Last week the hip-hop community celebrated the life of the late, Notorious BIG, or Biggie Smalls, as he was affectionately called.  It was just 9 years ago on March 9 1997, when he was murdered on the streets of L.A.  Although the police department did far less than due diligence to solve the homicide case of a Legend, his fans still regard him as such even though he is gone.

But, what I want to talk about for a moment is his body of work and how it became the soundtrack of an era.  I know it sounds cliché, but that is what it was for us legions of 20-somethings that fell up under his fierce spell of clever rhymes and rants.  While I admit, at the time, I tuned out most of those lyrics.  He talked about being “ready” to die and using brutal force upon women.  I couldn’t relate, but his delivery style I did appreciate.

Last week, I was eager to listen to the radio to hear all of the “Biggie” mixes from local DJ’s.  For one day at least, commercial radio was fun to listen to.  It brought back so many memories of another cliché, a simpler time and place.  But, what leaves me sad is now that I’m in my thirties, will there be another popular “soundtrack of an era” that I along with the rest of the world will be able to celebrate 10 years from now? 

Because of my so-called “boycott” of commercial radio for the past 6 years, I could conclude that that is it for me.  I can recall several other “soundtracks” that defined an era from 10, 20, and even 30 years ago.  All of those are considered “oldies” now by the commercial formats and are heavily marketed to folks like me.  Does that mean I am an “oldie” now, too?

Does this mean that the bigger record companies will have less to offer me in terms of new music?  Because…

I am still open!

I am still a music fan! 

I can still appreciate a new sound! 

I can even make it easy – just give me something that is mood enhancing without violent or offensive imagery and I’ll show you the money!

Sunday's episode of The Soprano's left me a little confused and a little annoyed. As we all know now, Tony was shot by Uncle Junior last week and is now fighting for his life. The doctor advised Carmella that she and the family should not only continue visiting Tony, but to try to engage him by talking to him and playing his favorite music...

Carmella's first attempts were "Sunshine of Your Love" by Cream, "American Girl" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Needless to say, Tony did not respond. I don't know about you, but it would take a little more than that for me to wake up from a coma. Try "Knee Deep" by Parliament or "Rock with You" by Michael Jackson...Better yet, "More Than a Feeling" by Boston. No injury can keep me down when those songs are played.

What about you? What songs would revive you? What do you think DJ Carmella should pick out of the crates for Tony?

For the past 2-3 months I have been hearing a ringing in both of my ears. I started having trouble sleeping because of the ringing in my ear. So last week I finally decided to see a Otolaryngologist about my problem. After a series of pokes in the ear and a hearing test, the one where you raise your hand when you hear the beep.  It turns out that I have a case of Tinnitus, however my hearing is actually very well. Hmmm...

So, I ask the Doctor where could this be coming from?  She said besides loud music, tinnitus is caused from high blood pressure, stimulants such as coffee, tea, cola, and tobacco, lack of adequate rest, and stress. Ok, I am quilty of the loud music from time to time, lack of sleep, and stress but who isn't?

She suggested I try listening to White Noise to help with tuning out the ringing.  So, I am going to give this a try for few weeks and get back with everyone to update my progress.

 Till Next Time