easter is a time for renewal, and budding growth.  but buds aren’t the only things springing out of their cold winter sleep.  the people of the neighborhood are emerging as well, and with them a whole new soundscape.

predominant are the wooshing of cars with the increase in traffic (pleasure drivers, families going to the park to barbeque) and the radios playing turkish and arabic pop music that winds in and out through open windows and vibrates all the way down the street.

even knowing about the acculturation of tuning systems and categorical perception, and even with the experience of the last few seasons having this music a part of the city ambiance, it is still hard for me not to hear the half tones as out of tune. I know that what sounds like a flat lament is probably an artfully sung ode to joy, but my ears just still don’t believe it.