While riding in the car with my adult son the other day, The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album was streaming on his phone through his car speakers. I happily sang along with the songs, reminiscing about the album’s cover art and how I loved the animated cartoon Yellow Submarine. And it got me thinking of things I truly miss from my own childhood and the unlikelihood that kids today will ever experience them. I know that every generation talks about the good ole days. But nonetheless, I miss my good ole days. So join me as I go down my memory lane and share the things from childhood that I miss, starting with:
MUSIC
Today is all about immediate gratification. And how we enjoy music is no different.
Nowadays, purchasing music can be done anywhere, at any time. No waiting for mom or dad to drive you to the local music store to buy your favorite single, album or tape.
I have fond memories of rushing home from Sam Goody (remember that record store?), closing my bedroom door, carefully opening my new “LP” from its wrapper and placing it on my turntable. There was something so special about that moment when the needle first hit the record and the music began to play through the speakers.
And there was once a time when radios were the primary source of where we heard our music. Do you remember patiently waiting for the DJ to play your favorite single on your AM/FM radio? And if you missed it, oh well! You’d have to keep on listening or call in a request.
And that leads me to…
ALBUM COVER ART
This is an aspect of music that I truly miss. Album cover art has always played an important part in telling the story of an entire album. Take a look at The Beatles Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Heart Band and Pink Floyd’s Dark Moon as two examples. The art doesn’t just grab the attention of the record buyer but turns a passive listener into an active listener.
Many album covers are true works of art. I remember trying to draw the artwork from many an album cover. And sometimes, there were even hidden messages within the detailed artwork. Kind of like a “Where’s Waldo?” of music.
And best of all, the album cover art helped convert many listeners into super fans.
COMEDY HOURS AND VARIETY SHOWS
Do you remember watching any of these prime time variety shows? The Carol Burnett Show, The Flip Wilson Show, The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, The Donny and Marie show? And of course, there is the most popular variety show of all time – Saturday Night Live – which started airing in 1975 and is still going strong.
When I was a teenager, SNL was must see TV on Saturday night. And for some viewers, other channels offered late night music shows where the favorite bands and singers of the day performed. Remember The Midnight Special (1973–1981) or Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert (1973–1981)?
Campy and silly? Yes. But these shows were fun and an escape from our daily lives. And they were about as close as you’d get to a reality show back then. And I miss them.
LESS CARS AND TRAFFIC
Gone are the days when getting behind the wheel of your car is truly relaxing. The sheer number of cars on the road, increased congestion and aggressive driving has made taking to the road less pleasurable. Taking a joy ride? I’m not sure this is as easy as it once was.
And today, it is the norm for households to own more than two cars. As a kid, there was only one car, and it was shared between my parents. And when I learned to drive, you borrowed your parent’s car. And getting a used car was like hitting the lottery.
LESS NEWS PROGRAMMING
In the “good ole days, TV news was on three times per day –morning, before dinner and late night. The top networks aired the news. There was no cable news and 24 hour programming. And we read about news in our daily newspaper which was usually deliverd by a local kid every morning.
With all the benefits of having information at our fingertips, news (and many politicians) have created an us vs. them arena. News is more divisive than ever. Ugh!
And yes, we can switch channels or turn off the television. But there’s just too much news – and most of it is neither inspiring or happy.
KIDS PLAYING SPORTS FOR FUN
Let’s face it. Sports and travel sports have become a monetary windfall for many. Gone are the days when kids just played sports to get outside and have fun. It’s real competitive and it’s all about getting that college scholarship.
And that leads to how over scheduled our kids are nowadays.
LESS SCHEDULING
It’s not like sports and other activities didn’t exist decades ago. But now, it just seems like everyone is doing something almost every day after school, if not every day, and on the weekends. And parents are always on the run. Off to a practice, a dance class, a music lesson. The activities go on and on. And God help you if you have more than one kid and/or you’re a single parent. You need to be cloned or drink a lot of caffeine.
A DAY OF REST
I don’t consider myself the most religious person but there is something to be said for one day a week that is set aside for family, rest and reflection. at one time, Sundays were just that. Most stores were closed. Families found a way to use the day to eat together, go to church, relax and reboot for the coming week.
Nowadays, we are so plugged in all the time that doing this seems to take a lot of effort that many just don’t want to exert.
And that leads me to the next thing I miss terribly…
UNPLUGGING FROM THE WORLD (no, really..I mean it!)
We can no longer go out for a walk or leave our home without our phone. Enough said.
And last but not least…
RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHER
Seriously, I ask this question. What has happened to us as a society? I’m not getting on my soap box but my goodness, how times have changed. People have always disagreed but too many have just become more nasty. I believe there is still a lot of good in this world. But the increase in divisiveness, racism, hate and bad manners have definitely reared their ugly head. Look at what is going on in the supposed “friendly skies?” Read my thoughts about this by clicking here:https://followmyyellowbrickroad.com/?paged=7&cat=1
