The video for “Tonight, Tonight” captured my
imagination – hurtling in space and fighting space invaders while the jovial moon
watches overhead. I was only 11 and very impressionable. Though, even at that
age I knew it was special. To this day I cannot listen to that song without picturing
scenes from the video. I knew I had to own the album.

Since my brother worked at a local music store I asked him
to purchase me a copy. One morning I found it waiting for me at the foot of the
living room steps. I clutched the fatboy jewel case and inspected the contents and
waited to dive in after arriving home from school. That evening I was able to
unearth the music that would mark my soul forever. The first notes of the piano
perked up my ears. This is a rock album? I was too young to understand how
varied and nuanced an album could be. This was my coming of age. Its scope is broad
and yet every track is so focused. No detail is left to chance.

When I hear it now memories flood back to me of my youth.
Nostalgia drowns my thoughts more than any other musical recollection. It’s a
reminder of the awe-inspiring nature of music and why musicians dedicate their
lives to the cause. Reaching just one of us makes it all worth it. I am
evidence of that.