The GENX Episode – Hayden’s Mom
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!
Patience – Guns N’Roses
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.
Time – Pink Floyd
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)
Intergalactic – The Beastie Boys
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.
Bad News – Owen
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!
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