A friend of mine asked if the music you listen to in your teen years defines your taste. For example, people who were in their teens in the 70s have a leaning toward classic rock and teens in the 80s have a tendency to like 80s style music - however you want to define what that is. At the time I originally answered yes but now that I think about it, I take it back.

I think we associate songs with memories. The problem is that we stop creating memories after highschool/college. I think we get attached to those songs because they somehow bring us back to a more adventurous time. (An example for me is listening to REO Speedwagon, White Heart, and Russ Taff in the old Totyota Corolla with Chris Wood singing at the top of our lungs with the windows rolled down and about two minutes to go before the late bell rings at school.) It seems once we establish a listening play list, we generally stick with it - not opening our ears up to new bands or styles of music. Along with this, we fall into the rut of life - work, church, kids, mindless chatter, etc. - no longer creating defining memories or growth or learning.

So here is my encouragement for you to open up ears to new music. Get an iPod and surf the iTunes store for something you like but never thought you would have. And finally, to go along with your new music open up your life and make some new memories to go along with the soundtrack.

Note: Speaking of, do any of my local friends have “August And Everything After” by Counting Crows on CD that I can “borrow?” Those songs bring back some good memories for me.