Music is the soundtrack to our reality and a vivid form of expression. If you ask me music is an absolute necessity. With the fast paced lifestyle of the average L.A. resident, music is a lifesaver. If you spend a great deal of time in your car stuck in traffic there is no better antidote to the freeway blues than some engaging chords, sweet melodies, and catchy lyrics. Music can be taken anywhere these days and literally enjoyed at the mere press of a button. From the huge array of iPods to the music friendly mobile phones, to HD radios and so much more, not just music, but your favorite music can be a part of your reality at any given moment.

It’s good to hear good music isn’t it? It delivers something magnificent to the senses. Remember when you heard that song for the first time, the one that every time you hear sends chills up your spine and takes you back to the place where you heard it first. The one that never gets old and you know all the lyrics too? You know the one I’m talking about; maybe you even feel this way about dozens of songs. The point is that music does not only tickle the senses but it can also be medicinal. It can calm, it can soothe, it can energize, it can revive, it can uplift, and yes it can even cure.

Why do we sing in the shower? There can be many reasons, but one thing that is unanimous is the feel good factor. The shower is a private place where we are left to our own devises, a place where we can sing away, tone deaf and all and no one will criticize.

Music brings people together, it marks beginnings, it brings things to an end, and most of all music is a universal pleasure. From the traditional wedding and graduation songs, to the timeless “our song” music is and will forever be a splendid addition to our lives.

There are however those times when music is not called upon but would be a great accessory to add to an activity. Have you ever tried letting a soothing melody linger in the background of your dinner table? Maybe a little soft jazz, some oldies, a classical concerto, or even your favorite artist as you enjoy a home cooked meal or some take out.

Perhaps a little serenade while you tidy up the house, or some mood music as you get ready for a night on the town, maybe even some sing along tunes for the shower. How bout your favorite radio station for a companion as you type away on your keyboard at work.

For music that everyone is sure to enjoy you can never go wrong with the likes of Billy Holliday, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Ray Charles and many such others with splendid melodies, heartfelt lyrics and epic voices. You can even try 88.1FM KJAZZ broadcasting from Long Beach (not available in all areas) offering a spectrum of bop, jazz, big band, swing, Latin and more. Or if you are in the mood for some good ole oldies you can always turn the dial to 101.0 FM KRTH where you will find your favorite classic; from The Beatles, to The Beach Boys.

Try some classical compilation albums as you feast on your breakfast or lunch. Mozart, Beethoven just to name a few, or L.A.’s own 501.1 FM K-Mozart featuring classical music 24 hours a day including live concerts. All of these are an ideal choice of music best enjoyed at a lower volume acting as a backdrop to conversation or other relaxing activities.

The key is to pick something that everyone will be happy with, you can listen to your own tunes on your own time, when with family and especially with people of all ages it’s best to stick to the classics. Another choice might be the soundtracks to your favorite movies; they usually come with a variety of tracks for a constant change of genera and pace. However you choose you go about your music listening extravaganza remember this one simple thing, whenever you feel like something is missing, stop and listen, if you can’t hear music, that’s probably it.

By: Lucky Clover