Reminiscing with Gregorian Music

When I first heard the Gregorian Chants back in the 1980s, it was a breath of fresh air to the Alternative music dominating the airwaves at the time. Despite sounding like it belonged in another century, the style was extremely haunting and relaxing.

Fading of the 1980s

But as the 80s gave way to the 90s, the previous generation of music began to fade away. I will admit to being exhausted. With so much happening in the 1980s at breakneck speed, I got tired and allowed the music to fade into the background.

[Whew.]

Middle of the 2010s

Now that we are approaching 2014, I am pleasantly surprised to see that 1980s music is making a comeback. Just like when my generation was enamored with the 1950s, the case is the same with our children as they bring back the memory of the 1980s.

In fact, it is more than just the music. Looking at the different Korean bands on shows like MTv and Channel V, one would think that the 80s never left us. Everything from the color of their clothes to the choreographed dance moves are so 80s.

[Even their eye glasses are the same.]

However, just like the generation before me, I’m none too pleased with the way old 80s songs are being resurrected today. Some are acoustic, some are rap, and some just have totally bizarre arrangements.

[Sigh.]

Now I know how our parents felt when we took their songs and changed them. Some of the ones that come to mind include Safety Dance which was redone by Men Without Hats and You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling was refreshed by Hall and Oats.

I guess getting old means that one gets to be a little possessive of their memories. So hearing our songs get mangled kind of feels like people are throwing away our past.

Which brings me to Gregorian…

Gregorian

One day, back in the 1980s, a friend played a cassette tape while hanging out in his house. I recall stopping dead in my tracks a few moments after the song started and asked him, “What the heck is that?”

Surprised at my seemingly negative reaction, he hastily explained who Gregorian was and what their music was all about. But before he even finished talking, I followed up my question with, “I liked it!” And to this day, it remains one of my favorite groups from that era.

But as the 1980s. 1990S, and 2000s came and went, many songs were forgotten; including that tape of Gregorian.

Then a few days ago, my good friend Winefredo Rodriguez lent me a CD of Gregorian’s newer music. And just like all those years ago, I could not help but exclaim, “I like it!”

[It’s like the 80s all over again!]

The interesting about this CD is that they sing more modern songs; some of which I never bothered with. It’s not that the music was bad; it was just… well… not from the 80s, that’s all. But when I heard Gregorian’s version, it was like, “Whoa! I gotta get me a copy of each and every CD they’ve been churning out!”

[Which will put me in the poor house, so I’ll probably pass on that one for now.]

Everything old is new again. Even the new is newer. Thanks to Gregorian. And the best part about it is that I don’t associate the clothes, the colors, the hair, and the attitude of the 80s with their CD.

[Not that they were bad back then, mind you.]

It’s just that this CD transports me to a different time and place, minus the stuff some of us would like to forget.

[Please stop the memories from flooding back…]

Final Thoughts

Did you know that Gregorian is actually a German group? Me neither! I actually thought they were English, And it took me nearly three decades just to get that tidbit of information.

Back then, most, if not all, of their songs were performed males. This CD has a couple of songs with female voices sung in the same haunting style. But even if times have changed, Gregorian still remains true to its roots.

There are actually only two entertainers I consider to be the best when it comes to hauntingly beautiful songs. And as far as males go, it is Gregorian. But when it comes to the female side, it has to be Enya.

Well, time for me to head out. I’ll be checking out Rannie Raymundo at his new venue at the Primos Cuisine and Lounge in Greenwoods, which was the old EDSA Crossing in Mandaluyong .

If you happen to be an 80s Baby or are simply looking for music to relax to, try grabbing a copy of Gregorian and sure to play it in a cool, dark, and quiet room to get the maximum effect.