Today is day 29 of the blog every day in May challenge. Today the prompt is: Five songs or pieces of music that speak to you or bring back memories.
First up is the great Elvis Presley. I could have chosen just about any song (as I know the words to almost all of them) but I chose If I Can Dream. I was obsessed with Elvis growing up and for my 16th birthday I drove to Graceland with my dad listening to Elvis non stop there and back. During the Graceland tour they give you headsets and you listen to clips of music and narration about the house. Right at the end of the tour they plan If I Can Dream as you’re heading out to the burial plot and it’s very moving.
Next is In Other Words by Ben Kweller. I was introduced to BK during my first year of community college by my good friend Kelly. She bought me my first BK concert ticket and I’ll be forever thankful. The show was amazing and clinched my love for Ben and his music. I was hooked. When I hear this album I think of that time but when I hear In Other Words I remember the first time I met him and he whispered in my ear, “I was looking at you during Words”. I’m surprised I didn’t pass out. I just love Ben Kweller so much!
When I went away to college (after community college) I discovered a somewhat local band at the time named Happy Hour. I was trying to adjust to a new place, make friends, and not be too sad about my good friends not being around. I went to a little concert in the commons area and was immediately drawn to their music. I talked to the band members after the show and bought their album. Their first album was a little on the sad side but whenever I listen to it I’m reminded of those first weeks away at college when everything was new and weird and I was missing so much. I still listen to them today but they are now called Valentiger if you want to hear more. (Also they opened for Ben Kweller once-I was there-it was awesome)
A few years down the line I moved to Austin with my good friend Katie. A couple of months after moving there I met Walker but we were just friends after I discovered he was taken at the time. I was listing to The Epochs and this song makes me think of my first few months there but also my anguish over not being able to pursue Walker.
Finally I’m sharing a song by May Erlewine. She is a Michigan based artist that sings with so much emotion it’s hard not to love everything she does. I’ve also been listening to her for years but in the last few years my mom and I have been making it a point to see her when we can/when I’m home. It’s fun that it’s become something we can enjoy together.
