Visceral

It’s amazing how visceral music can be. Three songs in a row on the radio today that brought back images so strong to my (admittedly simple) brain that, for a moment, it was like being a kid again. Here’s a brief glimpse inside the primal workings of my mind for you . . .

Comfortably Numb (Pink Floyd)

Scent of cherries, cut through with the acid burn of incense. The warmth of oversize flannel over black cotton t-shirts with the sleeves cut off. Work boots, worn and scuffed. Aviator shades (night or day!) and hair so long the only visible part of your face was your mouth (which never smiled!) Jeans so soft and faded (and tight!) you couldn’t tell where your skin stopped and they started. The heat of fires built far back in the woods where no one could see, or hear the swirling sounds of Floyd coming from the open doors of the third-hand Chevy parked at the top of the hill with its lights off . . .

Baba O’Riley (The Who)

The endless heat of long summer nights; sand under your feet, bottle of “The King” warming in your hand as the wild drum crashes through your head. Waves thunder, girls laugh, while all the guys ignore them: their eyes closing as their heads bounce in unison to the ultimate teenage anthem. The burn of Johnny Walker on your tongue from an un-wiped bottle, stale scent of Marlboro’s overlaying the thick tang of ocean and the sounds of naked floating just out of sight in the dark . . . .

She’s the One (Bruce Springsteen)

Soft, soft, press of lips, backed by the subtle burn of cinnamon Trident. Hooded sweatshirts, Ungodly tight Jordache jeans with the pinstripes, the feel of darkness inside and out. Sweat running down bare skin and the cool evening breeze coming through the open window. The Big Man’s horn blaring agony and ecstasy in the same note as cars fly past on the highway just beyond the screen. Silence as deep as you’ve ever known, in the midst of raging sound and endless confusion . . .

Well, there you are. I’m not explaining any of that but feel free to toss up your own thought, guesses, comments, or abuse in comments!

Later!