The Sears Tower is shrowded in heavy fog today, reminiscent of the smoke that consumed two other skyscrapers five years ago today. I'm wearing my "I heart NY" shirt and feeling a little suprised at the depth of emotion that has erupted for me on this somber anniversary. Five years ago today, I sat at home nursing my three-month-old baby, after sending my husband and preschooler off to work and school. I'm divorced now, and my three-month-old is now five, but it still seems like yesterday.
For me, the best way to honor the day is through music -- music that honors, remembers and grieves. I'm struck my the recollection that in those days after the attacks, Clear Channel owned stations blacklisted songs that they deemed "innappropriate" for thier listeners. Today I'm seeking those songs out.
Thankfully, we here in Chicago have access to one of the the last remaining radio stations that doesn't play a corportate-controlled playlist. Their DJ's
actually get to choose the music that they play. WXRT's Lin Brehmer was on for the morning commute, and each song he played seemed so carefully chosen and relevant.
Below is a partial playlist of songs that I intend to listen to today, and I can't wait to read your own choices. Add them to the comments.
Last Good Day of the Year -- Cousteau
World On Fire -- Sarah McLaughlan
I Can't See New York -- Tori Amos
New York, NY -- Ryan Adams
The Only Living Boy in NY -- Simon and Garfunkel
Wake Me Up When September Ends -- Green Day
What a Wonderful World -- Louis Armstrong
What's Goin On -- Marvin Gaye
War Pigs -- Black Sabbath
Imagine -- John Lennon
10,000 Miles -- Mary Chapin Carpenter
Self Evident -- Ani DiFranco