The Music That Defines You...

I often wonder what makes people like the music that they listen to the most? Is it the image of the artists as well as how the music makes you feel? Or is it the music that you start listening to as a youngster that stays with you?

Everyone seems to have a fond feeling towards their very first record that they buy. Unfortunately I don't. My musical taste back then was really bad. I mean REALLY bad! The first record I ever bought was The Fat Boys 'Crushin'... The second was Jive Bunny 'Swing the Mood'! Hey come on! I was about 9!!!

Oh dear...

But then I bought an album that helped me improve my taste in music! Aerosmith's 'Pump'. Back then, I thought the track 'Monkey Off My Back' on that album was the heaviest thing I had ever heard!
I also remember around that time I was staying at a friend's house. His older brother had Iron Maiden posters with Eddie plastered all over his walls. I was transfixed on them whenever I went there.

In 1989 I was given a tape by a friend to borrow that would completely change my life for the better! It was like some sort of revelation for me. On Side A - Metallica's 'Master of Puppets', Side B - Megadeth 'Rust in Peace'. Wow..................................................................................................................................

That tape didn't leave my Walkman for months! In fact I still have it! From then on it was all Classic Rock and Heavy Metal tapes for me. Iron Maiden, Slayer, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Motorhead, etc... I just could not get enough! I also remember getting a book called 'The Guinness Who's Who of Heavy Metal'. I read that book every night remembering the names of bands to check out. Back then there was no YouTube or iTunes to have a listen to them. You just had to go out and buy the albums! I feel old...

So what about my questions asked at the beginning of this long winded blog? I tried getting into Hip Hop at a later date but ultimately, for me it's how Heavy Metal and Classic Rock makes me feel. The loud, heavy power of the music is infectious! And I guess the images of the artists affected me too. After all, there were plenty of pictures of the bands in the Heavy Metal book and the Iron Maiden posters are iconic! You could listen to all sorts of music, but I firmly believe that only one genre will really get to you most.

But what happened to the Fat Boys tape? I left it under a lamp by mistake while I slept and melted it to my side table. Oh well...

Song of the Day - No, not the Fat Boys! Chimaira 'Save Ouselves'



Oh go on then...