I thought it would be fun to start a discussion about music!
Do you have a favourite genre, artist, or playlist you love listening to? Also, do your own pets or the pets you look after seem to enjoy certain types of music too?
Over the years I’ve read stories about animals reacting to music, and I find that fascinating.
The team would love to hear about the kind of music that you like, and if you have any funny, heartwarming, or surprising experiences with animals and music, please also share!
I’m looking forward to hearing your suggestions and stories - and maybe even discovering some new tunes to add to my playlist!
Been a long time fan of the British grammy award winning artist ‘Imogen Heap’ since I was a young teen. Have been involved in her fan community for a long time, have seen her in concert once, met her in person twice and been involved in projects where I’ve had 1:1 video calls with her My footprint is one of hundreds on her album cover for ‘Sparks.’
Not exactly related to pets, but in terms of animals, she uses a lot of interesting sounds from her environment to make music, and has an album made entirely from jungle animals, used for the podcast ‘Climate of Change’ with Cate Blanchett.
Here is a video of her doing some cool stuff. If you’re wondering what those weird looking gloves are on her hands, they’re called the ‘mi.mu gloves’ that she created; they’re like a wearable loop machine that also allows you to manipulate sound with hand gestures.
It was a rainy Memphis evening in 2016 when I stumbled upon a Milk Carton Kids show. I had never heard of them but needed to fill some time so I got the last seat in the last row. I had chills when they started and have been lucky enough to see them several times since.
They remind me of Simon and Garfunkel musically crossed with a touch of the Smothers Brothers comedically.
Thanks to those who have shared some music with us so far, I’m going to check them out over the weekend!
I wanted to share one of my favourite bands of the last few years - Wrest. I discovered them while working at a local arts centre, and they’re incredible live!
I adore Paolo Nutini. I traveled to England and Scotland two different times to see him in 22 and 23, and I was able to see him in a small venue in DC in 23. I hope you’ll check out his music.
I listen to a variety of genres — blues, folk, rock, jazz, classical, pop, etc. Here are a few pieces that I feel are standouts.
In the 80s, I heard a track called, The Bleating Lamb, by the Bulgarian State Radio and Television Women’s Choir, that “stopped me in my tracks.” I immediately bought the cassette (remember those?), and a few years later saw them in concert at the University of Pennsylvania. This is my favorite track:
Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares’ - Kalimankou Denkou (The Evening Gathering)
What I like in the morning is almost anything by Bach, especially The Brandenburg Concertos. I think the dogs I watch like it too. Bach also wrote a lovely little piece called, Sheep Will Safely Graze.
Casta Diva, the famous aria from the opera, Norma, by Bellini, sung by the fabulous Montserrat Caballé.
We just saw a documentary about Chet Baker, the gifted jazz trumpeter and singer. You can hear his rendition of Almost Blue and My Funny Valentine on YouTube.
Die hard fan of The Smiths and Morrissey. Also Soft Cell, The Cure and Depeche Mode. Been to see all of them numerous times, but sadly gave up watching Morrissey due to him cancelling so many concerts. Bought tickets to see him in Perth, Australia last November whilst we were there sitting. We had a one night gap which was the one date in Perth, managed to get tickets and was beyond excited . Midday of the concert I got the dreaded text that he’d cancelled the gig. That’s the fifth time I’ve incurred costs (hotels, travel) and I won’t book to see him again.
This year I am off to see ABBA Voyage for the 7th time and Kylie Minogue to dance and sing my heart out.
I’ve seen Morrissey live twice, once at Dundee’s Caird Hall, and again at Hawick Town Hall. I feel very lucky that he didn’t cancel either! I got (accidentally) hit in the head with one of Boz Boorer’s plectrums at Hawick, I still have it somewhere.
@Maeve - thank you for sharing, this is the kind of music that I don’t know much about so it’s great to hear pieces of music that I wouldn’t normally listen to.
I love Montserrat Caballé’s voice, I remember when she sang “Barcelona” with Freddie Mercury when I was just a kid, I thought it was such a beautiful song.
My footprint is one of hundreds on her album cover for ‘Sparks.’
. Midday of the concert I got the dreaded text that he’d cancelled the gig. That’s the fifth time I’ve incurred costs (hotels, travel) and I won’t book to see him again.
