From (St. Paul Pioneer Press) Bulletin Board

Posted on Fri., Jan. 26, 2007

. . . . .

Keeping your ears open

Poet X of PDX: "Pink Floyd ends 'Fearless,' a song on their 'Meddle' album, with the sound of a large crowd of people singing the chorus of 'You'll Never Walk Alone,' then going into a sort of soccer cheer, followed by some rhythmic clapping and a strange chant, then more cheering and chanting, all of which brings to the song an almost mystical aura to my aural senses.

"For a long time, it was my only exposure to the song.

"(Remembering it, I remember then, too, the next song on the album, Pink Floyd's version of ragtime, 'St. Tropez' — another excellent song. A curse for those of us who listen to music by album or studio CD: The end of one song anticipates the next. It's as disturbing and annoying as … it could be called Son of Earworm, perhaps.)

"When I bought my first CD player in the late '80s, one of the first CDs I purchased was a collection of Judy Garland recordings called the 'London Sessions.' For the first time, I heard the song completely — a haunting, excellent rendition capable of bringing on tears.

"Both 'Fearless' and Judy's version of 'You'll Never Walk Alone': not to be missed, highly recommended. Acquaintance with Judy's version taught me that the song is from a musical. I had to do a quick Google search to be reminded that it's 'Carousel.' Strange how that musical has never been much a blip on my radar, whereas so many others are."

The highfalutin pleasures (and momentary confusions) Arriving the same day as Poet X of PDX's note (O, joy of juxtaposition!) was this missive from The Retired Pedagogue of Arden Hills: "Subject: Adjusting to the new order.

"I recently entered into the technology era by burning my own CD. I transferred some of my favorite songs from a number of CDs onto a blank one. Although listening to it is very pleasing, I also find it to be somewhat disconcerting. [Bulletin Board interjects: No pun intended, we trust.] The problem is that it's created an unusual earworm, because when I hear the end of a tune, I'm anticipating the one that followed it on the original CD, but that's not the song I hear now.

"The momentary confusion is a slight irritation, but not enough to temper the satisfaction I derive from my electronic accomplishment!"

Band Name of the Day: Son of Earworm