By Isabelle Forshaw
We Are Human. Are We Not Normal?
Normality – what is it and where can we find it or escape from it? Normal is defined as conforming to the standard or the common type; usual; typical; expected. However the measures of quantifying it constantly evolve. The parameters are morphing rapidly at present, adapting to a global pandemic that’s forcing rolling waves of seismic changes in our daily routine and society as a whole.
Seeking the answer to what, why and where is ‘normal’, I found myself conducting an extensive survey on behalf of the Song Bar. Fortunately patrons invited hundreds of their favourite musicians, from all places around the globe, and to my surprise they formed an orderly queue keen to tell me their ideas. I instantly recognised some of them as long-time Bar regulars with plenty of new faces among the crowd too. Naturally I put an open tab on the counter and settled in, listening intently while taking note of their deepest or darkest feelings and informed poetic musings on the subject .
I quickly got the idea some people perceive ‘normal’ as a construct of the human mind and viewed it as societal pressure to conform. Yet for many others a routine existence is bliss. Their vision of normality is a set goal to aim for, achieve and ultimately take comfort in.
This selection is only a sample of music offered for the theme. All of the songs nominated by Song Bar patrons are marvellous listening and certainly on point. The songs listed caught my ear and I like them. Hope you enjoy the perspective, and more importantly enjoy the music.
The Act Normal A-List Playlist:
1. Lady Gaga - Born This Way (Loud Atlas)
2. Joe Walsh - Ordinary Average Guy (magicman)
3. dEUS - Everybody’s Weird (happyclapper)
4. Betty Davis - They Say I’m Different (Nicko)
5. Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band - We Are Normal (severin)
6. Bigg Jus (ft. Jerold Marcellus Bryant) - Say Goodbye (Nilpferd)
7. Pet Shop Boys - I Wouldn’t Normally Do This Kind Of Thing (SweetHomeAlabama)
8. Crowded House - It’s Only Natural (Swawilg)
9. Cameo - She’s Strange (amylee)
10. Frente! - Ordinary Angels (severin)
11. Mental As Anything - Mr. Natural (philipphilip99)
12. Ivor Cutler Trio - I’m Going In A Field (ParaMhor)
13. Bob Dylan - Talkin’ World War III Blues (treefrogdemon)
The Be Normal B-List Playlist:
1. Saint Etienne - Relocate (happyclapper)
2. Yard Act - Fixer Upper (DiscoMonster)
3. Superorganism - It’s All Good (mussoliniHeadkick)
4. Day Wave - We Try But We Don’t Fit In (amylee)
5. The Business - Welcome To The Real World (Carpgate)
6. Bikini Kill - Double Dare Ya (Max Visconta Nuclerosea)
7. English Dogs - Ross Lomas, City Baby, Ignite Books (Carpgate)
8. The Mekons - Empire Of The Senseless(Uncleben)
9. Arrested Development - Mr. Wendall (MussoliniHeadkick)
10. Ben Folds - Way To Normal (Swawilg)
11. The Pogues - I’m A Man You Don’t Meet Everyday (ParaMhor)
12. Alan Price - Away Away (Marconius)
13. Aretha Franklin - That’s Life (OliveButler)
Guru’s Wildcard Picks:
Eartha Kitt - I’m A Different Kind Of Cat
Regurgitator - Superstraight
Weird Al Yankovic - Foil
These playlists were inspired by readers' song nominations from last week's topic: Eureka! Songs about realisation, discovery and enlightenment. The next topic will launch on Thursday at 1pm UK time.
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