Today, I seriously needed an escape.
There was a minor car accident, and the consequences and repercussions were serious. There were many hefty financial decisions to be made. There were lives to be sorted out, and re-arranged to fit a new reality. And there is the everyday challenges faced by single parent families.
My normal escape is music. Music soothes my soul, helps me think and sometimes puts words to my feelings. Around the house, I can play music through my computer, or from my choice of satellite stations. Played loudly enough to hear in another room, but not so loudly that the neighbors would be upset. I can complete chores, read a book or dance to whatever music comes out of the speakers.
But when I am out walking, or working at my desk, my music needs to be made more personal. Which is why I invested in a very good headset. One that completely covers both of my ears, and blocks out all ambient noise. Perfectly balanced, they allow me to slip into whatever musical mood I am feeling, and just flow with the music.
Local radio legend Jim Ladd used to have a segment on Wednesday nights at midnight called "Headsets". In it, he would play an hour long set consisting of music, dialogue and ambient sounds all based around a common theme. He recommended that his listeners listen to this segment through headphones in order to get the "Theater of the Mind" experience he was going for. The point was to allow the music to surround you, and create images based on the sounds that you heard.
Some music was meant for headsets. Music that invites you to escape into the mind of the artist, eyes closed, forming your own mental images to complement the words and music coming through the speakers directly into your ears. No barking dogs, car horns or loud conversations allowed. Some artists have entire albums meant for private listening pleasure only. Headsets for your headset.
Dark Side of the Moon is an album meant for a headset. Dummy, by British band Portishead, is an atmospheric run through alternative jazz, meant to be experienced more than listened to. When I am feeling particularly low, gospel music sends it's quiet message to me, arranged in such a way that the words of redemption and blessing are unmistakable. Although physical escape in not possible, a retreat into the furthest reaches of my mind, lead by words and music meant to take me there, is readily available.
There was a minor car accident, and the consequences and repercussions were serious. There were many hefty financial decisions to be made. There were lives to be sorted out, and re-arranged to fit a new reality. And there is the everyday challenges faced by single parent families.
My normal escape is music. Music soothes my soul, helps me think and sometimes puts words to my feelings. Around the house, I can play music through my computer, or from my choice of satellite stations. Played loudly enough to hear in another room, but not so loudly that the neighbors would be upset. I can complete chores, read a book or dance to whatever music comes out of the speakers.
But when I am out walking, or working at my desk, my music needs to be made more personal. Which is why I invested in a very good headset. One that completely covers both of my ears, and blocks out all ambient noise. Perfectly balanced, they allow me to slip into whatever musical mood I am feeling, and just flow with the music.
Local radio legend Jim Ladd used to have a segment on Wednesday nights at midnight called "Headsets". In it, he would play an hour long set consisting of music, dialogue and ambient sounds all based around a common theme. He recommended that his listeners listen to this segment through headphones in order to get the "Theater of the Mind" experience he was going for. The point was to allow the music to surround you, and create images based on the sounds that you heard.
Some music was meant for headsets. Music that invites you to escape into the mind of the artist, eyes closed, forming your own mental images to complement the words and music coming through the speakers directly into your ears. No barking dogs, car horns or loud conversations allowed. Some artists have entire albums meant for private listening pleasure only. Headsets for your headset.
Dark Side of the Moon is an album meant for a headset. Dummy, by British band Portishead, is an atmospheric run through alternative jazz, meant to be experienced more than listened to. When I am feeling particularly low, gospel music sends it's quiet message to me, arranged in such a way that the words of redemption and blessing are unmistakable. Although physical escape in not possible, a retreat into the furthest reaches of my mind, lead by words and music meant to take me there, is readily available.
The kids like their headsets, too. Although The Daughter mostly uses hers to play on the computer. But by way of YouTube, she is discovering that the best way to listen to some music is personally. No one there but her and the music and the lyrics. She is free to form her personal vision of what she thinks the artist meant by a certain word or sound. At her age, what the singer means, and what she thinks they mean are often hilariously different, but it's a learning experience.
My son has long since discovered a personal love affair with music. Although his taste in modern hip-hop doesn't work for me, he does enjoy some of the classic rock I introduced him to. He plugs his headset into his phone, and much like I do, escapes into his own musical world on long walks and bus rides. Then again, that's the beauty of personal music. You can put your own playlist together for whatever mood your in, thereby creating your own Headset. Go ahead. Plug in. Listen. Experience the feeling of flowing into the atmosphere of the musical world in your ear. But most importantly, the sound and vision in your head. Your personal Headset.
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