Before he died of depression in 2018, I did not know who Anthony Bourdain was. I still have not read any of his books, or watched any of his TV shows. I have not yet seen the recent documentary, Roadrunner, although I will.

I have however, listened to all 7 hours and 300 songs on the Roadrunner playlist. The director of Roadrunner kept a list of all the music Anthony mentioned during his interviews over the years. I did not know what to expect. 

Well. I feel like Anthony and I could have had some terrific conversations and not even mention food. It’s not that his music is to my taste, moreover it was what I learned about his youth, his sensibilities. The playlist is heavy on late 1970’s New York punk. Lots of Iggy Pop. Lots of heavy guitar riffs. And then there are Nancy Sinatra tracks sprinkled in with other surprises. 

It put me in mind of how, back in the day, it was standard practice to sit yourself down in front of someone’s stereo equipment and rifle through their album collection. It was a way of getting to know a person, finding common ground, or learning something unexpected. Playlists may serve the same function, but it is not acceptable to open up someone’s phone to scroll through their favourite music. Touring someone’s album collection was akin to looking at their art, or perusing their bookshelf.

Things that make you go hmmm… What would my playlist, or long loved album collection say about me? What does yours say about you?

I’ve had a lovely summer, I hope all of you have too. Great to be back.

Stay safe everyone.

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger.  Facebook or Twitter.