Great thread, Ousted ....

I like my music (and movies) complex, thought provoking, and meaningful. No happy music for me. Not unexpected from a guy who grew up in the turbulent 60's / 70's.

Songwriters writing protest and anti-war songs risked their lives / careers, but that made a difference in this country. We all had friends and relatives getting killed in Viet Nam, so the music had real meaning and importance to us. Sometimes I wonder why a similiar music movement hasn't sprouted in today's world.

Also, nothing like getting high listening to songs with hidden drug meanings (Puff the Magic Dragon, White Rabbit). Back in the day, you couldn't make direct references to sex, drugs, or interracial relationships (Brown Sugar).

More specific to the topic, yes, songs affect your mood very directly. It makes me think why people (including myself) love to listen to the blues. I like going to the sad places in music and movies. And I still have a sick anarchy music attraction, music from Marilyn Manson, Sex Pistols or Alice Cooper. What does that say about me as a person??

Anyway, if I could find a college level course on this topic, I'd love to take it, especially with other students of different generations.

This is the end .... my only friend, the end.