MUSIC AND MEANING

One of the most important things in my life has always been music. Whether it was the hair-metal bands of the 80s (truth be told, my first concert was Whitesnake in 7th grade- I know you all remember Tawny Kitaen on the hood of a jaguar (I believe)), the Smiths (clearing my throat) and Morrissey in the late 80s and 90s, or the Seattle sound and Radiohead at the end of the Millenium, I have always loved music. With the exception of the late Jake Buckley, Martin Sexton, and Coldplay, I have found the 2000s to be pretty barren musically- mainly pop music and rap drivel. I look to music not for entertainment but for comfort, solace, and shared experience- the same things I seek from literature and films.

Earlier this year, I read a great NY Times magazine piece on the singer Neko Case, from which the above picture was taken. There was also a great New Yorker piece on her last month, too. I found her story and journey both musically and personally to be rather compelling, although I had not heard a single note or lyric of her songs. I decided to listen to her new album "Middle Cyclone" on Itunes, and it blew me away. Imagine "Exile in Guyville" Liz Phair meets Patsy Cline.

I find so few songs memorable these days for 2 reasons: 1)The lyrics are unintelligible 2)The words are uninspiring. Neko Case's lyrics defy description, but suffice it to say that they are unique, intelligent, and addictive. One finds one's self humming her tunes or singing her lyrics at the oddest times of the day. That (and the fact that one is motivated to buy an artist's other albums) is the true measure of a transformational artist; I now own all her solo albums.

I do not know if my musical tastes match yours, but I would be shocked if even the most musically immature listener does not tap their toes to songs like "I'm an Animal," "People Got a Lotta Nerve," or "Fever." I encourage you to find out for yourself. While, as an oncologist, I can appreciate the lyrics below from a song called "Don't Forget Me," I think most of you will appreciate them and other Neko Case offerings, too.

"And when we're older and full of cancer
It doesn't matter now, come on get happy
'Cause nothing lasts forever
But I will always love you."