So, there I was, enjoying life and savoring a beautiful morning. Outside my window, a dreary morning was just getting started. The hustling of buses and random people warned me of an impending day of tests (both explicit and otherwise) and overall productivity (So much to get done, and so little time.)
I had clicked around Hype Machine and stumbled upon a new live version of Phoenix’s song “Love Like a Sunset.” To be honest, Phoenix is one of my favorite bands, and this particular songs is one of my favorites.
(I am dead serious. Normally I would say that “I like too much music to have a favorite.” But very few songs move me like this one does. Every time I hear this song, the hair on my back prickles up a bit, my heart pounds with the rhythm of crescendoing beats and bass riffs, and my heart breaks and unbreaks itself to the few simple words, so beautiful and pure, so true. And then I hit repeat and “it all starts again.” It’s as if the most beautiful sunset has turned into musical gold that reaches to the deepest part of my heart. I was practically moved to tears the first time I heard it; Sappy, but true.)
[One of the other few songs that I have ever been so moved by was Beehtoven’s “Sonata Pathetique.” That’s an entirely different story for an entirely different day, though.]
It’s times like that when I am reminded most of how powerful music is. Even the best poetry in the world, the most poignant plays, the deepest and most thought-provoking books I’ve read, can never seem to reach the same emotional impact as music. (That is: For me. I don’t want to make it sound like I’m saying the same thing applies to everyone. This is my own subjective aesthetic evaluation. If you happen to agree, then you understand where I’m coming from. :P ) As someone that writes every now and then, I can’t help but feel a bit inadequate about the whole deal. No matter how well I manage to write something, I doubt that someone who reads what I write would ever feel the same way that I felt when I listened to “Love Like a Sunset” for the first time.
It’s truly humbling to think about.
But, at any rate, you should listen to the song, if you haven’t already. If you don’t react the same way I did, that’s cool.
But if you do, I’m glad that you could feel the same way I did. (Isn’t that what lies at the root of any recommendation? A tacit desire for the other person to feel the same wonderful things that you felt?)
Listen to the normal version first, then the live one. Don’t stop it, sit down, eliminate all distractions, and enjoy. (Or not. Your call. ;)
Live Version - Love Like a Sunset
Gig ‘em,
Tom!
