IF YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN ONE OF THESE PLEASE KEEP READING

BS (Before Streaming) AS (After Streaming)

BS: Long Music

I vaguely recall long songs, long hair, and muddy outdoor events that somehow felt both magical and unsanitary. The world seemed ablaze—sometimes literally—and musicians came to the rescue with protest songs and peace anthems that defined an era.

AS: Short Music

Today, music’s biggest revolutions happen in 15-second bursts. The beats and lyrics are often mesmerizing, with activism hashtagged and paired with a sponsored skincare collab. The only mud now is found at self-care retreats.

BS: Natural Music

Before GarageBand, musicians had to play actual instruments. Beats were banged out with sticks, and guitar heroes strummed, picked, and shredded their way to stardom. The music was organic—raw, imperfect, and undeniably real.

AS: Smart Music

Today’s music is so polished it can feel like a reflection in a digital mirror. For many, the magic wouldn’t be possible without the silicone chip. We’ve traded broken sticks and bleeding fingers for flawless vocals, and live musical missteps are now so rare they’re almost charming.

BS: Mercenary Music

Songwriters of the past wielded guitars and poetic angst like weapons, giving voice to a generation more interested in love than war. Armed with acoustic guitars, musicians turned existential crises into us-versus-them anthems that could launch movements.

AS: Meme Music

Today’s songwriters trade big ideas for clever wordplay that grabs fleeting attention spans. Forget albums or even EPs—singles with strong hooks (and a runtime under three minutes) dominate. In the streaming age, sooner is better than later.

BS: Scratchy Music

Warn vinyl, warbling tape, and FM stations playing the same songs endlessly—ah, the vintage sound! If you were lucky enough to own a Sony Walkman in 1979, you experienced music that sounded better and could almost fit in your pocket.

AS: Compressed Music

Today, music streams effortlessly through every device in the house—or on your person. But without sufficient bandwidth, something’s missing. Bandwidth costs money, but so do the vinyl records that purists crave.

But wait… remember “downloads” ….. they came after CD’s and these days you can download a master quality track on Apple Music for just 99 cents! Give it a try!

Aj

Ten Songs In Five Years That Changed My Life

Music is more than just entertainment; it’s a force that inspires purpose, fosters connection, and creates positive change. Over a turbulent five years (1969–1973), these songs became touchstones in my musical life—not just because of their melodies or rhythms, but because they told stories that resonated deeply. These songs carry a common thread: they challenge, comfort, and compel us to look at the world—and ourselves—differently.

1. “Fortunate Son” – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)

John Fogerty’s fiery protest anthem gave a voice to working-class Americans during the Vietnam War. Its searing critique of privilege and hypocrisy—calling out elites who avoided military service while the poor bore the conflict’s burden—makes it as relevant now as it was then.

2. “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” – The Band (1969)

This poignant ballad captures the Civil War’s human toll through the eyes of a defeated Southerner. Levon Helm’s raw and emotional delivery paired with Robbie Robertson’s storytelling evokes a haunting reflection on loss and resilience.

3. “Freedom” – Richie Havens (1969)

Richie Havens’ impromptu performance of “Freedom” at Woodstock was electrifying. Built on the spiritual “Motherless Child,” his raw passion turned it into a liberation anthem for the counterculture, resonating with the longing for change and self-expression.

4. “Ohio” – Neil Young (1970)

Written in response to the Kent State shootings, Neil Young’s “Ohio” captures raw outrage and sorrow. Recorded within days of the tragedy, the song remains a chilling reminder of the cost of standing up for peace.

5. “Nature’s Way” – Spirit (1970)

This early environmental anthem warned of humanity’s destructive impact on nature. With haunting lyrics and a beautiful melody, it was ahead of its time in urging awareness of ecological preservation.

6. “Border Song” – Elton John (1970)

Co-written by Bernie Taupin, “Border Song” speaks of alienation and a yearning for unity across societal divides. Its gospel-infused sound reinforces its themes of empathy and hope for a better, more inclusive world.

7. “Imagine” – John Lennon (1971)

John Lennon’s vision of a borderless, peaceful world struck a universal chord. “Imagine” challenges us to dream of a society where humanity transcends greed, war, and division—a utopian anthem for the ages.

8. “Do It Again” – Steely Dan (1972)

Blending jazz-inspired melodies with biting lyrics, “Do It Again” explores themes of moral corruption and cyclical behaviors. Its sophisticated structure proves that mainstream music can tackle complex ideas while remaining universally resonant.

9. “Captain Jack” – Billy Joel (1973)

This haunting critique of suburban disillusionment and youth apathy shines a spotlight on a generation’s struggles. Billy Joel’s storytelling reveals the emptiness beneath material comfort, making it a striking commentary on purpose and identity.

10. “Get Up, Stand Up” – Bob Marley and The Wailers (1973)

A call to action for oppressed peoples, this reggae anthem blends Rastafarian spirituality with universal themes of resistance and justice. Its powerful message continues to inspire movements for human rights worldwide.

The Common Thread

Each of these songs embodies the essence of what I value in music: the ability to tell stories, inspire purpose, and foster change. They address inequality, environmental awareness, and the universal hope for a better future, becoming a guide for how music can influence hearts and minds. Music reflects who we are and who we aspire to be. These 10 songs from five transformative years shaped my understanding of what music can accomplish—not just for me, but for the world. They remind me that every note and lyric holds the potential to tell a story that matters.

Aj