Annabel Higgins delves into her parents' record collection to discover just why we shouldn't be discounting the 'golden oldies'.
When most people hear a golden oldie track they recognise the tune or the lyrics, perhaps from something their parents had playing in the house as they grew up. But why, at university, is it good to have a playlist of these golden oldies? By ‘golden oldies’ I mean pretty much anything from The Rolling Stones to BB King and everything in between. Forget Rihanna and Timberlake for a moment, and let me transport you back to the pre-1990 decades when the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd ruled the music world.
The main reason for listening to this music is that it can trigger emotions unlike any other. Don’t get me wrong, there have been many tears shed over Adele’s heartfelt breakup songs. But if you find yourself in a weepy breakup situation, might I suggest Aretha Franklin’s ‘RESPECT’ over Taylor Swift. Golden Oldies truly do cater for all needs. Want to relax? Break out the Jazz music. Angry? Guns n’ Roses have some good rock songs you can scream along to (even if you don’t know the words). Up for a laugh? Tom Jones no question.
“You may, to your horror, discover that your parents did at some point have a taste for good music”
The point is that there are so many artists and many more songs which can mirror what you are thinking and feeling, and play it in style. Similarly, it suits any occasion you find yourself in. Deadlines looming or you have run out of money (again), you can put your Oldies playlist on shuffle and relax with Bob Marley. Another reason for listening to this music is that it is, in my opinion, good for your soul. In a world where auto-tune was not commonplace, songs seem more ‘real’. Music from Motown to the grizzly sounds of John Lee Hooker, is not only good chill out songs, but is also good for you.
There is such a fantastic range of music that needs to be discovered, if you haven’t already. I encourage you to raid your parent’s music collection because you may, to your horror, discover that your parents did at some point have a taste for good music. Your inner air-guitar god or your undiscovered soul singer will thank you.
Annabel hosts Ani’s Classic Rock Show, Tuesdays 11am-12.
Author
LUSH Radio
Source:
http://lushradio.net/lush/2013/05/12/why-should-you-listen-to-old-music/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-should-you-listen-to-old-music