I was sitting here at my computer listening to a new CD, Jackson Browne's
solo acoustic volume 1, which is full of beautiful songs beautifully sung, when I happened to remember a diary here a long while back that veered off into a discussion of Jackson Browne's music. It was wonderful to discover that at least on this particular subject people were able to come together in their appreciation.
As a rule, I disagree with most of the posters here on nearly eveything. As a result I rarely post, and even more rarely write diaries. But I remember that thread fondly, and thinking about it made me want to reach out to the kos community.
Unlike, I suspect, many of you who genuinely enjoy political argument, I burn out easily on politics. I get so tired of the democratic primary wars. But whether you enjoy arguing or not, I think we often lose sight of the fact that most of our priorities are pretty similar. Most of us want peace, a healthy planet, equal education opportunities for our children, and a government that exists in the service of its citizens needs, to start. We just disagree on the best route to that goal. I think it's important to sometimes stop arguing for a minute and remember that fact.
For me, there are times when only music will do. Jackson Browne is on my short list of musicians whose cds I will buy simply because they actively campaigned for John Kerry, but he is also one of my favorite songwriters. I highly recommend this cd, by the way, if you appreciate his unadorned voice and his beautiful lyrics, which can be heard very clearly.
So what music do you listen to that soothes your soul?
Aside from Jackson Browne, here are a few of my favorites:
1. John Renbourne
2. Brahms - anything
3. Bach cello suites (Pablo Casals)
4. Village Harmony shape note songs
5. Alfred Brendel's recording of the "Tempest"