Quintet 1: Music to my ears

Quintet is a monthly music review of any five songs I happen to come across/stumble upon, or were recommended, any how, any time. Suggestions from readers are most welcome because music deserves to be shared. Let me be your convert or critic.


Jo Ann's Life Essentials:

1. Glasses

2. Good book to read

3. Money

4. Hanky

5. Skyflakes and Gatorade (grape)

6. Earphones

7. Doublemints

8. Hair brush

and so on...

I call this list "Life essentials" because, basically, without these things (and a few more unlisted things) I wouldn't be able to live life or even move through life. My glasses and books make me see the world clearly--literally and figuratively; money gives me the opportunity to enjoy the simple and even extravagant joys of life; my hanky keeps my tears, sweat and other stuff in check; Skyflakes and Gatorade, my hairbrush and Doublemints keep my stomach, hair and breath and  in check, respectively.

As for my earphones... they serve a bigger, greater purpose other than signalling people who try to talk to me to step back because I'm busy or can't hear them... my earphones keep my sanity in check. Music has always been, and will always be, a personal interest and stress reliever. Often times, people would see me around work or Malcolm Hall wearing earphones (unless of course I'm talking to someone). I do this to zone the noise out. Noise that is both auditory and metaphorical. 

This week, I have spent my early mornings (well, most of the day, actually) listening to music recommended by family and friends.

Sunday - Man in the Mirror (cover)

Monday - Be There by Howie Day

Tuesday - Chasing Pavements by Adele

Wednesday - I Know Places by Lykke Li

Thursday - Ashes and Wine by A Fine Frenzy

Although I'm familiar with A Fine Frenzy and Howie Day, I Know Places and Be There are welcome additions to my playlist. Coincidentally, they both talk (or sing?) about travel (literal and figurative); choosing between staying and going. 

Listening to Chasing Pavements remind me of the "emo" days of high school, and the 'young and stupid yet happy' days of undergrad. I listen to it with a familiar wistfulness--a kind of wistfulness that is healthy to make yourself feel once in while but if abused may cause frustration. It is very timely for me to listen to it now when I'm thinking of giving up or keeping chasing pavements...the pavements of Malcolm.

Likewise, the cover of Man in the  Mirror by an unknown artist reminds me of the videoke, carefree days with undergrad block mates. I remember the Michael Jackson "phase" I had. I listened to Michael Jackson songs and nothing else. Moreover, it reminds me of the death (and the life) of the legend. 

Ashes and Wine, recommended by my elder sister, is, hands down, My Depressing  Song of the Week. Rebecca Black's Friday is a close second. 

To conclude, I was told by a teacher-blockmate that I am an auditory learner. I learn by listening to things or reciting things over and over again. Does this mean I have to forego listening to music next week, which is my 'Final Exams' week, and switch to listening to codals etc.? Perfect.