There is probably a better way of explaining this phenomenon, but this is the way I make sense of it. In practice, it means listening to a particular song (or more) and being brought back to a specific moment in time. Not a “vibe” but a specific memory, forever (or until now) associated with that particular piece of music.
As I sort through my personal music library, I’m re-experiencing plenty of moments with specific songs.
Right now, it’s The Weeknd’s 2011 mixtape, “House of Balloons.” I can’t listen to any of the songs from that first offering without remembering being in the backseat of a rideshare (found via Craigslist) driving to Montreal. My Actually Cool friend was the one who introduced us to the music, taking the initiative on picking the music.
Earlier, I was listening through The Used’s songs, and while many of the songs remind me of fandom there’s one that just brings me back to my morning bus rides to film class. “I Caught Fire” was the third single from that release, but it’s the one I heard on my local radio, and one of the songs I put on my then state-of-the-art portable music player.
Death Cab’s “Transatlanticism” is the ride to and from my guitar classes. Incubus’ “Morning View” and Lifehouse’s “Stanley Climbfall” were on rotation in my hip portable CD player when I went on my junk mail delivery route.
Rihanna’s “Only Girl” is the bus ride to the gym, right after I’d asked someone out on Facebook Messenger. I can nearly feel the nerves prickling; that anticipation. Despite what followed, this is the imprinted memory (I prefer this!)
I wouldn’t be the television junkie I am without multiple screen references; Matthew Goode, “Weapon”; that scene in QAF #308, Journey, “Don’t Stop Believing”; I’m afraid that’s a Glee flashback. Alexis Murdoch, “Orange Sky” or Finley Quaye, “Dice” immediately bring The O.C. to mind.
I have more, but I also would love for those inclined to share their own.