MUSIC IN MY MIND (continuation)

4. All That You Can't Leave Behind (U2) - Released some months before 9/11, I can't help but always think if this cd was somehow visionary and remedial, both foretelling the event of that incredible destruction in Lower Manhattan (beginning with the 1st track, Beautiful Day - which was what that September morning was) and counseling New Yorkers on the best way to rid of a bruised psyche (through Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of, which is a testament to the nobility of change). I, too, was heavily depressed by that event, and this cd, no doubt, aided me to move on.

5. Blue (Joni Mitchell) - Melancholy is my favorite emotion, and sad songs (or songs that dwell in the spirit of loneliness) make me happy - and these facts make the cd of my favorite Canadian "poet laureate" an easy pick. From the title alone which is indubitably about loneliness (this track was dedicated to the melancholic James Taylor), there are 3 songs in Blue that make it one of the greatest in my mind, whether in the category of loneliness or anywise: Carey, California, and River.

6. Live at U.P. (Gary Granada) - I was still a kid when Gary Granada first came into the national scene via a song entry in the Metro Pop (Maari Ba?) sung by Florante, and he created quite a stir by appearing on stage wearing camisa chino and bakya (of course he wore pants, too). He struck me - despite his attire, despite my age - as a snob that very obviously carried the air and weight of intellect. Then I had forgotten about him when I came here in the States until 5 or 6 years ago when a friend sent me this tape. The recording was of very inferior quality (you can hear babies crying in the background), but just like Granada's plebeian appearance at the Metropop, the main product - his music - came out as triumphant. Kapag Sinabi Ko Sa 'Yo remains to be the most beautiful love song ever written by a Filipino - more charming than Dahil sa 'Yo, more progressive than Sangandaan, and more romantic than Kapantay Ay Langit - and the underlying fact is, this is just one of many memorable songs in that tape.

(to be continued)