Memory + Music = Magic
A crescendo of nostalgia poured down after my favorite band announced they'd be celebrating the tenth anniversary of their first album this month.
Yep, Lord Huron's “Lonesome Dreams” has reached double digits.
When I mentioned that recently, a friend responded, “So many great memories associated with this album.”
He was in the early years of his marriage to a woman who shares his passion for music when the album debuted, and I imagine them getting their footing as a couple and starting their family to that soundtrack.
But his wasn't the only comment that made me realize that memories live with us through music.
Fans on social media called the album:
A “life soundtrack album.”
“My reminder to see the beauty in our surroundings here, especially in the fall.”
“I will never forget finding this album back in 2013, during a time when I needed to.”
“The memories attached to every song will forever be in my heart.”
Interesting thing is, science indicates that the sentiment in that last comment is likely right: he probably never will forget those memories.
Research shows that memories associated with music are some of the last memories dementia patients lose. They don't remember how to complete daily tasks, they don't remember their spouse, their children. But when they hear the music they have loved, they respond. It resonates.
If you haven't seen the 2014 film “Alive Inside,” check out this trailer of the Sundance Festival-awarded documentary. As the experts note, music touches the heart and soul of dementia patients:
“Music has more ability to activate more parts of the brain than any other stimulus.”
“Have you ever had music hit you in a place that immediately brought you to tears? Music has that power.”
“Music connects people with who they have been, who they are, (and) with their lives.”
“There is no pill that does that.”
Remember … rock on.