Revisiting the classics

Although I have quite a hunger for keeping tabs on the newest music, particularly with the local Triangle music scene, I've got an enormous space in my soul for the music of a much older generation.

For some reason, every year when spring rolls around, I find myself revisiting the songs that comprised the soundtrack of my parents' coming-of-age years. However, these songs and albums also found their way into my own childhood musical education. And now, as I am listening to the NPR Fresh Air interview with Carole King, I found it the perfect time to reflect on how these classic albums have been integral in my musical development and have served as personal reminders of poignant times and individuals.

Here are just a few of my favorites:

-Carole King's Tapestry and Joni Mitchell's Blue

I wanted to group these albums together because they serve very similar roles for me. Carole King is a discovery I 100% attribute to my mother, in fact, I see a lot of parallels between this singer-songwriter and the wonderful woman who raised me. "Too Late," "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" and "Beautiful" are just a few of the gems woven into Tapestry and after listening to the Fresh Air interview with King, it was a wonderful reminder of this genuine contribution to music.

Joni Mitchell's Blue seems to strike a nerve in me every time and I simply can't get enough. On those days when things just don't seem right, I find myself returning to this album and transporting myself back to the era of the strong, female singer-songwriter. Don't be surprised if you hear me belting out "All I Want" or "Carey," its just me channeling my inner-Joni.

-Fleetwood Mac's Rumours

I found this particular album on vinyl for $4 a few weeks ago at the Carrboro record sale and I couldn't have been happier. Maybe it's the fact they are my favorite band, they have contributed songs to one of my favorite movies, Forrest Gump, or that this particular brand of 70s pop is irresistibly delectable. From "The Chain," "Dreams" and "Go Your Own Way," there are so many memories buried in each of these tracks. If I ever do a karaoke night, you can bet that there will be numerous Fleetwood tracks.

-Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's Deja Vu and Neil Young's Everybody Knows This is Nowhere

It might be safe to say that I have a thing for Canadian musicians, as Neil Young is the second on this list (Joni Mitchell being the first). While it is Neil that really gets to me, especially with his album, Everybody Knows This is Nowhere, I can't forget the mystical and infectious production he was a part of with Crosby, Stills and Nash. Deja Vu would definitely be considered a soundtrack of my father's era, a self-proclaimed hippie/rocker/folkie of sorts who romped around on this very campus for a few years in the 1960s. Deja Vu and the rest of Young's early catalog of work is evidence of solid songwriting, incredibly talented instrumentation and of course a penchant for honing in on the times. These are the albums that really make you think.

-The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds

This is another album that runs through me with nostalgia upon listening. When we took our family beach trips during my childhood, I'm pretty sure the only cassettes in rotation the entire journey were The Beach Boys and the Lion King soundtrack. There was also the point at which my younger brother proclaimed at age three, that he "wants to be a Beach Boy" when he grows up. Enough said. With summer approaching fast, I always turn back to this album, with classic hits like "God Only Knows" and "Sloop John B," this like any other Beach Boys album is an essential for any record collection.