I wrote this in response to Monica, when she had asked if it was schizophrenia that she would listen to new music one day, and old music the next.  I thought I’d share my reply on here:

Some day you’re in the mood for new music, sometimes you want a comfort listen, a lot like comfort food … well, comforts you. It’s familiar, soothing, has deep-seated memories attached to them whether they be happy or sad.

To me, music is a lot like photography. They remind you of a time, place, mood, taste, smell, sight, and a myriad of other feelings. They’re tiny little bookmarks that make us such incredibly complex and sophisticated beings.

New music need a chance to develop (like new photographs) while old music are fully developed, worn around the edges, but still maintaining their colors, warmth, and personality.

Some days I’m in the mood for new music, to me it’s like deep-sea diving, looking for treasure. When you finally do stumble upon a treasure chest full of all the glories that is ear candy, it’s worth its weight in gold.

Other days I’m in the mood for music of the past, that remind me of my childhood, a certain time and/or place, or just to revisit a familiar friend.

One day it’s indie rock, the next it’s reggae. After that I could have a irresistible craving for new age. Then I’ll go back to indie rock, only to explore the tiny little subgenres of rock; alt-country, bubble gum pop, folktronic, rockabilly, and so on.

We live in the best time in the world for the appreciation of music as a whole. There’s so much at our fingertips, it’s deliciously overwhelming!