What have you been listening to these five weeks?


It occurred to me today that New York City is quieter; since Sep. 11 the city has been noticeably and unquestionably quieter. It is a part of city living here to have various flavors of obnoxious, angry and often ridiculous rap music rammed down our ears on a somewhat regular basis. I don't refer to some of the more creative efforts of a handfull of talented hip hop artists; I mean the mindless, mechanical thud and obscenity that passes for music for some.

It seems that the seriousness of what has been going on here as of late has caused some of those who felt it was a right to force that kind tastelesness and anger on those around them, to be a bit more sensitive and respectfull.

This is clearly a time of difficult emotions, and speaking from personal experience and that of many around me, finding confort and solace in music is very important. I wondered what music or artists Audiogoners have been listening to lately and what reasons for making those choices there might be?

Regards
frogman
I just got the Telarc DVD A of the 1812. The cannons firing and the explosions in sound made me hope that bin Laden was experiencing the real thing.
Etta James, "Her Best", true soul, great blues singer. "Cannonball Adderley Quintet in Chicago", Bruckner, Symphony No 4. Berlin Philarmoniker conducted by Gunther Wand (live recording) and Beethoven Symphonies No 1 & 2 NDR- Simfonieorchester conducted by Gunther Wand (again, a live recording) and, strangely enough, "The Best of The Blackwatch" The Pipes and Drums and Regimental Band of the Black Watch, I think just hearing the pipes might set the Taliban straight. I simply wish all of the Western World luck and determination in stopping terrorism and Godspeed to any American and British troops which may at this very moment be in harm's way. By the way, I recently saw a documentary on the Battle of Britain, such documentary should be required viewing in North American schools and by everybody too young to have first hand knowledge of the great courage of the British people, and the kind of determination required in the face of evil.
Laurinsen's Lux Aeterna and Brahms German Requiem...music that lets you know you're not alone.
I know this doesn't help, but essentially nothing. I've tried to listen to 2 or 3 cds in the last 6 weeks but I just seem to have lost interest. I bought some new cds that weekend and havent opened them (e.g., newest from Alison Krauss).

Good suggestions above, gospel, spiritual, some classical all good ideas.

I think Etta James and Irma Thomas may be a way back for me. Try Irma's gospel cd (can't remember the title offhand though it's around here somewhere).

I did listen to Jennifer Warnes's new cd, The Well, the other day and liked it.

Johnny Cash's Solitary Man cd is another thought.
For the first week I was into somber music and found myself listening to Mozart's' Requiem and Beethoven's 5th and 7th over and over. Beyond that time my listening habits have been pretty much across the spectrum.

As far as music that touches my spiritual side, my tastes run more towards "High Church" and a new member of my collection has been getting a lot of play, "Laudate!" from Proprius (PRCD 9100.) Without any comprehension of the language except "amen," I know exactly what they are communicating. Music of the 17th century. Awesome.

Take care,

Charlie.