Deborah Woehr

I was first introduced to Joe Satriani’s music back in 1988 when I heard Crush of Love on the radio. Although I liked this song, I never bought an album of his because, at the time, instrumental rock wasn’t my thing. And, his other songs during that period didn’t compel me to spend the money on an album.

Fast forward twenty years. My music collection is horribly dated and uninspiring. The radio stations out here don’t offer much but the Top 40 and some alternative rock. So, last weekend, I spent several hours exploring Amazon’s music section and discovered Satriani’s new album, Professor Satchafunkilus and the Musterion of Rock. That title a mouthful, isn’t it?

One of the things I enjoy about Amazon is the ability to listen to the music before you decide to buy the album. Well . . . you have 30 seconds to decide whether or not you like the songs on the track. I liked the driving, upbeat rhythm of Satriani’s music, especially his guitar ballads. I’ve listed my favorite songs off this album in the order that I liked them.

• Andalusia
• Revelation
• Out of the Sunrise
• Musterion
• Come On Baby
• Overdriver
• Asik Veysel

My ultimate favorite is Andalusia. The introduction of this song reminded me of something I would listen to while watching a movie, somewhat melancholy and forlorn. I pictured a scene where someone is sitting in a restaurant, dealing with some kind of loss. While I couldn’t see the person’s face, I saw them sitting next to a window that overlooked a body of water at dusk. I’ve never experienced spontaneous imagery like that while listening to music. The song revs up after that, churning with emotion that held me captive.

The rest of the album was very good, although there were a couple of songs I could live without, such as I Just Wanna Rock. Music snobs have criticized this album for not “pushing new ground.” As a mainstream listener, I enjoyed this album and what it had to offer. Satriani is an incredibly talented musician.

I’ve enjoyed Coldplay’s music since I first heard Clocks on the radio a few years ago. Their latest album is due for release next month, and I can’t wait to listen to it. The above video is their latest song, Violet Hill.

The first time I heard this song, I was sitting in the car while my husband was driving us through the Grand Canyon area. For some reason, it sat inside my memory all this time. On occasion, my local radio stations would play a song by this band, but it was never this particular song. Worse, the DJ’s never announced the name of this band at the times I was listening. This song’s title and band name eluded me up until Friday, when I happened to listen to the radio at the right time.

Not only did I snag this song off of iTunes, but The Diary of Jane as well.

Melly’s Novel Covers brought back memories of MTV when I saw the link to the Cure’s Love Song at the bottom of her post. How many of you were born when they first came on the air? I was a freshman in high school.

Video Killed the Radio Star was a ridiculous song, and thankfully they didn’t play that video much. Today, MTV is nothing like it once was. I stopped watching when they started playing nothing but Rap.

Since then, I’ve relied on iTunes and the radio to listen to music. Yesterday, I browsed through iTunes and wrote down some songs that I’d like to download.

Relatively New Stuff

Yellow, by Coldplay
Trouble, by Coldplay
Such Great Heights, by The Postal Service: This song has great positive energy.
Desert Rose, by Sting: I couldn’t figure out why I liked this song so much until someone mentioned that it took them to another place. That about describes it for me.
Cornflake Girl, by Tori Amos
Beautiful, by Christina Aguilera
I’m the Only One, by Melissa Ethridge: I haven’t listened to Melissa’s newest songs, but this is the only one I’ve liked to date.
Run, by Snow Patrol
Blurry, by Puddle of Mud
Float On, by Modest House: Another upbeat song
Ghost, by Indigo Girls

Oldies But Goodies

Vision of Love, by Mariah Carey
Self Control, by Laura Branigan
Spirit in the Sky, by Norman Greenbaum: This song reminds me of being a child in the Post-Hippy Era.
Under the Milkyway, by The Church
Ah! Leah!, by Donnie Iris
Don’t Dream It’s Over, by Crowded House
Run to the Hills, by Iron Maiden
Modern Day Cowboy, by Tesla
Hair of the Dog, by Nazareth
Say Hello 2 Heaven, by Temple of the Dog
My Hero, by Foo Fighters
Wanted Dead or Alive, by Bon Jovi
Love Song, by The Cure

Bands I Enjoy

REM
Tool
Live
Metallica (S&M is my favorite album of theirs.)
Creed
Ozzie Ozbourne
Godsmack
U2
Incubus
Pearl Jam

Before this post gets obnoxiously long, I’ll stop here. What are your favorite songs? Which band would be worth driving 200 miles to go see perform?