I’ve heard some people turn to ice cream, work, or friends. But I’ve always turned to music during the most difficult times of my life.

One such time came as I was finishing up my degree at the University of Utah. As I juggled my last few classes, a full-time job, and a collapsing marriage, I came across Annie Lennox. I’d heard her music before but hadn’t tuned into the lyrics until I heard “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate” while visiting a Graywhale CD store near campus.  

The backdrop is heavy, but the song is laced with Annie’s understated, elegant voice making it approachable. I like the song, but have avoided listening to it for many years because it dredged up memories during a dark period of my life.

She might be holding something in
That’s really gonna hurt you
One of these fine days

Tonight I was updating my playlist and came across the album, Medusa. I added “Waiting in Vain”; my favorite song on the album. I looked through my list until I found A Thin Line Between Love and Hate. You know, to make sure it was still there.

But a strange thing happened. I didn’t skip over it like I have dozens of times before. Instead, I double clicked on the title, turned up the volume, and kicked back with my headphones and closed my eyes.

And for the first time in many years, I heard the instruments and the rhythm along with that piercing voice – even lyrics, without an ounce of regret.

Right click – Add to Playlist – Favorites

Cassettes were beginning to replace albums, disco was all the the rage and Andy Gibb was coming to the Salt Palace.

But I didn’t have eight bucks for a ticket.

A few days before the concert a friend told me he had an extra ticket for me. It wasn’t that I was into his music although I did like the song “Shadow Dancing” and knew all the lyrics.

But I was thrilled to attend my first concert. Of course, I told all my friends.

Our seats were on the floor but far from the stage. Possibly the worst seats in the Palace, but it didn’t matter as long as I could hear the music.

I don’t remember what band took the stage first, but when Andy took the stage a group of girls rushed to the front and shoved me to the floor. My first concert wasn’t going as I had imagined.

I sat next to a girl who was so overwhelmed with Andy’s crooning that she cried until she passed out. She then leaned against my shoulder. She was so heavily drenched in perfume that my eyes stung and watered. But I didn’t care because this girl was leaning on my shoulder. No matter that she was passed out. Maybe she was cute, but I couldn’t tell. It was too dark.

Security finally arrived. My first and only encounter with an older women came to an end.

At the time I didn’t realize that she probably had some help getting to the state she was in, and it had nothing to do with the music.

I’ve attended a number of concerts since then, but none of them were as memorable as this one.

The first generation iPod Shuffle is one of my favorite items.

It’s shaped like a pack of Juicy Fruit.

It’s my treadmill and Wii Fit companion.

It’s front-row at AC/DC loud.

It’s not covered in a shiny pastel color.

It’s home to a few dozen workout tunes including “Train in Vain”.

One feature I like about iTunes is that I can see which songs I listen to most often. This year my top 20 is dominated by Chris Botti songs. I’d never heard of him until Slacker radio played Indian Summer on afternoon and I was hooked.

When I’ve returned from a stressful day at work or I need a break from the kids I turn to my Chris Botti playlist, kick back with my headphones and tune out the world.

His music has the ability to relax me without putting me to sleep. It’s complex enough that it takes a few listens to ease into while some tracks  are immediately approachable. One of my favorite songs is called “Like I Do Now” and it’s one of the few with vocals. Most of his music is instrumental.

[audio:https://blog.nordquist.org/audio/likeidonow.mp3]

Have you listened to Chris Botti before? If so can you suggest similar musicians I might enjoy?