I can't imagine life without music; few thing bring me such joy and such an opportunity for lifelong learning, emotional rescue and bonds with other people.

Earlier today I was listening to the first "Will the Circle be Unbroken Album" and enjoyed remembering my grandma (to my 19-year-old surprise) singing along with some of the songs (on a Dirt Band album!?!). After my mom had a stroke, her speech was limited but she could still sing, which led to some precious moments during a nightmare period of life.

I admit I'm puzzled by the original question -- what on earth does watching a movie on a plane have to do with, say, Jessye Norman singing Mahler's Second Symphony? And ditto for talk radio? Ick, ick, ick.

Lumping anything "audio" into a single category -- as this discussion seems to be doing -- is so weird I have trouble responding to it.

I hate the sounds of other people in the house with me, but I have yet to find a way to stop that.