Musically Inclined

Music is and always has been an important part of my life. As a teenager I used to listen to the countdown on American Top 40 to hear all of my favorite songs. This was long before ipods and personal computers with access to music at our fingertips.

I was a teenager in the 80s and the music that I listened to had a large effect in shaping me into the man that I would one day become. 80s music will always hold a special place in my heart. Some of my favorites were Duran Duran, Culture Club, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, Eurythmics, U2, Tears For Fears and Wham!

During my later 20s through my mid 30s I listened primarily to Contemporary Christian music and there were a lot of talented artists in that genre. The first time I ever sang in public was at the church we were attending in Pikeville, Ky. I sang "More To This Life" by Steven Curtis Chapman and was very nervous. I got a good response and people told me I did a good job, so I continued on singing and eventually moved from the church scene into Karaoke.

My musical interests have changed quite a bit in the last few years. I still enjoy many of my old favorites from time to time, but have discovered an entire new genre of alternative music. I no longer follow what's "Popular" and most of the music that I listen to now is more obscure and not something normally heard on the radio stations. Much of the music that I listen to now is of a spiritual nature.

I wanted to list some of my favorite artists and display some of their music videos.

The first is Snatam Kaur. She peforms Sikh devotional music all around the world and is a peace activist. Snatam Kaur transcends all religious barriers with her music and inspires love and worship for the Divine. Rarely have I heard an artist with such a pure voice and such a presence of innocence and love. Snatam Kaur sings Kundalini Mantras that instill peace in the listener. Her song "By Thy Grace" chants the Sacred Names of the Creator "Allah, Jehovah, Rama, Sa Ta Na Ma". If you are seeking relaxing music that will touch your spirit, give Snatam Kaur a try.



I am a huge fan of Celtic Music and my favorite performer of this style of music is Loreena McKennitt. Canadian born, Loreena is well known for her world music with Celtic and Middle Eastern themes. I can only describe Loreena's music as haunting. Songs like "The Old Ways", "Stolen Child" and "Mystic's Dream" are breathtaking in their beauty and lead me far away from this world into a time long, long ago. When I hear Loreena sing I am in touch with my Celtic roots and yearn for a simpler, less stressful life. Loreena also transcends religious barriers with her music, taking themes from Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Paganism.



Blackmore's Night is a Renaissance style folk band who originated in America but became more popular in Europe. They are known for performing at Renaissance Fairs as well as in historical settings in Europe before audiences dressed in period costumes. Candice Night is the enchanting lead vocalist of the group. Their music often features mystical themes with songs such as "Locked Within the Crystal Ball", "The Circle", "The Old Hanging Tree" and "The Faerie Queen".



Just recently I discovered the music of Wardruna. This Norwegian band focuses on ancient Norse wisdom and spirituality. They use traditional instruments in their music, including deer hide drums, hoof rattles from deer and goats, bone flutes, and cow and goat horns. Mixed with sounds from nature, this music speaks to the primal part of my soul and invokes images of the ancient past.



Not all of the music that I listen to is uplifting and inspiring. As I have mentioned in previous blogs, I am very much in touch with my dark side. There is a part of me that embraces darkness, and I often feel the need to listen to music that gets me in touch with my own dark emotions and feelings. My favorite Darkwave band is the German group Sopor Aeternus & the Ensemble of Shadows. The lead vocalist, Anna-Varney Cantodea, is a peculiar person to say the least. Mistreated by parents as a child and bullied by other children, Anna-Varney is truly a tortured soul, and it is very apparent in her music. Often dwelling on themes of death and morbidity, this music is unlike anything I have ever listened to. The music from "In der Palastra" is some of the saddest and most beautiful that I have ever heard. In the song Anna-Varney is confronted with everything that she is not in a man who has it all: Money, looks, wine and women. The lyrics "He marvels at all things new to him and I only wait for all things in this sick world to end." pull at the heart strings of one who is different and has known pain and rejection at the hands of others. To her followers she is the Beloved Goddess. Bizarre in appearance and musical tastes, Anna-Varney is truly a unique artist.




I hope that you will enjoy at least some of these artists and be inspired to seek out music outside the "Norm".