New music is exciting... but have you listened to older music?
Old music is indeed a relative concept. It often comes with emotional baggage, attachments, biases, and context. It can serve as a refuge, a familiar space where the emotions it evokes are consistent and guaranteed. Additionally, old music can mark significant moments in life.
One of those moments for me was the first time I listened to ‘The Great Gig In The Sky’ by Pink Floyd. A friend played it for me, presenting it like a gift, full of eager anticipation. It felt like a transfer of knowledge. I was struck by its structure first; I was amazed that a song could evoke so much within me without the use of words.
How could a piece of music feel so spiritual without a written message? There were no verses, no chorus, just an outpouring of sound. Though I didn’t grow up with Pink Floyd, I became a fan right then and there.
The main takeaway from this song today is its bravery. Did Pink Floyd realize they were defying conventions? Did they foresee the impact it would have?
A challenging question when exploring this type of song is whether it would resonate in the same way if it were released today. Fortunately, we will never know.
A reflection on the decision to record Abbey Road comes from its doorman, Gerry O’Driscoll, who answered the question “Are you afraid of dying?” with “I am not frightened of dying. Any time will do, I don’t mind. Why should I be frightened of dying? There’s no reason for it – you’ve got to go sometime.”
At the start of the song, the beautifully chosen chords inspire me greatly. They infuse the everyday human experience into what is otherwise an ethereal production. Clare Torry’s haunting vocals during the climax have always represented the pain and beauty of death for me.
The rich flourishes and expressive drumming often leave me feeling quite spent by the end. Old music has much to teach us, and I continue to learn from it.
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Words: Owen Cutts
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Old music is naturally subjective. It often carries emotional weight, personal connections, biases, and contextual meanings. It can serve as a comfort zone, a reliable refuge, a spot where the