I think this:

When we listen to music, we "tune into" the same track that other people have already listened to, where each listener already etched their feelings and experiences in. The audio track works like a pilot for the consciousness.

That's part of why live music works better.

The comfort of certain songs, even on first listen, may come from the fact that many other have already listened to it.

_________________
Johan

Had quite a few synchronized messages come through songs. I remember I was working in a factory and was becoming what only can be describe as robotised, it felt like a prison and at that point I had to get out. A message come through that a certain song was gonna be played on the radio in the factory and sure enough the song started to play shortly after the message and it was around the time where I thought I was losing it as things in my mind started to play out in the physical, I had what I can only describe as a panic attack and ran to my boss and said I'm not feeling well and had to get out the factory asap. I soon left the job and although I wondered how I was gonna survive things worked out great.

On the music side I have recently brought an acoustic guitar, something inside me is crying out to play and in the process has bought a new friend into my reality who is a great guy and a musician, here is a nice cover He performed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y9g0PbX8Ok&feature=plcp&context=C349a452UDOEgsToPDskIWBniEr_uulrEqo0k4UwOw

_________________
“It is often said that before you die your life passes before your eyes. It is in fact true. It's called living.” - Terry Pratchett

there is a long background story to this...but I only have time to share my experimental conclusions

- learning to play an instrument is one of a short list of things in life that is all upside, no downside
- watch Harold and Maude - the film
- well...just don't try to make a living from it, without a strong plan B (one effective approach is to just keep your day job, and pursue your Art as your primary leisure activity...the exception would be the few individuals who are "crazy talented" and it is obvious to everyone)
- indeed, these sorts of choices, open up new worlds, new friends, new influences
- while music has a stabilizing influence on emotions, painting has a destabilizing influence...perhaps it is the isolation of the painter. Professional dance is a march toward an abyss.
- doing art, sing, compose, paint, dance, sculpt... is a very different thing (more helpful) than being an art hanger-on (less helpful), art student, or an art administrator/dealer
- the art scene at the professional levels tends toward egos on steroids (Ugly Betty is somewhat true)
- art is most potent when you are detached from any material payback from it
- art is a near-meditation, and possibly a substitute
- Art connects you to NPMR, and once the connection is established, with a clear signal, you integrate art into your work, your personal aethetics, house decor, and formal Art becomes less interesting

_________________
Does this PMR make my butt look big?