"What kind of music do you like?"

I was thinking today about why I love the music I love. It's probably a losing proposition to try to completely deconstruct something as personal and emotional as music preference. Most of the time, I know I love something when I hear it. It just feels right. It's difficult to put into words. I can talk about why I love Two-Lane Blacktop, Gates of Heaven, The Wire or Louie for hours at a time. I am more passionate about music than other kinds of art, but it's a little more difficult to take apart. 

Music has been such a constant in my life since early childhood. Throughout my 30 years, I have been a dedicated fundamentalist, conservative, liberal, anarchist and many things in between, but my love for music has never changed. It's such a large part of who I am. It's also been a consistent source of curiosity and happiness for me. I have never lost that excitement I felt when I went to my first show. I am still moved by great music. I am still thrilled when I find a new band I love. 

Of course, the question in the title of this blog post is virtually impossible to answer. "Everything" sounds dumb and "Everything but (genre X)" IS dumb. The best answer I can come up with at the moment is that I am drawn to music with soul, power and feeling that comes from a genuine place. Songs and albums that GO somewhere. I can't think of a better example of what I mean than "Try a Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding.



Music has always felt a bit magical to me. Maybe it's because I can't sing or play an instrument, but the fact that a person can take their voice and a few instruments and make a noise that's never been heard before is endlessly fascinating to me. It feels like one of the truest and most personal forms of expression. Connecting with music is a lot like connecting with a person for me. I have certain qualities I love in other people, but I generally connect with another person because something in their soul connects with something in mine. Examples of music that has connected with me on a profound level include my favorite pop song of all-time, "Where Did Our Love Go" by The Supremes:

The yearning, sadness and regret is all there in one 2:30 pop song. It's an amazing achievement, really.

I also feel that way about "Loose" by The Stooges:



"Loose" is one of those songs that can instantly change my mood. There's so much power, fury and groove in this song. It hits harder than almost any other song I've ever heard. It's rock and roll all the way through.

When I think about the kind of music I feel a connection with deep in my soul, Curtis Mayfield is the first artist I think of. His music has been a source of encouragement, strength and heart for me throughout my life. I am a creature of pop culture---most moments in my life have been accompanied by some music, film or book. Of all of the art that has made a difference in my life, I probably owe the largest debt to the late Curtis Mayfield.