Music takes us all on a trip, whether we like to phrase it that way or not. When we listen to songs of decades past, even from before our own lives, it brings us back to the way things were, and potentially to where we can be again. Listen to George Gershwin ~Here~, or the Jersey Bounce, ~here~, and then immerse yourself in the comforts of The Drifters, ~here~, or even The Beatles, ~here~. Each piece drags along its own unique memories, ideas, and inspirations. Where were you when you heard these tunes for the very first time? The memories become clearer as the verses play on.
To commemorate the inaugural post of my colleague Manny Dylan, it is with great pleasure I introduce his Retro Revival subsection: Vintage & Vinyl. His talent and love for music is infectious. When we met in college following a small musical venue, we would fiddle around for food at lunch and often end up dancing to jazz music dating as far back as the Roaring 20’s. The Dardanella, No-Name Jive, and at least a dozen of the first decade of Rock and Roll all made their way to the banks of the Raritan on our behalf. Now, we have far more ability to expaand our musical repertiore in the post-grad world. Even for this microcosmic example, the sound of No-Name Jive still reminds me fondly of my sophomore year and my best friend.
The sounds of Woodstock or Monterey or even the gentle tunes of the bobbysock days all have a certain twang that sends us to a different time. What is most amazing about this sensory input is that even if we weren’t alive to see the concerts of Elvis Presley or a young Billie Holiday, our imagination (or perhaps some innate similar sense) makes it almost as clear as day what that must have been like. We can argue that music sends us somewhere, but what kind of research can be done? Well, for one thing, there is something about oldies but goodies that entices people worldwide! Just the other day, I found out that Canada has a Vintage Phonograph Society for all those who own a well-cared for phonograph (yes, with the cornucopia horn thingies). The whole concept of producing vinyl records, in fact, has become a thing among modern musicians like Coldplay and others as well. (Urban Outfitters and record outlets often have these in stock). There is something far more gratifying about records than other forms of computerized soundwaves anyway.
Music allows us to experience things from every time period and all stretches of the emotional spectrum. It’s no wonder that it means so much to revivalists and psychologists alike. So I leave you here, dearest readers, to meet Manny, my right-hand man in musical and antiquated antics. I promise he will broaden your musical horizons and lift your spirits; he’s notoriously good at that for me too!
Retro Curious Rebellious: The Revival 