When and where to listen

[ps11932]

I guess this is probably very elementary, but I have noticed that the environment in which I listen to music, be it Carpenters or anything else, goes a long way in determining the impact it will have. What I mean is this: the circumstances of life dictate that a majority of my listening time is while I am walking from place to place. A good inspiration, and seldom a distraction, but I can't pick up on subtilties of the music. (For example, trying to listen to Aaron Copland while walking on a city sidewalk is pointless- you just can't catch the intrigue of the instruments.) Trying to listen at home on computer is a little more conducive to hearing detail, but distractions and interruptions (even plesant ones) are always near. At times I have retreated to the home or work basement- pretty good, but still noise interference, etc. What I have found is that if I really want to work on listening (and let's face it- anything worthwhile is going to require some work and effort), the only thing for me to do is allow time at the end of the day- around midnight (I can only do this on weekends), put on the headphones, and listen in a secluded place. I have heard things specifically from Carpenters songs, that otherwise wouldn't have been discerned. Any thoughts on the logistics of listening experiences?

[wisejester7]

'Active' listening is a lot like traditional studying. If you really want to 'get it' it is best to go to a quiet place where there is only you and the subject you are working on. Later, when it's time to review, you can study (or listen, in this case) anywhere, because you already know what to pay attention to.
Quiet, uninterrupted times bring out the best in Carpenters music. You can hear more layers and appreciate the nuances that K and R have created. There is so much more there than over dubbing. Their music is rich with all the colors that were at their command.

;-)wisejester7

[ps11932]

Thanks- the studying comparison is an excellent one. I can remember, many decades ago, finally learning some important chemistry facts, only through concentrated, undivided attention study, and once learned, the info. was there when needed for tests. In the same way, many of the personal benefits of Carpenters (and they have helped me at least as much as chemistry) have come from taking time to focus, lsiten and learn. And I have a lot more to learn! O.E.