A song is a key for locked memory boxes. A song can transport you back through time, giving you a chance to relive moments and ideas that occurred back when you first heard that song. A song is not just a song; it is also a story.
Deep Purple – “Child in Time”
Some songs are haunting and fear is a good way to make a memory. I was a tiny girl in a small Texas town. My older brother would babysit me and a game of hide-n-seek would always ensue. Making sure every light in the house was on, I’d stake out my “top secret” hiding spot – mom and dad’s closet. Struggling so hard not to make a sound, I’d sit still as a corpse for several minutes – smiling – waiting – confident I won’t be found this time.
Then slowly footsteps would creep in; I’d hear the click of the light switch. Darkness would engulf me.
Somewhere in the distant living room, I’d hear the drop of the record needle and the crackle of dust specks on ancient vinyl. The sound of the creeping organ would rise. “Oh, no! He’s playing it again!” The singing started softly – a gentle “oooo oooo oooo.” But I knew better than to be fooled. This wasn’t a hit by a 60′s rock band – this was the anthem of the witches’ ball, the scariest song ever made!
What’s more, it is an epic 10 minute jam! This means just as the searing guitar solo would come in, I’d really have to pee. But I was too frozen in fear to move (plus, I couldn’t give away my hiding spot). Now I’m trembling like a leaf, and the banshees are really wailing. Don’t move, Lauren! The entire house seems to be shaking in the pure noise assault being unleashed through the walls. I’m shaking too. Don’t move! The song crescendos into even more madness – there’s a scream – “AHHH AHHH AHHH!”
Then silence. The song would fade away. I’d fall asleep. My brother would eventually turn on the lights and find me – always in the same “top secret” hiding spot buried beneath mom’s clothes.
I was traumatized by the power of Deep Purple and loved every scared second. People always ask who are my inspirations and always assume the usual suspects – is it Kim Gordon, maybe Emily Haines? No, just like that 5-year-old hiding in the closet, I long to wail like freakin’ Ian Gillan on “Child in Time.”
- Lauren Larson (vocals/guitar) of Ume
