Nostalgia-Article originally featured in The Voice of Chicago

Many years ago, when I was still learning in Kollel, several educational and mental health professionals approached me about a teaching job involving music. One of the role’s responsibilities included addressing memory retention through music and song. The professionals explained that different parts of the brain allow us to complete different tasks, and the part of the brain used for memory retention is separate from the part used for music. By incorporating music to teach the material, students can better remember what they learn, which explains why teachers tend to teach various yedios klaliyos, or general knowledge, as songs. While I have not thoroughly researched this topic, I have noticed in my own life as well that I remember knowledge with the help of music (such as parsha leining) much better than material I have spent the same amount of time and effort learning.

This story leads me to an interesting phenomenon in Jewish music I have been thinking about lately: Although there are plenty of new, up-and-coming songs and artists to look out for, a good portion of the most popular music purchases are albums featuring a fresh take on older songs.

Why are artists re-recording these songs when we can simply refer to the original tunes? There is something about the music we grew up with that touches a special place in our hearts, and it simply deserves another moment to shine. For example, last year Baruch Levine put out an album of English songs called Off the Record, which was so popular that he recently released a second album called Off the Record Side B. This new album, like the last one, has been playing on repeat in my home and car. Not only does it remind me of the amazing music of years past, but it also brings back some very pleasant memories from when these songs were originally recorded.

When I heard that Baruch was working on his second English classics album, I was curious about which other older songs would be included. So many of the classics were already on the first album, so what was left to add? Boy, did I underestimate Baruch and his producer Donny Gross. My personal favorite is the “Midos Machine Medley,” which can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Their rendition of “We Can Do Teshuva,” also brings back special memories. I, as a twelve-year-old, together with my brother and album producer Yosef Kirsch, are actually the original singers of that song! That was my first time in a recording studio and I remember it fondly. (For the record, although my mother is mistakenly credited on the album cover as the co-composer and lyricist, the true credit belongs to Yosef Kirsch.)

I am always excited to hear new music, but it’s a great treat to hear songs from long ago which don't require me to pull out their dusty CDs. I eagerly await the next nostalgia album which will surely bring a smile to many.