Nostalgia: Why Do We Love or Hate It?

**Janszoon** · 03-11-2013, 10:11 AM

I think a lot of my reason for listening to nostalgic tracks is that it's the closest thing I have time travel. I listen when I'm in a mood to reminisce and it's usually kind of bittersweet experience.

misspoptart · 03-12-2013, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

I think a lot of my reason for listening to nostalgic tracks is that it's the closest thing I have to time travel.

Wow, so true though. There are songs that when I have shuffle on and my whole collection is up for grabs that really transport me. At least for a few seconds, I am that person that listened to that song 5 or 10 years ago.

How long does nostalgia last in those instances? I tend to find it wears off after the first chorus or verse, or even the first 10-15 seconds of a nostalgic song. Do you have a similar experience, Jans?

Quote:

Originally Posted by djchameleon

I don't intentionally go looking for nostalgic type songs but when they pop up on a shuffle or random commercial I usually get pissed off about it and just want it turned off. The ones that usually have a strong effect on me is songs that are associated with certain exes. Those songs are forever tainted for me and I can no longer enjoy them.

So you're the first one to truly get upset about nostalgia, huh! I mean, I get upset sometimes too, but definitely not angry. I often go into a very sad mood and start dreaming up imaginary regrets and wishing I could do things over. Music is a seriously powerful tool in that way.

**Janszoon** · 03-12-2013, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by misspoptart

Wow, so true though. There are songs that when I have shuffle on and my whole collection is up for grabs that really transport me. At least for a few seconds, I am that person that listened to that song 5 or 10 years ago.

How long does nostalgia last in those instances? I tend to find it wears off after the first chorus or verse, or even the first 10-15 seconds of a nostalgic song. Do you have a similar experience, Jans?

For me it generally lasts for the duration of the song and even tends to linger when the song is over. There are also whole albums I have this experience with as well. For example Moby's album Play brings me right back to the apartment I had when I was 23 every single time I listen to it.

DwnWthVwls · 09-04-2014, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

I think a lot of my reason for listening to nostalgic tracks is that it's the closest thing I have time travel. I listen when I'm in a mood to reminisce and it's usually kind of bittersweet experience.

this exactly. It usually makes me depressed that I can never experience those things in the same way.

This track from a childhood video game has the harshest effect on me. Sometimes can have me bummed out for a few hours after the fact:

Spoiler for Ultima Online theme music:

03-11-2013, 10:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
Janszoon Mate, Spawn & Die Join Date: May 2007 Location: The Rapping Community Posts: 24,593	I think a lot of my reason for listening to nostalgic tracks is that it's the closest thing I have time travel. I listen when I'm in a mood to reminisce and it's usually kind of bittersweet experience. __________________ A Night in the Life of the Invisible Man Time & Place 25 Albums You Should Hear Before the Moon Crashes into the Earth and We All Die last.fm