Midlife Isn’t Scary If You’re In An Abba Musical

What better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon than to escape into a musical? Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again is set in an idealized world of bright colors, music, choreography and kindness. And in this alternate universe young and old play nice, care about each other sing and dance in some over-the-top costumes, where the characters reminisce even as they move forward in their glossy lives.

In this sequel, we’re still on the Greek island of Kalokairi. Sophie is grown up, in love (with one guy) and she transformed her home into a high-end hotel. It’s time for the grand opening, with family and media invited.

Seven Surprisingly Sad Songs

We sing along and maybe dance to them, but some of the most durable, crowd-pleasing music is not so happy. In no particular order:

1. Don’t Stop Believing. Great sentiment, though.
2. Livin’ On A Prayer. Tommy and Gina had it rough.
3. Scenes From An Italian Restaurant. Just a little better for Brenda and Eddie.
4. Hollywood Nights.  Fate was unkind to this couple too. It would be great to be one of the backup singers though.
5. Layla. Supposedly, Eric loved Pattie but she was already with George.
6. Born In The USA. In 1984 Ronald Reagan cited his song when discussing America’s “hopes and dreams,” apparently unaware that the song is about a returning Vietnam veteran trying to rebuild his civilian life.
7. All I Want For Christmas. If Mariah Carey had to plead, is there hope for the rest of us?

Country Music for Grownup Ladies

How did I just find out about this! Makes me want to go strut aound in a tiara and learn how to  play the guitar. Enjoy!

 

Guess What Auntie Is Doing on a Saturday Night? (Hint: She’s not Knitting You a Blanket)

This has been the Summer of Free Music: concerts in the parks, jazz and salsa in the local main drag, Seventies music on the street where I work. It’s a joyful way to end a summer day.

At the cover-band concerts featuring the music of Chicago, Springsteen and Wings, the audiences have been mostly Boomers and near-Boomers. That makes sense; this is the music of our youth. It’s life-affirming to be able to jump up and dance without judgement. There is laughter and singing and bonding over shared memories. Yesterday, one guy brought homemade, delicious brownies that were, well, brownies. The humor was not lost on me, though.

Let’s Talk Music!

I usually have some form of music playing, either on the computer, phone, TV, CD or in my head, and some songs make me feel larger than life. Here’s a dozen of my most empowering:

1. Invincible (Pat Benatar. Yup, taking it old school.)
2. Go Away (Gloria Estefan)
3. It’s My Life (Bon Jovi)
4. Wonder (Natalie Merchant. Makes me feel strong as a parent)
5. Suddenly I See (KT Tunstall. Another Mom song.)
6. Dog Days Are Over (Florence & The Machine. Impossible to sing along with this one.)
7. Do You Know Your Enemy (Green Day)
8. Stronger (Kelly Clarkson)
9. F**kin’ Perfect (Pink)
10. Walk On (U2)
11. Move Along (All American Rejects)
12. What A Wonderful World

What music makes you feel invincible?