Open Thread: The Wayback Machine, Music Edition - Senior Planet from AARP

Ive been in the throes of restarting my stereo (and isnt it wild how vinyl is making a comeback?).Ive got a bunch of reasons.Im losing my hearing, so I want to listen to as much as I can while Im still able.Im also aware that the stereo is a big investment thats not being used because the cables and hookups are intimidating.

(My late husband was the audiophile.)And most of all, I want to curate my music to suit my unique tastes.Music, is a sort of time machine, isnt it? There are songs that take me back, instantly, to a different time.Love and MarriageBallerina by Van Morrison takes me to a special date with my late husband.(Frankly, that whole album!) When I was engaged, I listened to Lets Get Married by Al Green every day.

It took me a long time to be able to listen to both of these but I still do, and I remember.Fun with FriendsI admit it I was a disco fan when I was younger (in nightclubs I liked to dance near the speakers, and Im paying for that now, but whatever).I had many, many nights out dancing in clubs with my very best friend, John.It took a long time to get over his death when AIDS claimed him, but there are two songs and groups that take me right back to the dance floor with him: First, the SOS Band and this song.and Shalimar.

I love the bass line in this song.The first time I rediscovered these songs online, about 25 years later, and played them on my PC.I got chills and the hair raised on my arm.YOUR TURNI could go on and onbut how about you? What songs are your Wayback Machine, that bring you to a certain event or time? Let us know in the comments!Virge Randall is Senior Planets Managing Editor.She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers; she writes frequently on Old School New York City and performs at open mic readings throughout New York City.Send Open Thread suggestions to [email protected].