You can find it here: https://www.whatweseee.com
A couple of weeks ago there was an article titled My Essential Playlist. I have been thinking about it since, and finally decided to complete the activity. This post is a copy of what I submitted. I am not posting it because I think anyone will find my choices particularly interesting or relevant, but because I think you should also write down your own essential playlist and this might inspire you to do it. I will add that it could also be quite therapeutic, as it was in my case. No need to submit it online if you would rather not, but you might discover some insights into your own personality just by completing the exercise for your own enjoyment and perhaps even some introspection. And, sometimes it's good to just get things out.
You don't have to post it on your Facebook page... "but it'd be a lot cooler if you did." (Wooderson- in Dazed and Confused. I can never resist an obscure movie quote).
It would help me, and others, get to know you a little better. Plus, who knows, you may actually inspire someone.
Here's mine -
whatweseee
www.whatweseee.com
It is an opportunity for you to talk about the things that have moved you or had a massive influence on your life and outlook. And also a chance for others to be inspired by things they may have never experienced, or to experience it in a whole new way because of you.
Can you tell us:
My Essential Playlist
Your name: Roger
Where do you live? South Dakota
Where do you feel most yourself? Going off the trails in the Black Hills
A few films, or scenes of films that have had a significant impact on you. As well as a few notes about how.
Almost Famous - the entire movie but especially the bus scene where they all start singing Tiny Dancer after an all night party at a random teenage fan’s house in Topeka. William, “I have to go home.” Penny, “You are home.” I had some similar experiences around that same time period in which the movie is set. Even recognized a few of my friends. Some I’m still in touch with and some I’m not, but I’ve not forgotten them.
The Big Lebowski - The scene where he’s driving an old clunker car and tries to throw his roach out of the window but it bounces back into his lap and he ends up crashing into a dumpster. I laugh out loud every time no matter how many times I’ve seen it. And I’ve seen it a lot.
A few songs, or parts of songs that have very personal meaning to you. And please tell us why.
Into the Mystic - Van Morrison. Reminds me of my friend. She’s gone now. But I still think of her sometimes, and always when I hear this song.
You Turn Me On I’m A Radio - Joni Mitchell. It’s fun. Reminds me of my days in radio - “Call me at the station, the lines are open.”
You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere - Bob Dylan and the Band, without overdubs, from The Basement Tapes Raw, 3-record set from the Bootleg Series. Simple, basic, pure. Makes me sing along. And I can’t sing. It’s a gift from my son. He knows me well. That’s something not every father can say.
If I Could Only Remember My Name - David Crosby. The whole album. Every song. It’s one I can’t explain, but I listen to it over and over. And over.
Cowgirl in the Sand - Neil Young and Crazy Horse. Because the lyrics can mean anything you want them to mean, and because Crazy Horse rocked. And Neil’s guitar…well…just listen to it.
Poems, Prayers and Promises - John Denver. Entire album. Guess you could say there’s a lot of my life in those songs.
A piece of art or a photograph that has lodged itself in your consciousness and why.
Portrait of Audrey Hepburn by Yousef Karsh. I saw this photograph in March of 2016 as part of the Icons of the 20th Century exhibit at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. I spent more time with that picture than probably any other piece of art I’ve ever seen, other than one particular Monet. It illustrates what photography can be at its highest level. It’s perfect. It inspired me to be more serious about my own photography.
A Monet painting from his Charing Cross Bridge series. An impressionist painting, but it strangely came clearly into focus as I viewed it in person. I saw details that weren’t actually there. Or that were there but were hidden by the brush strokes.
Saoirse Wall - Gesture 2. Digital HD video self portrait. Statement from the exhibit: “In this portrait, the artist used video to show that one person can be many things. During the video she moves and poses in different ways, and looks at the camera to communicate with us and lets us see her portrait unfold in real time.” I had never seen anything like it before, and have never seen anything like it since. A modern art medium I was totally unfamiliar with, and it struck me like a hammer.
A piece of writing – a book, poem, play or quote – that is a touchstone for you, and why.
Lost Horizon - James Hilton. I can imagine being Conway.
On The Road - Jack Kerouac. I can imagine being Jack Kerouac.
Trout Fishing In America - Richard Brautigan. It’s not actually about trout fishing, which is fine. I don’t do much trout fishing. But I think it would be cool to know someone named Trout Fishing.
Quote - “Live, travel, adventure, bless, and don’t be sorry.” Jack Kerouac. It’s what I try to do as much as possible.
Is there a smell or food that takes you to a special place... and why?
Well, I like nachos. I’ve been searching a long time to find the perfect nachos. Haven’t found them
yet. I believe they’re out there somewhere.
Roger O'Dea 11/9/2019
