Why It Matters

Some kids are train kids, others go for cars.  Me?  I was an airplane kid.  My ceiling was the backdrop to an epic, never-ending  dogfight between plastic models bearing sticky fingerprints.  Eventually I put away childish things, but I still get a little giddy when I see a vintage plane.

The recent tragedy at the Reno Air Show really hit home for me.  I almost took my kids to that event, not to mention that as a kid I attended lots of airshows.  So with all of the propellers whirling in my head right now I needed to find a few songs to drown them out.

Side A:  Sad and Acoustic, Wherein I Shut Up and Let the Music Do the Talking.

“Goodbye Blue Sky,” Pink Floyd

“I’ll Fly Away,” Alison Krauss

“Fly,” Nick Drake

“To Live Is to Fly,” Townes Van Zandt

Side B:  Electric, If Not Always Happier

“Flying,”  The Faces.  If you only listen to one song on this list make it this one.  Rod the Mod when he was still getting it done.

“Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon,” The Flaming Lips.  Does this cut remind you of something?  Perhaps the track immediately following it, hmm?

“Flying,” The Beatles.  Thank goodness for the new wave of headphones.  One of the hallmarks of early Beatles stereo recordings is the extreme channel separation, something that’s easily lost under many listening conditions.  But put on the cans (that’s “ear buds” to you youngsters) before you play this next one and you’ll, like, trip out, man.

“Cut My Wings,” Seasick Steve.  He’s fairly popular in Europe but mostly ignored in America, presumably because his authenticity as a hobo is in question.  Really people?  I don’t care if he’s Celine Dione with a ZZ Top beard if he can blow it out like this.

Do you have a favorite song about flying?  I’m listening, unless you mention Sugar Ray.

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Related “Why It Matters” pieces: https://jamesostafford.wordpress.com/2011/09/26/46-shake-the-dust-off-of-your-wings-and-the-tears-out-of-your-eyes/