Wednesday, April 16, 2008

"Absurd degree" rhymes with "verdigris"

The other day, I caved and bought the Wicked soundtrack. For all my love of musicals and show tune geekery, I have not previously kept a single Broadway soundtrack on my iPod--they clash with the rest of my music, you see. People with Shuffle fixations like mine have to keep an eye on these things. But I came home from L.A. on Sunday with a heavy nostalgia for my long weekend away and the songs from Wicked running circles in my brain. So I bought it. And now I can't stop. Over and over, Wicked, Wicked, Wicked.

People who know me shouldn't be surprised at my Rain Man music habits. I know my friend Brydon remembers the day, years ago, that he came over and found me listening to "Tears in Heaven" on repeat; this is also the way the Eastmountainsouth song "So Are You to Me" found its way to the top of my iTunes Top 25, ahead of the runner-up by a good thirty listens. I do this mostly when I'm sad, or when I'd rather be someplace other than where I am, though sometimes it's just a particular note or phrase capturing my frame of mind in a way that I can't quite articulate. I always wonder if it isn't something like the neural loops obsessive-compulsive people find themselves stuck in, though it doesn't feel like something that needs to be diagnosed. It's more like scratching some kind of aural-emotional itch.

Anyway, no need to worry. The cycle will break eventually; it always does (and I caught myself humming Rilo Kiley after rowing tonight). Until then, lather, rinse, repeat.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I recently saw "Rent", and realized that the reason America rules the universe is that we create catchy songs that make you raise your hands and sing. "Rent" is OK, but the main song is brilliant. I'm debating iTunes-ing it myself.

Liz said...

See, I haven't seen Rent (though the movie is poking at me from the back of my brain now, because of Idina Menzel and her general awesomeness), and it's because I don't care for the music all that much. But maybe if I see it in context? One hopes.

Xerxes said...

Popular I’m going to make you popular…

Alison Henry said...

Definitely Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, no doubt. You are officially diagnosed. Don't worry, you are not alone. There are support groups. Oh--and you really should watch Rent. Great musical!!!

Anonymous said...

For Good frickin' makes me cry EVERY time I listen to it. Love it, love it!

Liz said...

OMG, Bella, you're so right. I'll be in the car and I've got it turned up loud, and I get to the end, with "I do believe I have been changed for the better"...and it just kills me every time. Tears. But I think it's maybe my favorite Wicked song, too. Conundrum!

Willie and Susette said...

Don't be ashamed, Lizzy. When I got the Wicked soundtrack, recommended and burned for me by my friend's 12 year old daughter, I thought "what could be as good as Into the Woods?". A couple weeks later, I informed Will that I had replaced him with Wicked as the stirrer of my most passionate feelings...
=D.
Love you!