Music::Music::Music

Sometimes the very color of the day is captured by the music permeating my soul. At my bench I am listening to Bon Iver. Their seemingly meaningless words take nothing away from the smooth sounds that seem to blend seamlessly with the clouds outside. The sky is overcast, yet not dark. The gray is a very bright grey but the clouds give the earth and trees a very dull, flat appearance.

A week ago on the way to Mezcal Abhi, Bebiana and I walked past a van out of which was blaring very loud, very peppy, very happy Mexican music. I noted how different cultures have different musical styles. I would go crazy if I had to listen to peppy music all the time, I told them.

Abhi replied that my comment really was only my perception of what Mexican music is. And of course he is right. Yet it seems that whenever I pass over a Mexican music station on the radio its fast and joyful sounds. And complimenting the music it seems that more than most of the time I pass over a Mexican TV channel there is so much action going on that I get the same hurried feeling. My perception is that it takes a man in a suit, a woman in a bikini, a child running around, some costumed characters, music, and three or four other things all at the same time to make a good Mexican talk/game show.

Abhi said most people associate the bollywood musical music as the music of India. I suppose if I ever watch a few I will start to make that association as well. I have already stereotyped Portuguese music. Bebiana says the music of Portugal is sad and full of lament. What she has played for me sure fits the bill. But I would guess, even though she won't admit to it, that Portugal has more than just hauntingly beautiful laments.

We turned to Bebiana, the European, to find out what they thought of American music. Rap. Though she did modify it by saying, "but all music comes from the U.S." So there you have it: rap, laments, bollywood, and very fast happy music. And while there is truth to these perceptions I am glad they are not the entire story.

We arrived and walked into the restaurant finding Eva, Johanna and Kevin already there. Adam and Rachel joined us soon after. And over drinks, chips, and amazing food we were serenaded by live music. A man sang and played beautiful Mexican music on the guitar. If anything it was slightly lamentish. It may have been the "margarita tradicional" but everything seemed wonderful. Music can add so much.