January 2014
The Erotic Power of Music
“If music be the food of love, play on.” William Shakespeare
Broadly speaking, an aphrodisiac is anything that excites or prolongs passion. Those who live the Life of the Senses place a high value on spontaneity, but, as artists , know that ofttimes we must settle for the illusion of such.
Music, as I frequently say, can be one of the most powerful aphrodisiacs of all. It may be arousing for one or both of two reasons—the sensual character of the music itself or the associations it evokes in the listener.
Who isn’t familiar with the phenomenon of being enveloped in a cloud of nostalgia upon hearing a song from the past? Although this is an individual matter, some assumptions can be made. One is that there are already sparks between you and your heart’s desire. If you are of similar age, taste, and background, chances are that you will already share some favorite music.
A word of caution here. Many nostalgic pieces heard initially after the age of puberty will be accompanied by memories of past romances. If you prefer not to awaken any of these associations in your guest, try to concentrate on music from that person’s childhood. Such music will evoke feelings of the relative security we tend to associate with those times, veiled in the mist of idealization that the passage of time affords. Believe me, this is a wonderful technique for transporting your guest just one step from reality—which is exactly where you want him or her. And remember, too, that the music your guest hears tonight with you will cast its own spell and ever after remind him/her of you.
As for music that is sensual in itself, there is everything from the subtle to the obvious. Save the throbbing drum beats for when you know each other a little better. The music of the Middle East (a favorite of mine, in case you hadn’t noticed) can be deliriously sensual. Turkish and Armenian music especially. Arabic and North African music is less melodic and more heavily rhythmic.
Spanish guitar is achingly seductive. Folk music of many nations has a basic appeal. Find something to which you are naturally drawn, listen to a lot of it, familiarize yourself with its nuances and special qualities, then build a fantasy evening around it.
The desire to dance arises naturally when we hear music. The opportunity for close bodily contact while maintaining total decorum builds erotic tension. You may dance cheek-to-cheek or abandon yourselves to some pulsating Latin rhythms. You will know if the mood is right. Or, if you play an instrument well—perhaps the guitar, the flute, or the piano—by all means treat your guest to a performance (If the tuba or the didgeridoo is your forte, better forget it).
December 2013
Soundtrack from The Mambo Kings
The Mambo Kings soundtrack features several Latin musical stars: Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Arturo Sandoval, Benny Moré, and Johnny Pacheco, as well as others who are associated with American popular music, namely Los Lobos and Linda Ronstadt, and The Mambo All Stars, which is a “dance band composed of studio sidemen,” whatever that means. Also Antonio Banderas sings. In 2000 a slightly different version was released.
This soundtrack is a fabulous selection of music typical of the Cuban music that was popular in America in the Fifties. The various pieces include mambos, rumbas, boleros, and cha cha chas. The dance music is hot and upbeat and the love songs soulful and lovely. You might be familiar with Como Fue (How it Was) and of course, nearly everybody knows Perfidia, my favorite, sung by Linda Ronstadt in both Spanish and English on the recording. My favorite lines from the song are:
“With a sad lament my dreams have faded like
A broken melody
While the gods of love look down and laugh at what romantic fools
We mortals be.”
And it’s so true, isn’t it? Then, Celia Cruz sings another favorite of yours, mine, and everybody’s, “Guantanamera,” that most famous and beautiful of patriotic songs. The centerpiece song of the movie, “Beatiful Maria of My Soul” was co-written by the director, Arne Glimcher. What a talented man he is! And I can’t forget to mention the very erotic dance scene between Armand Assante and Marushka Detmers,
November 2013
The Joys of Belly Dancing
Have you ever considered belly dancing? I’m tempted to talk about the health benefits, which, of course, there are some, as with any form of exercise. But let’s forget about those for the time being. Let’s concentrate on the fun part because that’s what we’re all about here, isn’t it, here on the Wilder Shores?
I knew a woman who taught belly dancing to anorexics and bulemics and who had great success. She said that the change in their body image was quite remarkable, and, in case you didn’t already know, a distorted body image is at the root of these disorders.
The act of belly dancing makes a woman feel beautiful. But belly dancing is more than just a set of movements to a certain type of music. Costume is all-important. So is hairstyle and make-up. So is venue. So is the audience. I’m talking primarily about those of us who have no professional aspirations in this art but rather who do it privately, for the entertainment of self and loved ones.
Of course, the same things apply to the pros but they often have no control over their audience, for example. One friend, who hired herself out for a private party given by a friend, said she would never do it again because one of the guests yelled out, “Take it off, belly dancer!” thereby destroying the mood. Plus there was too much light. These things are important.
Take some lessons and see if it lights a spark. Like all dancing, it feels good. It also feels intensely female. The sexual part, not the nurturing part. The goddess thing, you know. It will stimulate your creative juices because, if you do like it, you will find yourself designing costumes and putting together musical selections, and going completely bananas with makeup and jewelry. You may even start attending seminars and subscribing to magazines on the subject. And you will meet interesting people. What more can a girl want?
As you may have guessed, I’ve done all this. And to excess, of course, which is the only way to do anything that makes us happy, right? My friend, Sonia, who is also a salsa dancer, feels just as I do. So does Dianna, who went through this phase with me. We gave a really fabulous party together for friends and loved ones.
The music of the Middle East is hauntingly beautiful and has great variety. My favorites are the Armenian, the Turkish, and the Hebrew. And the food likewise is delicious and has great variety. Maybe I’ll talk more about such a party in the entertainment section.
October 2013
Here is a profound and insightful excerpt from The Golden Bough, by James Frazer, one of my favorite books, It’s from the last page of Chapter 31, Adonis in Cyprus
“Again, just as the cloud of melancholy which from time to time darkened the moody mind of Saul was viewed as an evil spirit from the Lord vexing him, so on the other hand the solemn strains of the harp, which soothed and composed his troubled thoughts, may well have seemed to the hag-ridden king the very voice of God or of his good angel whispering peace. Even in our own day a great religious writer, himself deeply sensitive to the witchery of music, has said that musical notes, with all their power to fire the blood and melt the heart, cannot be mere empty sounds and nothing more; no, they have escaped from some higher sphere, they are outpourings of eternal harmony, the voice of angels, the Magnificat of saints. It is thus that the rude imaginings of primitive man are transfigured and his feeble lispings echoed with a rolling reverberation in the musical prose of Newman. Indeed the influence of music on the development of religion is a subject which would repay a sympathetic study. For we cannot doubt that this, the most intimate and affecting of all the arts, has done much to create as well as to express the religious emotions, thus modifying more or less deeply the fabric of belief to which at first sight it seems only to minister. The musician has done his part as well as the prophet and the thinker in the making of religion. Every faith has its appropriate music, and the difference between the creeds might almost be expressed in musical notation. The interval, for example, which divides the wild revels of Cybele from the stately ritual of the Catholic Church is measured by the gulf which severs the dissonant clash of cymbals and tambourines from the grave harmonies of Palestrina and Handel. A different spirit breathes in the different music.”
September 2013
I have been in love with Latin music ever since I discovered it. If you have not yet had that experience, you are in for a treat. Many people have had this experience. My friends Sonia and Valerie, for example. We all love to dance but, having once discovered salsa, we have lost interest in everything else, like Ulysses in the land of the lotus-eaters.
Usually they lure you in with a free lesson, counting on the fact that you will be one of those who find it irresistible. I recommend that you give salsa a whirl. The music will send fire through your veins. It’s full of passion and romance and will make you forget all your troubles.
Then you will find that you must have the proper shoes. They make all the difference Here are some fabulous songs to which you can dance salsa: Acuyuye and Muevete by Dark Latin Groove (DLG) La Comay by La Sonora Carruseles, Lloraras (You Will Cry), an old classic by Oscar d’Leon, Juliana by Cuco Valoy, and, my favorite salsa song for the last few moons is La Llave (The Key) by Grupo Latin Vibe. Check them out.
You forgot to put Mas y Mas, by Los Fantasmas del Caribe, on your list.
Im grateful for the article post.Thanks Again. Really Great. buy ventolin
I like this web site so a lot, saved to favorites.
I am commenting to let you know what a exceptional experience my wife
naturally like your web site I’ll definitely come back again.
It can be difficult to write about this topic. I believe you did a fantastic job though! Thanks for this!
I wanted to pay a visit to and allow you to know how wonderful I liked discovering your web weblog today. I
Fantastic help from this blog! Thanks alot for the information I required
I just want to mention I am newbie to blogging and site-building and truly loved you’re web-site. Likely I’m planning to bookmark your website . You certainly have excellent well written articles. Thanks for sharing your web page.
Hiya, I’m really glad I have found this information. Today bloggers publish only about gossips and web and this is actually annoying. A good site with interesting content, that is what I need. Thanks for keeping this web-site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.
Very fascinating subject, appreciate it for posting.
I have recently started a blog, the information you provide on this site has helped me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work.
I simply want to say I am new to blogging and site-building and certainly liked your page. Most likely I’m planning to bookmark your site . You really have really good stories. Bless you for sharing with us your website.
ujgntsodct
thnx for these magnificent designs..
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Very helpful information particularly the last part :) I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.
That is the right weblog for anyone who wants to seek out out about this topic. You notice so much its almost arduous to argue with you (not that I actually would need…HaHa). You undoubtedly put a new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just nice!
I just want to tell you that I am very new to blogging and site-building and definitely liked this blog. Likely I’m likely to bookmark your blog . You absolutely come with terrific articles. Many thanks for revealing your blog site.
I really like the points that you stated in this post. I really enjoyed reading and going through your post, I shared it with my friends on Facebook. Feel free to check out my sons Facebook page: Asphalt 8 Hack Asphalt 8 Cheats https://www.facebook.com/Asphalt8HackAsphalt8Cheats
voir voyance en ligne franceDecouvrir notre excellent post : voyance par telephone gratuite
voyance par telephone perpignanConsulter mon nouveau site web : voyance gratuite en ligne
Consulter le superbe site : cigarette electronique paris
Voir le excellent post : Acheter ecigarette
Voir notre excellent post : http://capoeiraforum.org
Consulter ce nouveau blog : Sauvegarde en ligne
Nice post. I learn one thing more difficult on different blogs everyday. It’ll at all times be stimulating to read content from different writers and follow a little something from their store. I’d choose to make use of some with the content on my weblog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a hyperlink on your net blog. Thanks for sharing.
This is the right web site for everyone who wishes to understand this topic.
You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa).
You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic that has been
written about for many years. Excellent stuff, just great!
I wish to voice my respect for your generosity giving support to women who have the need for assistance with that situation. Your very own dedication to passing the solution across had been extremely good and has specifically encouraged many people like me to achieve their targets. The warm and friendly facts can mean a lot to me and substantially more to my colleagues. With thanks; from all of us.
Very nice post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve really loved browsing your weblog posts. In any case I will be subscribing for your feed and I hope you write again soon!
voyance par telephone en ligne perpignanDecouvrir le superbe site : voyance gratuite immediate
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back later on. Cheers
I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something too few people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this during my hunt for something concerning this.
you could have an ideal blog here! would you prefer to make some invite posts on my weblog?
perfect post. I am flabbergasted as contained substance. I’ll try to drop in in more frequently and pay a visit this site. Good luck is in your suit. Describing posts on your web page. I was inspired to you. I would recommend to all and add to tuck.
I think this website has got some fantastically good information for everyone. “Variety is the soul of pleasure.” by Aphra Behn.
I like reading an article that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for permitting me to comment!
Hi there very nice site!! Man .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your website and take the feeds additionally…I am satisfied to seek out numerous useful information right here in the publish, we’d like develop more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
Great blog you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics talked about here? I’d really love to be a part of online community where I can get responses from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Bless you!
Simply wanna remark that you have a very decent website, I enjoy the pattern it really stands out.
Nice blog here! Also your website loads up fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol
Thank you for another informative web site. Where else could I get that type of info written in such a perfect way? I’ve a project that I am just now working on, and I’ve been on the look out for such information.
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up and also the rest of the site is really good.|
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read something like that just before. So nice to learn somebody by original suggestions on this topic. realy appreciation for beginning this up. this website is a single factor that is certainly needed on the internet, a person having a little originality. beneficial task for bringing intriguing factors on the web!
Truly informative and genial to look at the text. I am impressed with your composition skills. Sam I contend different blogs and adapting them to a similar opulence of speech attracts so many fans of skilled style. I tot up to your bookmarks, in the conviction that you will do the same. On a former occasion again, outstanding blog, capacious label, and I wish you continued ascendancy in discovery interesting info, which should contemporary to the world.
you’re really a good webmaster jdodss. The site loading speed is amazing. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork. you have done a excellent job on this topic!
I could not resist commenting. Exceptionally well written!|
I?ve recently started a web internet site, the info you offer on this website has aided me tremendously. Thank you for all of the time & work.
ce texte est un bon exemple de recherche exhaustive et d’analyse pondérée.
Sur ce site, j’ai pu trouver des prestations pratiques que je vais intégrer dans ma vie jour après jour.