Unchained Melody and Auld Lang Syne

Unchained Melody is my favourite song. Number 1 all the way. I heard it for the first time as an instrumental. Where... On my 16 bit Sega console. It was the a midi format background score for the main menu of the game. I played that game a lot. So the music left a print on my mind. I would be able to identify that music anywhere in the world. I agree, that its possible that my vague introduction to the song is a reason I have such an affinity for it. The song is more than 50 years old. Introduced for a movie, 'Unchained'. I haven't seen the movie and have no judgement to give. I have heard several versions of the song. The midi to begin with. Then there was also The Righteous Brothers, Elvis Presley and U2. I personally consider the version of The Righteous Brothers, performed by Bobby Hatfield the ONLY version of the song that does it justice. I haven't heard the first and original version. Even so...
Honestly, I think Bono was high when he rendered his version. And it was Elvis Presley's last ever Live performance when his version was recorded, so you can say where I'm going with this. Don't get me wrong. U2 is very good, and Elvis Presley truly is a god. I could probably write whole posts about some of his songs. But I truly wish he had never performed Unchained Melody. While Gareth Gates' version got its share of recognition, I didn't like it. His voice is too feminine for a song where the guy is professing his love to a girl. Or so I think. It was overdone.
I've been listening to the song or a variation for nearly 16 years now. And I probably heard it with lyrics about 11 years ago. And I probably understood the song about 5 years ago. And i related to it 2 years ago. I love this song. If anyone asks me, its this one.

Auld Lang Syne. Its old Scottish. Now I don't go hunting for Scottish and arbit-language music, but this quite popular. Loosely translated, it means, "long long ago" or "days gone by" (courtesy: Wikipedia). The reference will be understood listening to the song when it comes to

For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne,

we'll take a cup of kindness yet,

for auld lang syne

Its obvious what it means. For the thick-skulled, it reminisces days gone by and is all nostalgic. Take a cup is the equivalent of toasting the good old times.
This song, in variations is the most popular all over the world for Christmas and New Years. It has a beautiful meaning. But the prize here is the melody. And with the two put together, you get a piece of art. Undeniably fabulous and loved by mostly everyone. You've heard this before. You almost definitely have. Its one of those songs. Others similar are 'Ode to Joy'(Beethovens 9th Symphony), and probably Tubthumping by Chumbawamba. Tubthumping is a one-hit for Chumbawamba, but it still serves the purpose of the point.
I first hear Auld Lang Syne as a ringtone on my Dads Nokia. One of the older bulkier models, which made its appearance in India. My new phone, Nokia3110c doesn't have Auld Lang Syne. Its moved to Bach :D...
Anyhow, I used to take this phone and go to a quiet corner and listen to the tune a couple of times a day or something. At the time, I didn't know what it meant. There were no words, it was monophonic. But the melody strung a note for me. It stayed. I never forgot the name. I did however, hear the songs at various times. In movies, TV shows and stuff. The Godfather Part II features it. A group of nurses sing it a hospital just around the time Michael tells Fredo that he knows it was him who attacked him. New Years Day midnight in the movie.
This song too, I have heard several versions. They include Kenny G, Boney M etc etc.. Several versions are choir performances. Two renditions, which I have listened to over and over and will not ever get tired of are,

1. From, "Its A Wonderful Life". Fabulous and amazing movie. It features at the end. I wont post any other spoilers. But in context and given the moment, it makes you smile with a tear and feel like singing along. This is one of the movies during which I shed a tear. For critics, go stuff yourselves.
2. Dropkick Murphys. For a group that's also released songs named, "F**k You, I'm Drunk" and "Irish Drinking Song", it seems like an odd choice. But Auld Lang Syne has many versions and several mutations. The Dropkick Murphys strung out a fast rock theme of the Pub Version. Great music and feet tapping.

I am not doing justice to several songs by singling out these two. I have plenty of favourites. I'm not saying I have greater exposure, just that I have lots of interests. Music related. But these are two songs, I don't ever remember skipping over or fast forwarding. I either repeat it innumerable times or listen to if it pops on my playlist.

One of the greatest regrets in my life is never to have learnt how to play a musical instrument. Its a lifes pursuit to learn how to play the violin, in a sound-proof room if nowhere else... And whether it happens at 22 or at 40, or 60, I will do it...

Take care readers. Thank You, faithful ones. This isn't a "smart blog". I'm just bakwaasing here... So if you read all this stuff, I'm grateful. I won't know if you did, but if you do, I'm voluntarily thankful. Take care...