The Circle Game

Let me say it right up front. I’m addicted to iTunes. I love to listen to music of all sorts, and I confess that I thought Napster and Limewire were pretty cool. But now that I can do my serendipitous searching for music legally, I’m in hog heaven. I am also a real victim of commercial plugs. Like I’ll watch Joan of Arcadia or Gilmore Girls, and watch at then end when they tell you what music they played in the episode and actually make notes! This tendency, combined with the easy availability of the iTunes Music Store, means I buy several songs a week. My latest “discovery” (as it’s new only to me), is a version of Joni Mitchell’s fabulous song, “Both Sides Now.” This was a great song back in the day (1969), but her newer version from 2000 is awesome – her voice has aged so beautifully and the words of the song take on a whole new meaning – she really has looked at both sides now. Judy Collins’ take on this song will always hold a special place in my heart, but Joni’s new rendition is one that I can truly relate to (I guess I’m getting older, too). My other big musical rediscovery is Cyndi Lauper. While “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” will forever be one of my anthem songs, she is a heck of a singer. Take a listen to her doing “La Vie en Rose,” that Edith Piaf classic. Wow! And thanks to the iTunes Music Store, I have them both in my music library (and a few others as well – like potato chips, who can eat just one?).