This past summer, I witnessed one of the greatest film composers of all time – John Williams - lead the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra in a concert of his best work. I was delighted to have this opportunity to see the man in his element presenting the unmistakable classics he has crafted over a distinguished and well-awarded career. If you don’t know who John Williams is by name, then you most certainly know his music… unless you’ve had your head shoved in a hole in the ground. Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jaws, Superman, Jurassic Park, E.T., and Close Encounters of the Third Kind are some of his most notable theme work. While delighting in the music that filled that warm and calm August evening, I couldn’t help but think that I was indeed listening to the soundtrack of my life. Granted, I haven’t done anything nearly as exciting as a lightsaber duel, or flown past the moon on a bicycle, been attacked by a T. Rex, or pursued Nazis through the desert. Nonetheless, this music is what I grew up with, has inspired me, and has let me at least dream of things on a grander scale. Of course not all great films have a John Williams composition, some have a masterful collection of pop music: think Quentin Tarantino or John Hughes. If I was to release a compilation album that helped present the story of my life, what songs and artists would I choose?
Track 1 – The Rainbow Connection, Kermit the Frog
I consider it such a blessing that I was a child when the Muppets hit their peak. Jim Henson is chiefly responsible of encouraging my creative side, sense of humor, and perspective on what it is to be a decent human being… or frog, bear, etc. The Rainbow Connection embodies everything Henson wanted to express to the world. Dream big, celebrate what makes you unique, surround yourself with loved ones, and identify what talents you can contribute to the world.
Track 2 – YMCA, The Village People
As an impressionable young man, nobody spoke clearer to me that my People. I really thought that these were some happening dudes who clearly represented manly manhood. They sung about things that I could embrace. The YMCA was an awesome place to us when we were younger – I mean – they had a POOL! Macho Man outlined their secret to becoming a stud. In the Navy celebrated the bravery and honor it was to defend our country. Keep in mind, I was maybe 7 years old. Looking back now, I do realize that all three of these songs were cheeky inuendo of gay lifestyles. There is naturally nothing wrong with that. I’m not gay just yet, so I guess I failed to be fully influenced by their suggestiveness.
Track 3 – Thriller, Michael Jackson
When I was in grade school there was of course no bigger star on the planet than Michael Jackson. It was hard not to get swept up in the hype that surrounded him, but I feel I can say I was drawn to his music for other reasons. Even at the height of his popularity, and years before his eccentricities overshadowed his talent, I was sympathetic to his misfit quality. Quiet and soft-spoken, he never seemed to be comfortable with the fame he achieved. The most consistent way he could express himself was through his art, and I felt much the same way. It’s difficult to have people fully embrace you for what it is you do.
Track 4 – Eye of the Tiger, Survivor
I’ve always dreamed of having the fists-of-fury ability to defend myself, but have shied away from the effort one requires to achieve the optimal physical stature. That never stopped me from dreaming of being a champion professional wrestler. After Hulk Hogan had appeared in Rocky III, for a brief period of time he would enter the squared circle to the rocking rhythm of Eye of the Tiger. I of course ripped this off for my own wrestling entrance, and took on the identity of Mike “The Tiger” Ireland. This song propelled me to a long and successful career in the local backyard wrestling circuit.
Track 6 – Best of Both Worlds, Van Halen
Van Halen was my first true favorite rock band. It should be noted that I prefer Van Hagar to the original David Lee Roth led line-up. After years of Village People admiration, these fellows provided a more applicable testosterone-fused example of manhood. Van Halen makes me think of the jean-jacket wearing guys I hung out with in Junior High.
Track 7 - Kyrie, Mr. Mister
I’ve had a great deal of personal struggle with religion, and this song helped me explore it through my teen years. This album is still one of my favorites, and I get a kick out of the shout-out that Train just gave them in their latest hit single. You also can’t really appreciate the true nuance of the song until you hear Tim Kraus thump it out on his drum set.
Track 7 – We Didn’t Start the Fire, Billy Joel
Billy Joel hit my playlist near the end of High School. Many of his songs are frank coming of age tales that dealt with personal and professional struggle. The idea of college and beyond was frightening, and I found comfort in his convictions. He also spoke at length of the great mystery that is women. It’s hard to say if I learned much from him in this aspect, after all, he married Christie Brinkley. Needless to say, I doubt it was her breadth of intellect he found attractive. He was also the first concert I attended. Why did I choose this song? It was the song that fully captured my fandom for him.
Track 8 – Man on the Moon, REM
REM was a close to a “college” alternative band as I was ever going to approach. While I still don’t care much for their more maudlin tunes, I did identify with their introspective explorations. Above all, they provided an education in soul searching, and confronting emotional anxiety. I like this song as well because it opened up the world of Andy Kaufman to me. I discovered Taxi in reruns, and never knew he was such a complex performer.
Track 9 – Sabotage, The Beastie Boys
I also developed an appreciation for the Beastie Boys while in college. If REM was my ego, the Beasties were my id. It is easy to dismiss them as stock obnoxious white rappers, but they run deep with musical talent, cleverness and dare I say maturity. Who would have thought that these original “Fight For Your Right to Party” nudnicks would have introduced me to so many musical genres.
Track 10 – Galelio, Indigo Girls
For better or worse, I turned to the Indigo Girls I the midst of my most difficult struggles with adult life. I can’t clearly say why, as I hardly identified with them personally. Their music, however, was reflective enough without being depressing. Anything less might have sent me in the wrong direction with my life. Their folksy tone has a way of confronting issues while keeping a level manner.
Track 11 – The Old Apartment, The Barenaked Ladies
Quite possibly my favorite band, at least currently. Out of all the artists listed, I connect with them fully. They are a bunch of fun loving goofy characters that you feel like you could be old friends with. I chose this song in particular because of the many small one bedroom dives I lived in over a decade or so. Their harmonizing lyrical wordplay drops many a reference I can relate to, as if inspired by my own life events. Their music has matured with me, and have also provided joyous Christmas carols, and sing-a-long tunes for my child
Track 12 – Drops of Jupiter, Train
Train makes it easy to settle into my adult contemporary lifestyle of the moment. I’m not connected to them for any other purpose than I enjoy the spirit and zest of their little pop ditties.
There it is. Go ahead and download it at iTunes. Well, download each song individually, and then make a playlist titled Michael Ireland the Soundtrack.
