Just last week, I took a look at the rows of music CDs I have in boxes in storage. I wondered if I should keep them, but I just can’t seem to let them go. I spent a lot of my hard-earned money on that music, and it is part of who I am.

I remember being a kid and perusing through the album and 8-track collections of some of my friends’ parents. I was fascinated, especially when finding something not expected, like Jimi Hendrix’s “Are You Experienced” album. You really can learn a lot about people by seeing the music they have purchased.

When Jolene and I were dating, I smiled as I filed through her Elton John, ELO, James Taylor, and Carly Simon music, all influenced greatly by her older sister. Then I cringed over her Indigo Girls, Little Feat and Lyle Lovett CDs. I learned to like some of her music, though. Except the Indigo Girls.

I am intrigued with how our musical interests change over time. Some of the music I listened to in my youth would give me a headache now, but not all of it.

A study conducted at the University of Cambridge in 2013 shares some insight into this. The research shows musical tastes shift as we age and are in line with our key life challenges. It found that “teenage years were defined by ‘intense’ music, then early adulthood by ‘contemporary’ and ‘mellow’ as the search for close relationships increased, with ‘sophisticated’ and ‘unpretentious’ allowing us to project status and family values later in life.” I am apparently still working on the sophisticated and unpretentious stuff.

Also interesting, but from another angle, is a related story from NBC News in 2019. Musician and musicologist Nolan Gasser, who wrote “Why You Like It: The Science and Culture of Musical Taste,” says our musical tastes are based on the seeds that were planted in our early years. Gasser said, as we grow, our musical tastes help us to forge our individual identities — especially distinct from our parents.

“Music becomes that stake in the ground — ‘this is who I am,’ ” Gasser said. “But at the same time, the music people listened to at an early age becomes their native home comfort music. When they grow up, that music will be part of who they are, tied in with memories and growing up. All of these powers are why music is so important to us.”

Now, if I could only find a CD, cassette or 8-track player to listen to all this saved music on.

Have a marvelous Monday, and, as always, I thank you for reading.

Shane Goodman 

President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See Shane Goodman's other columns here.

BELLY UP TO...
Merll’s Pub & Patio

By Jackie Wilson

As Waukee’s population soars, residents eagerly await the newest business — and get ready for a night on the town.

One new place, Merll’s Pub & Patio, opened in June and carries on a food and drink tradition established more than 50 years ago.

Merll’s, located at 788 W. Hickman Road in Waukee, is named after owner Travis Tovrea’s grandfather, Merll.

After Merll returned to Iowa from the war in 1945, he and his wife, Irene, settled in Waukee. Shortly after that, they opened up Tovrea’s Station and Café just 200 feet from the new pub.

2403 BELL AVE., DES MOINES
SALE DATE: 2024-06-17
SALE PRICE: $1,850,000
SELLER: NIELSEN, TODD V
BUYER: PLUMBERS & STEAMFITTERS LOCAL UNION 33
ACRES: 1.907
SQUARE FEET: 37,970

New again
Residents share their home renovation experiences.

By Becky Kolosik

For many homeowners, the day comes, sooner or later, when they look around their abode and wonder when the carpet was ever stylish, the wall color ever stunning and the layout ever functional. They realize new curtains, throw pillows and artwork won’t be enough to freshen things up, and the only solution to the weary look of their home is to bite the bullet and invest in some major improvements. And, when the work is done, their home — and enthusiasm for it — feels new.

From dark mid-century to bright country cottage
Kurt and Denette Lickiss have enjoyed living the country life for 19 years.

“I can definitely say that we fell in love with the setting here,” Denette says. “We’ve got the pond, lots of trees, useable outbuildings and a location that’s ‘just enough’ country while only being about five minutes from the middle school and high school.” 

These celebrities were born on this date: Jobe Bellingham, Bruce Springsteen, Anthony Mackie, Molly Carlson, George White, Anneliese Van der Pol, Sheff G, Skylar Astin, Jason Alexander, Julio Iglesias

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

What’s the difference between Batman and a robber? Batman can go into a store without Robin (robbing)! Thanks for all the answers Gail Tomlinson, William Snyder,  Rex Post, Kris Laurson, Rich Boger, Carolyn Rogers.

Today's riddle:

What do you call a frozen droid?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or Indianola, Urbandale or Clive Living magazines, contact:

Gina Chandler
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 323
Mobile: 641-750-6485
gina@iowalivingmagazines.com

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