At this time of year, I often find that it’s a time for reflection. Another year’s passed and with it, many more milestones have been achieved. When I was collating the tracks for my ‘Maiden Castle Memories’ selection earlier in the year, it made me think – not just about the music that I liked and continued to enjoy, but also how that music has perhaps influenced or changed me.
Thrilling music
Music is a very definite way to measure milestones. There are the actual release dates of the original music, but there are also multiple other factors. You may only discover the music years after it was released, and it will still influence you and make you think about it in a positive way. A song or piece of music can also pinpoint a time and a place in your mind’s eye, as vividly as a photograph. You remember that time and place and how you felt when you heard it.
Two of my choices have been in the news recently for different reasons. 29 November 2022 saw the 40th anniversary of the sixth studio album by Michael Jackson. ‘Thriller’ was released by Epic Records and made a huge splash when it came out, from its production by Quincy Jones, to the memorable state-of-the-art, MTV-friendly horror video to the album’s title track directed by John Landis. The album, which has been released over the years on every format – from vinyl, cassette, CD and digital stream – remains the best-selling album of all time, with sales of 70 million copies worldwide. It includes such iconic Jackson singles as ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Beat It’ and ‘The Girl is Mine’ (which featured Paul McCartney). When I hear the title track today it takes me back to travelling in an open-topped car at night under the Middle Eastern stars, from the time when I worked in Saudi Arabia.
Finding your own way
With the recent and unexpected (at least to her fans) passing of Christine McVie, another one of my choices has been in the news too. ‘Go Your Own Way’ appeared on the 1977 album ‘Rumours’ by Fleetwood Mac. The song was written and sung by Lindsey Buckingham, while Christine played the Hammond organ and sang backing vocals. ‘Go Your Own Way’ had particular significance for me, as it was at an important juncture in my life, as a left university and began my first job. I was literally finding my own way in the working world.
All the tracks mean something to me on ‘Maiden Castle Memories’ in their own way, from operatic rock band Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ to opera singer Montserrat Caballé’s ‘O mio bambino caro’. The interview, which can be viewed here includes my reflections on eight tracks that for a variety of reasons I always enjoy, ‘Desert Island Disks’-style. As I’ve mentioned in earlier blogs, the name of the interview segment is inspired by one of my favourite places to walk and find some solitude, with superb views across the Cheshire Plain. As I walk up and around Maiden Castle, the peace and quiet affords me the chance to mark milestones that are both distance and time.