7 Songs

I got tagged yesterday by Sarebear at Pi-Bolar. This meme wants you to list 7 songs that you are into right at the moment.

The rules:

List 7 songs you're into right now. No matter the genre, whether they have words, or even if they're any good, they must be songs you're really enjoying right now. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs.

The rules want you to tag 7 other people, but I don't really want to do that. If you decide to make your own list, post it on your own blog. Then leave a comment telling me that you participated, and I'll go over to your blog to take a look at your list.

Here's my list:

1. Black Cow, by Steely Dan. Just listened to it this afternoon. I love most of Steely Dan's music (their earlier stuff in the 70's and 80's). I like the mixture of rock and jazz in their music. To me their music never wears thin. It holds up just as well today, as it did 25 years ago.

2. Suite Judy Blue Eyes, By Crosby, Stills, and Nash. I love the close harmonies of CSN(Y). There are many others of their songs that I could have picked. I don't always agree with their politics and ideology, but I like the sound of their music.

3. Heart of Gold, by Neil Young. I remember hearing this song when I was in Jr. High. I thought of my one-day future wife, and how I would hope that she would have a heart of gold. (She does!)

4. Adagio for Strings. (Composer, Samuel Barber.) I like the Jenny Oaks Baker version. I love the way this song builds to a climax, then gently lets you back down again.

5. Hymn, Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy (Hymn No 335. This song has always had a great impact on me. I first sang it in an octet at church in my BYU Student Ward. Later, on my mission in British Columbia, I sang it again with a group of missionaries.

Finally, I got to sing it again with a couple of weeks ago with another octet in the Saturday evening session of Stake Conference. We sang it A Cappella, and we could tell that it got through to the audience.

It's also the closest thing to Barbershop music you will find in the hymnbook.

6. Bach's Double Violin Concerto. The harmonies and counter melodies in this piece are nothing short of divine. Makes for great Sunday Music.

7. George F. Handel. Practically anything by Handel is great for me. Thanks to Noelie, I learned that yesterday was the 321st anniversary of his birth. The Messiah is his most well-known work, but there is also his Water Music. I also have come to enjoy his Concerti Grossi, and his 12 Concerti Grosso opus 6. I always find Handel to be uplifting, especially the Messiah.

Music is one of great blessings of my life. I appreciated the opportunity to take a few moments to reflect on some of the music that is important to me. I could cite many more references, if time and space permitted.

Thanks, Sarebear.