Rare post, but I'd like to get into that goal of a post a month... Hey everyone! Josh here...

This is not so much a post as it is an invitation to participate in a project thus far discussed between Jon, Kirsten, and me relevant to (go figure) MUSIC!

The invitation is to compile a list of songs you can listen to agin 'n' agin--songs that, for whatever reason, consistently inspire you enough to repeat it several times over. So, for instance, my compilation will inevitably include Led Zeppelin's 'Misty Mountain Hop' as a song that always inspires me to crank up the volume, play air guitar a la Jimmy Page (at least when not driving), and belt out the lyrics a la Robert Plant (or to attempt it, anyway)...

We had discussed parameters on this, including: time limits on songs included, compiling only enough songs to fill up one CD, limiting it to rock 'n' roll, allowing only one song per artist/group... The conclusion we arrived at, tho, in discussion about this once again last night, is that any such parameters would be too restrictive, and may not allow us to provide a true reflection of that which so inspires us. (So if I include 3 songs by Steely Dan or a particular favorite by Charles Mingus or a Prokofiev work, it's because these are artists/composers that have inspired me for years!)

So the only parameters I feel are worth putting on the table are to be true to yourself--don't feel compelled to include something because you feel something of a particular artist/group ought to be on that list... For instance, I've got several CDs worth of songs that fit the category, but none of them are from the Rolling Stones, even though there are plenty of songs by them that I love listening to.

Secondly, once compiled, whether it's one CD worth or several, recommendation is to let it simmer. Play the list back "agin 'n' agin" to see which ones continue to hold your appeal.

And at the very least, let's set a date by which those of us interested in accepting this invite should have their compilation defined (again, whether on one CD or several). I propose the family reunion (at the farm, not in ND).

Have fun with this! This is something for you to do for yourself, and if/when you choose to share your compilation with the rest of us, it's not meant to be subject to everyone else's criticism. It's altogether likely that some songs will wind up on several of our compilations, and that's fine (and fun!)

Lastly, some thoughts based on the list I have compiled thus far (without sharing any more of what I may/may not include). I'm finding that the motivation to include certain songs will often vary from one song to the next--once I let my list simmer and listen through it "agin 'n' agin" I'm going to note the various reasons that certain songs made the cut, not for justification purposes, but for my own self-reflection.

It's an interesting exercise, and I hope that as many of you as possible will accept the invite, and further that you would have no reservations about sharing your list...and inspiration!


Enjoy! And any further ideas suggestions in this regard, please share!


Josh