On this Thursday where normally I would be sharing Grammy Hall of Fame albums (and soon would share Grammy Hall of Fame singles), I have come to learn that my connection to the Grammy website is unsecured and dangerous if I bypass the warning. And so instead Thursdays will be journal entries with, of course, music as entry topics.
In this launch edition of Set List Journal, I am reminiscing my early "duranie" days.
I was only ten years old when I first heard "Ordinary World." I was a bit too young to understand the meaning behind the lyrics to every song on the album, so I shelved the thought of a purchase until another time.
I was 21 years old when I came across "Reach Up For the Sunrise" and this time I was not too young. A purchase was now a must.
The Astronaut album has special meaning to me beyond being my first album in what is now a very long collection. Janet was my Grammy. She was my father's mother as well as my aunt's. She led a long and privileged life with wealth always at her doorstep. She was, nonetheless, my grammy. I once told her of my love for Duran Duran and the Astronaut album. I was nervous and embarrassed to admit because who are they to her. She laughed off my awkwardness and insisted on buying a copy for the upcoming holidays. I was in shock and let's leave it at that.
Every time I listen to any of the songs on the album, I think of her. She passed away in November 2021 at the age of 96. We did not have a close bond but I did love her. In the only way she knew to love me was with such a gesture as Duran Duran.
She used to call me love duck. I will always call her Grammy.
Signing off for the day.
