The best music provokes a reaction. Not everyone enjoys the same musical style, but when a tune gets you, you are possessed. Some are slow burners that seep in. Some instant hits that grab you straight away. It's magic.
Music is also a glue that binds us. As the soundtrack to our lives is laid, music helps cement our memories to people, places and times. The moments it can create can be truly special. Finding common ground in a sweaty room full of strangers as a band wins you over. Being carried to a collective high in a festival field. No words. Boom!
Growing up, music was fiercely tribal - a shared passion meant joining the gang, embracing the subculture. It involved collecting records, making and sharing tapes, listening to particular radio shows, following the dress code and going to shows. Anticipation and excitement for the next record release was a big part of this.
In my school days I was carried by the NWOBHM - one of an army of teenage metal outcasts queing on a rainy night to see Motorhead. In my university days it was indie - a beer swilling student following The Wedding Present from gig to gig: one minute "pay on the door" the next, trying to blag your way on to the guest list to a show that sold out weeks back.
I can vividly remember the anticipation of waiting to hear AC/DC's 1980 album Back in Black. The impact of the stark black album cover a tribute to the death of the band's previous singer Bon Scott. The tolling bell of the opening track Hell's Bells. It could have been the end of AC/DC but, no; from tragedy came triumph. Anticipation turned to exhilaration.
Nothing lasts forever. As life moves on, the way I have connected with music and bands has moved on too. It's been a while since I have felt any anticipation for an album at all.
Enter Sports Team, and an old school introduction from my brother: "You've got to see this band. There's something about them." He'd seen them at a gig in Liverpool and was in no doubt. Through the magic of streaming, seconds in to the first song I heard - M5- I was already sold.
Fast forward to present - three live shows seen - yes, they've got something; several singles purchased -real vinyl ones; and I am caught hook line and sinker. Anticipation. Anticipation. Anticipation.
It's been a while since I've felt like a fan as in fanatical about a band. It's a good feeling to have again - rejuvinating. Instead of writing a letter to the music press or the DJ you got this blog. Thanks Sports Team. Yours in anticipation for the record.
