All sorts….
I lived (and studied) in the USA for 12 years. Back then I got hooked into American rock music very quickly, although I have US / UK iTunes for archives I suppose today, living in South Africa yet constantly traveling to Europe / US my taste is somewhat very different!
Without access to US iTunes I would never have come across the Dutch DJ, Armin van Buuren. I am by no means a "raver" at 52 yet I find this music genre fascinating as when played at full throttle it always invokes those "feel good happy" feelings, no matter one's mood .
Truth be told, I am a surgeon specializing in reconstructive or commonly known as, "plastic" surgery. Several times before surgery and when not in the correct mind-set, with my iPhone 3GS and Apple's In-Ear Headphones (which I might add are amazing - a bit pricey at $79.00 on the Apple Store but the sound output, is wow+ for Apple!!), I get quickly back into the correct state of mind!
Off US iTunes I downloaded several Armin van Buuren tracks and later from his "fan site" I learned of his upcoming 2008 Imagine concert in Holland - which I attended with a girlfriend. An expensive, but unforgettable weekend as South Africa is not exactly next door!
If you have gotten this far reading this - do yourself a favor and download his Imagine Album off iTunes - both the live and recorded version - and then listen to them with your plug-in! Don't take my word - as reviewed, Imagine is widely recognized as the best ever Trance / Dance album. If you enjoyed it, then I suggest heading to http://www.armadamusic.com and get the DVD live recording in HD 5.1 stereo, which is literally spell binding!? - to me DJ's like him at the top of this genre, are today's modern era Beethoven's and Bach's!
This past weekend I downloaded off a US torrent site, Pink Floyd's - Delicate Sound of Thunder (live album) - sadly its very hard to find today. I tweaked it using the Mac MP3 freeware app, Audacity - more Bass, Threshold etc and when played through your DPS plug-in, SRS iWow and the Sound Sticks together at full throttle, is awesome. Its sad it never came out in DVD (in VHS only). I used LimeWire Pro to search and download it as a torrent.
In many ways being able to travel abroad as extensively as I do, I am extremely fortunate and privileged to absorb a better appreciation of music than say being seated at my iMac on iTunes. I use iTunes to fill in the gaps and without it I'd be lost. For example, attending the London Symphonic Orchestra at The Royal Albert Hall, is a no-brainer compared to going clubbing - the latter, I can do anywhere. I also enjoy the genre lounge, chill, soft house etc. no of which made much sense to me, that is until spending time at the Paris Buddha Bar Lounge or after visiting Ibiza.
And what may I ask is yours…?
