PREFACE: When first pondering about this idea, my thoughts were more about how a parents musical interest influences their children. I have been endlessly watching old footage my cousin had shared. Music, playing intrusments, dancing and singing were quite alive within the family. With this in mind a response to a video post on my timeline prompted a light bulb to fire. How do our own musical favourites at 16 compare to our choices now. Then I realized I could span from “boomers” to “GenZ”
I can recall being 16 years old and really feeling music. I became head over feet all about rock and roll. Songs on cassette played on repeat connected to my ears through the headphones from the Sony Walkman in the backpack. Songs that evoked feelings or allowed me to live vicariously. Actually, one of the contributors, Renee, proclaimed that music at that age “ is about longing”. I agree. The music said the words, expressed the feelings, allowed me to find me amongst all the teenage chaos.
Part 1 – GenZ, Progeny of GenX
Hayden Clipsham – Genz – 16 yrs old
Of all the top 5 playlists, this one has become my most favourite to listen to as a stand alone. What a fantastic mix of terrific new music to learn about! I completely had no idea what to expect when asking a 16 year old what her favourite music was. I am completely out of touch with current trends. Hayden was the first of the panel to submit the songs. When I sat down to watch and listen, it was just wow!
I hope you appreciate the playlist as much as I have. Keeping it in the order Hayden sent it, I suggest you crank it up and let it play out start to finish. Even better put on some headphones and crank it up. Who says you cannot meditate to loud music?
“I find the vocals so interesting and unique in this song.””
— Hayden Clipsham
Agreed, the vocalist does have a unique sound. There is pleading in the high tones and This band reminded me a lot like the Raconteurs or Jack White. Perhaps a little more “You don’t know what love is” from Icky Thump. Cant place it. However, the way the guitars are arranged, I am hooked. When the guitar solo comes in there is that old blues twang of a fifties riff long forgotten but a favourite. Then the backdrop, that heavy scratching charge of the 70s metal riff. I can really hear that old blues sound that is classic rock and roll. Everyone Check out Big Thief!!
Totally ashamed to admit that the only band I knew on this list was Vampyre Weekend. Not for this song though, for “Cousins”. Another great song from Hayden. What I really liked about this one was the way the drum beat “bam bam bam” (which is carried throughout the song) brings in the chirpy little baseline of this overall upbeat song. Yes! There are parts that definitely make your feet move!
3. Kilby Girl – the Backseat Lovers
“Who doesn’t love some British guy singing about a hot girl he met?”
— Hayden Clipsham
Exactly! Who does not love a song with a British guy, who has a vocal that reminds me of “Foster the People” or in some arrangements, like The Strokes. The high strings of the guitar during the chorus really lend to the urgency. The guitar is raw and edgy. What makes a great song? For me it is almost always about the guitar and the melodies, this one has both. Plus that big heavy stadium build up into the solo. I find the multiple layers of guitar tracks through the solo really give it depth. After all the loud rock sounds in comes a nice little flowing acoustical fade out. Check out this video and tune by The Backseat Lovers
4. Motion Sickness – Phoebe Bridgers
“Her lyrics are so deep and dark. Fun fact: her songs use an Elliott Smith chord which makes her music so emotional.”
— Hayden Clipsham
This song and the voice is very ethereal. You can totally hear the Elliot Smith influence. Her song writing is brilliant. As for the music. I can hear influences of Sara McLachlan, the intro and chorus arrangements reminds me a little of that Wallflowers song “One Headlight”. The deep bass start is what really gets that sound. My favourite lyric is “Why do you sing with an english accent?” At first I thought this was one of my least favourite songs from Hayden’s list, however I am wrong. The more I listen, the more I am liking it. Have you listened to Pheobe Bridgers
Want to see more of these great top 5’s in music. Like Share Comment on this post!
In the previous instalments, we delved into the diverse musical preferences of individuals spanning multiple generations. From Hayden’s contemporary playlist, representing the Gen Z demographic, to Susan’s selections resonating with the Boomer generation, albeit a youthful member. However, in this latest episode, we shift our focus to Renee, a teenage rocker hailing from Scarborough.
Renee, who happens to be the Gen X mother of Hayden and my best mate, provides a unique perspective that bridges the generational gap between herself and her daughter. Additionally, despite our six-year age difference, Renee and I share a bond forged through our upbringing in different corners of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). While Renee called Scarborough, in the east home, I, proudly own the moniker “ West End Guy!”. Our friendship blossomed during the vibrant nightlife of Toronto’s club scene, where we found ourselves immersed in the pulsating rhythms of Decos and Buddies & BadTines.
TELL ME YOUR TOP 5 FAVORITE SONGS WHEN YOU WERE 16
Renee RK – GenX – 16 Yrs Old – 1990
When you are 16 years old, as Renee said, “Everything is about longing.” and she goes on to say “which sums up the teenaged experience, really” and I would agree. In my days as a 16 year old I was certainly full of longing and music really helped shape my views on things. (As well as live vicariously through the lyrics) So below are Renee’s picks for her 16 year old self. Let’s see how much longing there was there through her musical choices!
Oh man, there was a lot of hype when Guns N Roses came onto the metal music scene. Some hated them, some loved them, girls were crazy for Axl. Well at least in my circle of friends. I did not understand the music or the love of Axl. Likely because I had already moved onto the grunge with bands like Alice in Chains and the song Man in the Box. Still in the hard rock metal ish genre, however I was not the GNR fan others were.
Fade to Black – Metallica
This is a song Renee and I likely had in common but only a few years apart. I remember how this song spoke to my soul when I was in grade 10 industrial arts class. I would be working on my jewellery or my Ratt and Roll tea set when a fellow student asked what was in my headphones. I shared with her. She did not understand. How do you explain Metallica to someone who does not get it. Especially when listening to the “Ride the Lightening” cassette. (Yes! I did say cassette.) Back in the good old days when we still had portable music devices but they were Sony Walkmans that played cassette tapes and were tethered to your ears with wires that often failed.
This song definitely described the teenage experience for me. Not only in music but also in substance. Angst, deep dark emotions I had no idea how to deal with, life moving past me ( I still feel this way) While truly I had not then or now lost the will to live… however sometimes words and music can just express what the mind in the moment is incapable of processing.
Crimson and Clover – Joan Jett
This song most represents the teenage longing Renee speaks of in her descriptor. I mean not just in the music, but the lyrics as well as the secret lesbian crush most young blossoming dykes held for Joan Jett. I recall one night at a club on Ventura. In a very dark men’s bar with goth like dancing, there were Joan Jett and Carmen Electra making out. Seriously true story. I actually did not believe it until we were out of the club and once it sank in I wanted to go back. There could not have been more than 10 people including staff at this club.
I can see why Renee might have liked Joan Jett. I mean she always gravitated towards dark haired masculine women. Joan would have been her type I suspect. (Feel free to comment Renee) For me it was different, though I get it now. I was never attracted to Jon Jett, but I found her to be so cool! This was the draw. Finding out she was queer only made it that much more interesting.
But back to the teenage longing… The video starts with her letting out a moan and a close up of her lips… as the song progresses the hunger seems to get more and more. Not an original to Joan Jett but a well received cover done with that rock flair of the late 80s.
Great song! Cannot deny that… I mean the guitar intro at the beginning, the vocals, its a great song. I am just not a huge Pink Floyd listener. Blasphemy right? I do respect the music and every so often I will give it a listen. Like when building the accompanying playlist or listening to all songs repeatedly to accurately tell how I see the music.
I do have a life story watching Pink Floyd, The Wall on the television at my friends house while eating pomegranate seeds. Highly surreal as we were also on acid. (Yeah! It was the 80’s!) There were a lot of these types of weekends back then. I admire people who are die hards of Pink Floyd. It’s almost like the fans of the Grateful Dead. I mean they have some good songs but really? lol No offence, just my perspective.
Love Song – The Cure
The Cure were always a band I enjoyed listening to. They stemmed from my love of 80’s Brit Pop! A timeless classic Love Song captures the essence of enduring love. The back drop and what draws me in, the haunting melody and lyrics that expound the story of love. There is a simplicity in the songs structure that gives it strength as a love song. There are lyrical sentiments that just resonate with the listener. I mean we are all young and passionate about love once right.
The sure and Robert Smith have this ability to write music that spans generations.It is heartfelt, introspective and leaves a lasting impression.
FAVOURITES FROM 2020
“Now, I feel like I have everything and, apparently, I’m worried it’s going to run out.”
Delving into the song selections of the era, one can’t help but notice the profound evolution that has taken place over the years. Each track serves as a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the inevitable shifts in taste and perspective.
My long time mate’s musical preferences, once adorned in leather jackets and immersed in the vibrant energy of our Deco’s days, they now exude a sense of tranquility and ease. It’s a testament to the profound impact that 34 years can have on one’s outlook and demeanour.
I’ll Look Around – Billy Holiday This track is a poignant and soulful exploration of love and loss. With Billy’s distinctive voice, I would not be turned on to her music until much later in life. However, when I did in college, I was so drawn to her delivery of haunting vocal performances. Her ability to just resonate that bittersweet feeling of longing and acceptance.
I’ll Look Around stands as a testament to Holiday’s artistry. The ability she had to convey profound feelings and emotion in her music. What a mark she left on jazz and music history.
Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers Another timeless masterpiece in Renee’s list. Clearl she likes songs that carry haunting melodies and profound emotional depth. There is a longing and a heartache in the song that lyrically resonates making the song relatable.
This is a Withers signature track. Ive always loved the power behind the lyrics and his refrain that echoes through the loss and pain of heartbreak. I think we have all been there.
Renee is shifted into a world of songs that will always stand the test of time.
So, full disclosure: I might not be the biggest Pink Floyd fan out there. (And yeah, Renee’s not exactly rushing to put on some Rush or Van Halen on either) Yet, if I had to pick a Pink Floyd favorite, “Time” would be it.
There’s this indescribable feeling about it—the serious and riveting exploration of time that is introspecitve. From the opening clocks through the lyrics the track captures lifes relentless march forward.
“The sun is the same in a relative way, but you’re older” – it hits home, doesn’t it? It’s like seeing Renee fret about time slipping by, and you can’t help but feel a twinge of empathy. Because in the end, it’s all about the journey, the ups and downs, the fleeting moments that make life so precious.
And from out of left field comes this one! Not exactly haunting and introspective, but her son gets a kick out of dancing to it so… Gotta keep his feet moving! (I may also need to admit I got up and started doing various 56 year old versions of the robot dance)
The boy ceetainly likes a high energy sonic adventure that blasts us into a futueristic realm of hip hop dance and innovation.
While it is not a deep song by any stretch what I love about the tune is this. The song’s pulsating rhythm and catchy hooks… its impossible to resist moving to. Plus the rapid fire clever word play! A true showcase of the Beastie Boys’ signature style.
And we are back to the hauntingly beautiful journey through the depths of introspection and melancholy music my mate has adopted. This tracks delicate accoustic guitar melodies paired with plaintive vocals draws in the listeners emotional side.. The lyrics paiting a vivid sense of longing that lingered long after the music ended.
Not sure it is my jam but if you ever wanted to listen to more Beastie Boys or 80s Metal I am all in!
The final instalment, my top 5 from then 40 yrs ago (1984) and now!
