Wise words

I read the below a week ago. Then I did as instructed. I waited until a certain somebody had gone off to play football on a Saturday morning and ran downstairs, blanket on sofa, switched off phone and turned up the system. LOUD.

Naturally, the spoken-word baritone vocal of Gil Scott-Heron is perfect for this experience – it demands attention.

Rather than write a review of this great artist and all of his musical achievements, influential accomplishments and not so sensible endeavors. I want to reach out to all of you music lovers and suggest one thing – LISTEN TO HIS WORDS OF WISDOM. Not just on his records but his words inside the sleeves too.

Since I embarked on this ‘exercise’ it has highlighted how many albums I consume a week without actually giving them my full-undivided attention. So this week I have made a personal pact with myself to select two albums a week that I will personally indulge in with 0 distractions, company, mp3’s or headphones.

So, thank you once again Mr. Scott-Heron for those fine words.

This week’s albums will be – Broken Bells & Flying Lotus ‘Cosmogramma’

Dear Listener…

There is a proper procedure for taking advantage of any investment. Music, for example. Buying music is an investment.

To get the maximum you must:

LISTEN TO IT FOR THE FIRST TIME UNDER OPTIMUM CONDITIONS.

Not in your car or on a portable player through a headset.
Take it home.

Get rid of distractions, (even her or him)

Turn off your cellphone.

Turn off everything that rings or bleeps or rattles or whistles.

Make yourself comfortable.

Play your CD.

LISTEN all the way through.

Think about what you got.

Think about who would appreciate this investment.

Decide if there is someone to share this with.

Turn it on again.

Enjoy yourself.

Gil Scott-Heron

GilScott-Heron

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