Soundtrack of My Life - by Lee Mason
Everyone’s life has a playlist, songs that resonate with them individually. Songs that are etched on the brain and provide a powerful connection to precious memories that can be awaken even upon hearing just a few bars. As music lovers ourselves we love nothing more than hearing the ‘why’ – why a song means so much to someone and how it’s shaped their life. This week, a Melos Audio customer (Triniti #0003) and friend of the brand, Lee Mason, shared with us 5 songs that have done exactly that for him.
Read below to find how each song has influenced his life.
When I first thought about this “assignment” I was a bit worried that it would be impossible as music has been such a large part of my life for as long as I can remember. As it happened though when I thought about the really important things it suddenly became much simpler. If I thought about my favourite music the list would be very different and 5 tracks would be impossible to choose. But life takes different, sometimes, dramatic, and unexpected turns. And for me these are always defined by music. So here we go:
Twenty Flight Rock - Eddie Cochran
This one reminds me of my Dad. He used to be in a skiffle group in the late 50’s. When I was growing up and becoming aware of music in the 60’s and 70’s my Dad would use any old excuse to get the guitar out and serenade us. In reality I could have chosen one of about a dozen different songs but he always used to play this one. It’s a great rock’n’roll track as well!
Judy Teen - Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel
I stayed on at school in the 6th form after most people had left. It was quite a small 6th form but there was a girl in the upper 6th who I really liked. As I was in the lower 6th the only way I could really approach her was via music and I lent her a couple of records. She in turn lent me this single and I thought it was brilliant. I’ve loved the music of Steve Harley ever since. I never did manage to pluck up the courage to ask her out though but I hope we were friends at least.
Satin Green Shutters - Chris De Burgh
I was working at Land Rover in the 1980’s when a woman joined the department who was a bit older than me. And although I was her boss (technically anyway) I was always a bit in awe of her. To cut a very long story short we started to see each other after working together for a couple of years. Our first date was to go and see the Brahms violin concerto. It was only natural that music would be part of our relationship. So when she gave me a cassette tape one day with Woman in Love by Barbra Streisand I sent her a tape back. That tape contained this song. We married in 1990.
In my life - Sean Connery
This is a sort of “bookend” with Satin Green Shutters at one end and this at the other. This has always been one of my favourite Beatles songs and it’s on my favourite Beatles album too (Rubber Soul). This version comes from a collection put together by George Martin and I just love it (against all of my better judgement). When my wife died in 2019 just short of our 29th wedding anniversary this was one of the songs that I wanted to be played at her funeral. It’s quite difficult for me to listen to it now, but I still do from time to time.
Make you own kind of music - Mama Cass
Things have been very difficult for many people over the last couple of years with the pandemic, and lockdowns, and isolation. In October 2021 I decided I needed to do something different. So I joined the Rock Choir. This is the very first song I learned as part of the Rock Choir. It’s a song I’ve always liked but when Paloma Faith released a cover version it reminded me what a great song it really is: one of those songs that get better with age! And it felt very appropriate for me starting something new as well.
Thank you Lee, for such a moving story and wonderful collection of songs.