MOOD MUSIC -WWW.GRINDMODECONNECT.COM

Tuesday, 03 March 2009

Those of you with a more advanced musical appreciation will know what I mean when I say that different days lead to different tunes. Let’s put it this way, when the rain pours and the wind howls there may be a need to step outside with your coat high, your hat low and something suitably bleak on your headphones. However, when the sun shines and all seems right with the world it may be time to break out an equally bright soundtrack. And the mood is not necessarily lyrically defined so much as musically.

Of course certain locales are known for the type of music they produce. The Queensbridge housing projects, for example, traditionally crafted a particular sound that was very different from the sounds coming from the more expansive territories of Los Angeles. This geographical definition is further complicated by the local fashions and trends. Detroit, for example has become synonymous with a blend of sound that has less to do with Eminem and more to do with names like the late J. Dilla. All sorts of factors go into this - from housing, society, weather and beyond, leading to very definite local styles.

While this may seem stifling for creativity it has a great bonus for the consumer. A little knowledge of the stylistic determination of a given area can offer a heads up when it comes to finding other, similar sounds. Or more simply, if you know what you get, you know where to look.

Sure, there comes a time when there is the odd curve-ball thrown into the mix (think of Snoop covering some well-known New York classics across his career) but more often than not you can have a pretty good idea as to what to expect even before you slip a CD from its case.

Some days may find you feeling introspective and, on others, a little more outgoing, or even positively rowdy. So, that said, what are you going to be checking this week? No doubt it will depend on what’s going on in your life. As for me, aside from whatever I may check out for you all at Grind Mode, I’m just going to keep an eye on the weather and, if Spring starts hitting you can bet the music will get lighter to go with it…

Would love to know what you think?

Slim (Managing Editor – Grind Mode Media LLC) -WWW.GRINDMODECONNECT.COM