Kevin and I were driving around yesterday and I insisted we listen to Karen Carpenter sing The Best Christmas Song (Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas). Then we drove through the ghetto where everyone acts awfully. What did I hear out of other cars? Karen Carpenter.
One of the best lines I've ever read in my life was in a novel, where something's emotional effect on a character was described as hitting her "....the way 'Ave Maria' does a tired Catholic."
I'm the same way, Josh. Certain music evokes emotion in me that is as difficult to control as it is to describe. It can be a modulated chord change, a harmony in a duet, or a classic melody from Beethoven or Bach.
I honestly used to feel "less than" for experiencing this kind of uncontrollable reaction to music, but then I tried to imagine if I felt no emotion to music at all and how awfully insipid life would be. It is impossible to explain to such people why you're balling at a measure or two of music. No, no, I'm not sad, I might say. I'm experiencing the beautiful limits of human artistic creation, and I'm absolutely in awe. Now leave me to my awe, and be on your way!
This makes me cry, and it makes me cry for the young Josh who was so innocent and awestruck. I can't imagine squashing childish wonder and love. Your mother had a cold heart 😞
Thank you for this beautiful story Josh. I'm sorry your childhood wonder about the Star of Bethlehem....the one meant for the birth of Jesus...was put down. It was and is true, at least I believe it to be. Thank you for posting Karen Carpenter's singing of a sacred song. Two pieces that get me are from Handels Messiah..."behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" and the very last "Amen". I just saw it performed live again after covid (I live in a blue state and many performances were cancelled or simply done away with for years), cried pretty much throughout the entire performance.
This is one of the most beautiful things I've read and it touched my heart deeply. I enjoy your humor, your wisdom, and your snark... But today I cry with you over the simultaneously beautiful and painful world we live in, and I send my love and blessings to you - a total stranger, but not. 💖
Maybe that seemed insensitive (lyrics) but even though my relationship with my Mother was very strained and unhappy at times it's hard at this time of year to think of those occasionally good times now that she's gone.
This essay made me a little teary. As much as I love your sharp wit and vitriol, my favourite Josh is the thoughtful, sentimental one that comes out so occasionally. You have a beautiful mind and heart.
I love Christmas more than any time of year. My mom (who introduced me to your show) grew up as the only child of a single mother who undoubtedly has BPD. She had a flighty and unstable childhood with few other family around. She didn’t grow up with family traditions to follow so she’s created them for us. One of my favourites is playing classic Christmas music in the house and listening to her sing along as she cooks.
Merry Christmas Josh! I hope you get to spend it with people you love, sharing in the traditions that are meaningful to you.
I cry when I hear our National Anthem sung especially well. I cry when I hear 'You Needed Me' by Anne Murray. I cry when I hear 'Taps'. Can't help it, and I won't apologize for it.
Merry Christmas to you, Josh, full of all the beauty, wonder, and Christian tradition you wish for.
This is lovely. I too have an uncontrollable emotional response to certain music: classic Christmas songs performed well and the national anthem among them. I read this standing in the kitchen as I make gingerbread men. Bring back our traditions, because we do have them and need them now more than ever in my lifetime.
Thank you for that lovely tribute to Karen and Richard, Jim. Her voice is, in my view, the best female voice of the recorded musical era. There is no one who can sign as naturally, with authentic emotion (and so much pain), as Karen could. I miss her more every day.
In case you haven't read it, I wrote something on her you might find interesting. I do get into the causes of her anorexia, and her early death:
Josh, music is such a gift. You say you are not a true believer yet I believe, from some things you have said, that you believe enough. Our Lord touches people in unique ways to meet them where they are. To see goodness and light in music, art, the written word, nature-these are places God can be found. Blessings upon you and yours.
One of the best lines I've ever read in my life was in a novel, where something's emotional effect on a character was described as hitting her "....the way 'Ave Maria' does a tired Catholic."
Loved this; thank you for writing it!
I'm the same way, Josh. Certain music evokes emotion in me that is as difficult to control as it is to describe. It can be a modulated chord change, a harmony in a duet, or a classic melody from Beethoven or Bach.
I honestly used to feel "less than" for experiencing this kind of uncontrollable reaction to music, but then I tried to imagine if I felt no emotion to music at all and how awfully insipid life would be. It is impossible to explain to such people why you're balling at a measure or two of music. No, no, I'm not sad, I might say. I'm experiencing the beautiful limits of human artistic creation, and I'm absolutely in awe. Now leave me to my awe, and be on your way!
Merry Christmas to you and the crew.
This makes me cry, and it makes me cry for the young Josh who was so innocent and awestruck. I can't imagine squashing childish wonder and love. Your mother had a cold heart 😞
You might like his podcasts too.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Nd79Pa5IGiE5iyjCsqMmJ?si=agJ9abNCSxS9MVpX09YaMg
I'm a loyal listener!
Glad you enjoy it!
A lovely woman with a truly beautiful voice, gone far too soon.
Merry Christmas, Mr Slocum. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.
Merry Christmas, thanks for the beautiful music. (& God bless)
Merry Christmas! Thanks for the recommendation ❤️
Thank you for this beautiful story Josh. I'm sorry your childhood wonder about the Star of Bethlehem....the one meant for the birth of Jesus...was put down. It was and is true, at least I believe it to be. Thank you for posting Karen Carpenter's singing of a sacred song. Two pieces that get me are from Handels Messiah..."behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" and the very last "Amen". I just saw it performed live again after covid (I live in a blue state and many performances were cancelled or simply done away with for years), cried pretty much throughout the entire performance.
Yes!!! 🙌
This is one of the most beautiful things I've read and it touched my heart deeply. I enjoy your humor, your wisdom, and your snark... But today I cry with you over the simultaneously beautiful and painful world we live in, and I send my love and blessings to you - a total stranger, but not. 💖
Behold and See ... Lamentations 1:12. Mary is listening to you Josh.
This is my new favorite. I think you'll like it.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kP7xG_6Jx6s&list=PL5Ea7kWUAU4NjSeaXFkf__renf5jxdSJn&index=5&pp=iAQB8AUB
Maybe that seemed insensitive (lyrics) but even though my relationship with my Mother was very strained and unhappy at times it's hard at this time of year to think of those occasionally good times now that she's gone.
This essay made me a little teary. As much as I love your sharp wit and vitriol, my favourite Josh is the thoughtful, sentimental one that comes out so occasionally. You have a beautiful mind and heart.
I love Christmas more than any time of year. My mom (who introduced me to your show) grew up as the only child of a single mother who undoubtedly has BPD. She had a flighty and unstable childhood with few other family around. She didn’t grow up with family traditions to follow so she’s created them for us. One of my favourites is playing classic Christmas music in the house and listening to her sing along as she cooks.
Merry Christmas Josh! I hope you get to spend it with people you love, sharing in the traditions that are meaningful to you.
I cry when I hear our National Anthem sung especially well. I cry when I hear 'You Needed Me' by Anne Murray. I cry when I hear 'Taps'. Can't help it, and I won't apologize for it.
Merry Christmas to you, Josh, full of all the beauty, wonder, and Christian tradition you wish for.
Anne Murray. Just name made me start crying again at the beauty of her work.
Merry Christmas, Heather.
This is lovely. I too have an uncontrollable emotional response to certain music: classic Christmas songs performed well and the national anthem among them. I read this standing in the kitchen as I make gingerbread men. Bring back our traditions, because we do have them and need them now more than ever in my lifetime.
Merry Christmas Josh! Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year!
My wife was a voice major in college. When we listen to The Carpenters, she is reminded of not only Karen's wide vocal range, but how low she could sing. Fortunately, I don't have to write anything more about it because someone else did here: https://www.jimfarfaglia.com/music-blog/2020/6/12/the-remarkable-voice-of-karen-carpenter
Thank you for that lovely tribute to Karen and Richard, Jim. Her voice is, in my view, the best female voice of the recorded musical era. There is no one who can sign as naturally, with authentic emotion (and so much pain), as Karen could. I miss her more every day.
In case you haven't read it, I wrote something on her you might find interesting. I do get into the causes of her anorexia, and her early death:
https://disaffectedpod.substack.com/p/what-you-are-you-have-to-be?utm_source=%2Fsearch%2Fcarpenter&utm_medium=reader2
Josh, music is such a gift. You say you are not a true believer yet I believe, from some things you have said, that you believe enough. Our Lord touches people in unique ways to meet them where they are. To see goodness and light in music, art, the written word, nature-these are places God can be found. Blessings upon you and yours.