enjoyed Soul Train with Don Cornelius. This was MTV long before music was a TV thing.
Nowadays, I listen to a lot of the greatest hits. I don't have time to listen to new music the required six or eight times before I start liking it. I still listen a lot. And I do throw in a few new bands. Folks like the Revivalist, Trombone Shorty, and Black Berry Smoke are on my playlist. Right next to The Rolling Stones, Allman Brothers, Eagles, Steely Dan, and Stevie Wonder. I also love funk from the 70s. Rick James and the Gap are included. Soul faves include Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Al Green. I liked songs from the disco era, which, embarrassingly, I can't remember because I was over-served a lot when they played.
Country music was good back in the days when George Strait was king. Willie was the leader of The Highwaymen. Of course, Reba was the queen and, in my mind, still is. There are some modern, good country entertainers as well. Alan Jackson, Chris Stapleton, and the Red Clay Strays sound like the old days. I still like to sing along with David Allen Coe and the Amazing Rhythm Aces. I crank it up sometimes, which probably has to do with my hearing loss. Too much loud music while I was growing up. Most of it came from 8-track tapes from speakers that could throw out 100 watts.
One day, I'll get around to making a list of music suggestions. But for today, I'm going to stop writing and start listening.