Songs are like tattoos. Joni told us that. She was right, of course; songs get into your skin, they mark you, they travel with you through life. I also think that songs are like ragwort and thistles, nettles, brambles and dock. They attract, they sting, they invade, they spread, they hurt and heal hurt.
I absolutely loved this piece, Richard! I felt like I was in your head as both a runner and a writer. It's a wonderful analogy of the landscapes surrounding us, the landscapes within our mind, the need to keep pushing despite the pain or the desire for social media gratification, and the sonic landscapes we have come to love.
While I am not a runner, my wife and I often go for very long walks. Just yesterday, needing a break from my own publication, I went for a 6.5-mile walk. When on my own, I enjoy listening to music while walking. It gives me space to get lost in my thoughts and imagination. I also found it interesting that your piece mentioned Will Oldham, as he embraced the band I, too, wrote about and even released a split 45 and tour-only CD with both artists receiving equal shares of the tracks.
I first came across Callahan via The Flaming Lips, who, between 1986 and 1997, I absolutely adored (was Ronald Jones one of the greatest unsung guitar players of the '90s?). On an EP of theirs from 1994, they covered Callahan's "Chosen One." It inspired me to search him out, and I ended up buying a Smog album. I now own four or five Smog records (my favorite being 'Supper') and have seen Bill live a couple of times.
Thank you, Michael. I, too, love that aspect of walks that allow for the free play of the imagination. When I started running and was doing the shorter distances, I wasn't getting that experience so much (more like a scramble of thoughts, hard to keep hold of or develop), but the longer distances and slower paces allow something closer to the walking experience.
Looking forward to reading your latest post later, and it's interesting to know about the Oldham connection. I also wasn't aware of The Flaming Lips covering Bill Callahan; I'll have to check that out. I really like Callahan's work and was actually working on a piece about songs and dreams suggested by one of his lyrics before starting on this piece. This one took over but I plan to return to the dreams topic, and to Callahan's music, soon. I still haven't managed to see him live, despite him coming relatively close to my neck of the woods on his last tour (Leeds). I'm looking forward to his new live album due this Friday.
Richard, your piece on running and the landscape was captivating! The detailed description of your route and the interplay between the natural surroundings and your running experience made it incredibly immersive. Your reflections on music and its intertwining with your journey added a profound layer. The personal anecdotes, especially about rediscovering running with your wife and the memories from your youth, made it heartfelt and relatable. Keep sharing these excellent insights, and best of luck with the Great North Run!
I absolutely loved this piece, Richard! I felt like I was in your head as both a runner and a writer. It's a wonderful analogy of the landscapes surrounding us, the landscapes within our mind, the need to keep pushing despite the pain or the desire for social media gratification, and the sonic landscapes we have come to love.
While I am not a runner, my wife and I often go for very long walks. Just yesterday, needing a break from my own publication, I went for a 6.5-mile walk. When on my own, I enjoy listening to music while walking. It gives me space to get lost in my thoughts and imagination. I also found it interesting that your piece mentioned Will Oldham, as he embraced the band I, too, wrote about and even released a split 45 and tour-only CD with both artists receiving equal shares of the tracks.
I first came across Callahan via The Flaming Lips, who, between 1986 and 1997, I absolutely adored (was Ronald Jones one of the greatest unsung guitar players of the '90s?). On an EP of theirs from 1994, they covered Callahan's "Chosen One." It inspired me to search him out, and I ended up buying a Smog album. I now own four or five Smog records (my favorite being 'Supper') and have seen Bill live a couple of times.
Thank you, Michael. I, too, love that aspect of walks that allow for the free play of the imagination. When I started running and was doing the shorter distances, I wasn't getting that experience so much (more like a scramble of thoughts, hard to keep hold of or develop), but the longer distances and slower paces allow something closer to the walking experience.
Looking forward to reading your latest post later, and it's interesting to know about the Oldham connection. I also wasn't aware of The Flaming Lips covering Bill Callahan; I'll have to check that out. I really like Callahan's work and was actually working on a piece about songs and dreams suggested by one of his lyrics before starting on this piece. This one took over but I plan to return to the dreams topic, and to Callahan's music, soon. I still haven't managed to see him live, despite him coming relatively close to my neck of the woods on his last tour (Leeds). I'm looking forward to his new live album due this Friday.
Richard, your piece on running and the landscape was captivating! The detailed description of your route and the interplay between the natural surroundings and your running experience made it incredibly immersive. Your reflections on music and its intertwining with your journey added a profound layer. The personal anecdotes, especially about rediscovering running with your wife and the memories from your youth, made it heartfelt and relatable. Keep sharing these excellent insights, and best of luck with the Great North Run!
Thanks for the kind words, Jon. I'm glad those threads came together. I'll drop an update on the run in September hopefully!
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