Music...

I'm listening to my iPod. There are over 3000 songs on it, and while that may not sound like a lot to some people, it is to me. It's gotten to the point where I've completely forgotten what's on it.

I mean, sure, I "star" my favorites, and have playlists that let me only listen to the songs that I like or love. But what about the others? There's gotta be a reason they're on the dang thing in the first place, right?

Anyway. I'm listening to my iPod. And Garth Brooks comes on. I almost skip it--it's country, and you can always identify a country song within the first few notes. But then I looked at my iPod, and it's Friends in Low Places. Ahhhhhhhh, the memories that song conjures up... Shenanigans and Long Island Iced Teas!

Which got me to thinking… Some of these songs I loved, if not now, then in my past. I did go through a Garth phase--I do have 7 of his albums on my iPod after all... I also have some Reba, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain. Remember Shania? I don't have Brooks and Dunn though. Hmm... How’d I miss Boot Scootin’ Boogie? Especially when (yes) I actually scooted? Shhhhhhhh!

I have 80's pop. 90's grunge and alternative. Oldies--Louis and Ella and Duke and Count Basie oldies, Sinatra oldies, Edith Piaf oldies. And now I'm listening to Joe Cocker's With a Little Help from My Friends. Yes, add blues and jazz to the mix. A lot of blues and jazz… Reminds me of hanging out in a smoky lil’ blues bar, a drink in one hand and a pool cue in the other… Where’d my cue go, anyway? Hmm…

I also have techno, hip-hop, and rap. A mix of Scat Man, Salt-n-Pepa, Eminem, and some Kid Rock to tie it all together? Oooooh, here's the Violent Femmes with Blister in the Sun. Another favorite.

Rock & Classic Rock. I have lots and lots (and lots) of classic rock. The Boss. Clapton, Eagles, Rolling Stones, Bryan Adams, Santana, Sting, Queen, Rush… Has Rush always been considered “classic rock”? Or am I just getting old? Ahhhhh, Iris.

Motley Crue, AC/DC, Rob Zombie, Aerosmith—these are all from the hubby’s collection. I figured at one point that I might as well give ‘em a try, but have to admit the whole head-banging thing has completely gone over my head. =P

And of course, whose music collection is complete without The Beatles? Not mine, that’s for sure. I Want to Hold Your Hand still holds a special place in my heart.

I’m not all about the oldies (my classical collection notwithstanding!)… I love Lily Allen’s humor, Norah Jones’ and Amy Winehouse’s voices. Rachel Yamagata’s songwriting. And here’s Clapton’s Wonderful Tonight. Another song full of memories. Vincent, I hope life has been good to you.

And there’s the Rock Band collection: R.E.M. (which I had prior to RB, btw!), NIN, Nirvana, Ramones, Alanis, Foo Fighters, Radiohead…

So. What’s on your iPod (or, substitute mp3 player, or cd collection here)? How has your music taste changed (or not) over the years? Do you still listen to the stuff you used to like?

Other songs that played while I wrote this post:
When You’re Smiling (Louis)
Rindu (Sheila Majid)
San Francisco Bay Blues (Clapton)
I Think I’m Paranoid (Garbage)
Why Don’t You Get a Job (The Offspring)
Volare (Gypsy Kings)
They Dance Alone (Sting)
It Was a Very Good Year (Sinatra)
Les Feuilles Mortes (Andrea Bocelli)
Rock This Town (Stray Cats)
Mbube (Ladysmith Black Mambazo)
New Year’s Day (U2)
Oops! I Did it Again (Britney Spears)