Friday, September 6, 2024

Music and Me

Hello! My name is Gisselle Marines. I grew up in Greer my whole life, so I'm only 30 minutes away from home. I'm a violinist with about 7 years of amateur experience. I started playing in 6th grade with the middle school orchestra, and I have continued to play. Right now, I'm in the Converse Symphony Orchestra. My parents aren't musicians, but my dad did know how to play guitar in his youth. He's the one responsible for my unique music taste. I was always encouraged to explore my talents, so I did take piano lessons for a short time when I was young. I enjoy learning new instruments, so I tried to learn how to play piano with little success. Even so, I really enjoy music and its many genres and instruments.

I actually have a CD Player in my dorm, so I get to play all my favorite songs without worrying about ads.

 Music I like now: Harmony by Elton John

 Like I mentioned earlier, I have a CD Player. In my CD collection, I have Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Album. I love Elton John and the music he makes. This song is just so pretty and it is probably my favorite song in the whole album. I do recommend listening to other songs by Elton John if you enjoy listening to this one.

Music with meaning: On Melancholy Hill by Gorillaz

 
Another thing about me is that I'm a huge Gorillaz fan. I was such a big fan that I named one of my cats after this song from the Plastic Beach Album. His name was Melancholy, but we called him Mel for short. Mel was truly a one-of-a-kind cat and I loved him dearly. He loved playing outside, hunting rodents and bugs, getting pets and scratches, and fighting other cats. Unfortunately, he passed away Thanksgiving day of 2023 because somebody struck him with a car, leaving him for dead in the street. All he was doing was hunting mice. I struggled so much with grieving that I couldn't listen to this song without sobbing just thinking about him. I actually hate Thanksgiving now because of this too. Please let this be your sign to drive safely and watch for animals that may be crossing the road.

Music I just don't like: End of Beginning by Djo



I first heard this song on TikTok and so many people were raving about it saying it was really great. I tried listening to this song seriously, but it just feels very repetitive and a little bland for my taste. That's not to say that this song sucks. I just didn't connect with it like other people were and that's fine by me.

Music just cause: There is a Time by The Dillards 


 

I always watched old shows with my mom and dad like The Andy Griffith Show. There's always something silly going on in the small town of Mayberry, NC, so I always enjoyed spending my leisure time watching that show. I remember one episode had this song in it, and it is truly beautiful. This song doesn't hold much meaning for me, but it is a song I really like simply because it feels nostalgic.


5 comments:

  1. Hi Gisselle, a song I found interesting was On Melancholy Hill. I have been interested in Gorillaz for a while now and I'm thinking of checking them out more. Also I'm so sorry for the loss of your cat. The song I liked was Harmony. I've never been a big Elton John fan, but this song pleasantly surprised me. I think you have a great music taste.

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  2. Hi Giselle! I really enjoyed scrolling through your post! I found it really interesting that our music taste seems to be so different, but it looks like we completely agree on what we *don't* like, haha. I also thought "End of Beginning" was pretty bland, and it doesn't help that I still hear it almost every time I open Instagram. I think it sounds like a Beach House knock-off, who make the same sort of music but with a much more calming female voice. My favorite selection of yours is "On Melancholy Hill", which reminds me of my middle school emo phase... such bittersweet memories. Melancholy is such a beautiful name for a cat, though. I really feel for your grief - every cat is so special in their own silly little ways. Thank you for using this post to remind us to watch out for the little guys on the road; I see it all too often and, it ruins my day. Thank you for sharing, and much, much love!

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  3. Giselle, I'm impressed about the fact that you play the violin. I have no clue how to play it, but I do know that it looks very difficult to play. It was fun reading your blog and listening to music that I don't listen to. I recognized the songs when I played them but the only song I know where from is "End of beginning", which is obviously a trending song on social media. Not a fan of it either. But on the other hand, "On Melancholy Hill", what a song! Such a calm cozy song. I love animals and I'm sorry to hear about your cat. I understand that it must be difficult for you. You did a very good job with your blog, keep it up!

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  4. Hi Giselle! That's really cool that you are a violinist for 7 years. I liked the song "On Melancholy Hill". I liked the chill vibe of the beat. I don't usually listen to music like this but I'm trying to expand my horizons and listen to new music genre's. Good luck with everything in the Converse Symphathy Orchestra!

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  5. Hi Giselle! I just wanna start by saying I love Gorillaz as well! My favorite song by them is Andromeda. I really like that you added There is a Time in here, as my grandfather loved to watch the Andy Griffith show EVERYDAY. The Elton John song was by far my fav on this list though, it is such a beautiful song and Elton John is a genius when it comes to songwriting.

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