My Musical Roots
I was reminiscing about my musical roots and decided to compile a list of ten songs that had the greatest impact on my life. These are not necessarily my favorite songs, nor are they the best songs I’ve ever heard. They are just those tracks that either inspired me or sent me in a specific direction.
Down in the Boondocks, Billy Joe Royal. My Mom tells me I loved this song when I was little. The record had a scratch at the end which I also sang, thinking it was part of the song. Down in the Boondocks, scratch …Down in the Boondocks, scratch …
Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl), The Looking Glass. This is the first record I ever remember asking for and buying. A friend of my Mom worked at Polk Bros. and was able to get 45s at a discount. I loved this song at the time (and I still know all the words!)
Jumpin’ Jack Flash/Young Blood, Leon Russell. The first time I ever recall seeing a concert was the Concert for Bangladesh film at the Tivoli theater in Downers Grove, IL. I thought Leon’s rendition of this medley was absolutely fab.
I Am The Walrus, The Beatles. All my siblings listened to the Beatles, of course, so did I. This song has always been and remains one of my favorites. The version on the Love soundtrack is fantastic! The first LP I ever bought with my own money was Sgt. Pepper (duh!).
Message in a Bottle/Roxanne, The Police. I actually saw Sting perform these numbers solo as part of the Secret Policeman’s Other Ball movie. I had no idea who he was at the time, and his version on that film was stunning. A major moment in my life. Time to start a band.
Propaganda, Various artists. Along with the Police, Joe Jackson and Squeeze were on this “sampler” cassette. I still listen to those artists.
Miami Vice soundtrack, Jan Hammer. One man, home studio, incredible music like no other TV show. I was hooked. Another defining moment in my musical life. It’s what made me pursue my music. Really.
Men, Ships, and the Sea, Jeffrey P. Fisher. The first song I ever recorded in a studio with my band, Analog. A sort of Gordon Lightfoot meets Simon and Garfunkel folk tune, complete with a canticle!
Release, Roddy Frame. High Land, Hard Rain was the first album I ever bought based only on a review (I’d never heard a track). Roddy is still my favorite songwriter/artist.
My Wife with Champagne Shoulders, Mark Isham. This recording was on a flexible “soundsheet” bound into Keyboard magazine. I discovered Isham and subsequently, Patrick O’Hearn and David Torn as a direct result of this track.
There you have it, my musical roots. Now it’s your turn. Think about those songs that brought you to your current place in the music world. I found this an interesting exercise and fun. I hope you discover a little about yourself along the way, too.
Honorable mentions: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, Willie Nelson’s version for reasons too numerous to detail here. Early Elton John, through Caribou, because it helped me find the love of my life for the last 30+ years. Oh, Darling, the Beatles, because it was the first dance with my new bride. And, of course, the song I wrote yesterday. The new ones are always the best so far, don’t you agree?
3 Comments
Hey Jeffrey,
reading through your post, the songs you listed had no significant impact on me, but they helped steer your musical direction and appreciation. And it occured to me that there are many reasons why music has an impact on us. It may be a timely connection to some emotional state, or a lyric that resonates with you, a hook, a riff or just good times. However when I reflect on tunes that inspired me, they all seem to be for their original, yet comercially appealing nature. I must also add that I’ve never been a lyrics guy. In fact I frequently sing the wrong lyrics because I’m more focused on the musical elements of the song.
Music that has changed me:
Come Together – Beatles – Fender Rhodes & Bass line gets me every time.
Superstition – Stevie Wonder – some sloppy playing and yet the most amazing feel. I know that’s a big call but I think his playing in this tune encapsulates playing from the heart.
Conga – Miami Sound Machine – I heard this one Saturday Morning as a 15 year old and realised how little I knew about music. When the song finished, I ran 3 kilometers and bought the 12inch record.
Thriller – Michael Jackson – The whole album is masterful pop genius. Pioneering total committment to his vision. Taught me to be more daring.
Lion King Soundtrack – Hans Zimmer – Emotional and beautiful. Clever rhythmically, great thick textures. Inspired me to listen to more film music.
Back to the Future – Alan Silvestri – The music stands alone. You can feel the tensions, triumphs, calm. Watching the film again with open ears is more enjoyable.
Baby one more time – Britney Spears – yes I’m not afraid to say it. I think this tune will stand the test of time. To me it is a perfectly constructed pop song. It’s perfectly crafted in format, instrumentation. hats off to writer/producer Eric Foster. A pop Masterpiece in my humble opinion.
Interesting way to finish, but it’s the truth.
Jeffrey, Thanks for Cash Tracks and Thanks for the MMMTOW.
It’s a great motivator.
Steve
I love Up On Tightwire. I am the walrus I love too. Message was the Police’s best. Brandy, and all the songs that came out 1969 — 1972 were great. My fave Gordon Lightfoot though came a little later The Wreck… I love the way they recorded that guitar doing that simple lick over and over again. And what about Help Me by J. Mitchell? We’re showing our age, Jeff. I was in 6th grade in ’71 and that’s when I fell in love with the pop tunes on AM (Rick Shaw on AM540 in South Florida. Lonely days, B.G’s, etc. etc
Thanks for the comments, and for sharing your insights. It’s not the songs themselves that matter, it is how they had a positive effect on your life.