Songs in the Key of My Life: A Memoir
Written by Ferentz LaFargue
Review by Dan Tres OMi
There are times when we fail to notice how music plays an important part of our lives. When a particular song that one has not listened to in a long time comes on, memories begin to flood one's senses. Images of time long past begin to surface. Forgotten names and events are suddenly remembered as if they were encountered the day before. There is a reason why people want to listen to old school jams at wedding receptions. Ferentz LaFargue, an assistant professor of literature at Eugene Lantz College, reminds us all of this key fact in Songs in the Key of My Life.
Each chapter wears the title of a particular song that played the background in the key events of LaFargue's life. He begins with how Stevie Wonder's classic album, Songs in the Key of Life, remained the constant in his life. It was there when he began to know his fiancées family. When she decided to break off their engagement, Stevie Wonder was there for him again. From there, we are teleported back into his childhood in Queens. There LaFargue was a metal head amongst hardcore b-boys. He was Haitian and being a little chubby didn't help at all. Yet music was his refuge.
The book is thoroughly enjoyable. It will have one laughing and falling out of bed. Some moments are tragic yet LaFargue is tremendously honest. Like the artists in the songs he discusses, LaFargue lets loose. It is his honesty that drives the book. Some argue that such honesty from a brother is rare. LaFargue does not seem hesitant to express his innermost feelings. He discusses loss and betrayal as easily as he discusses joy and ecstacy.
LaFargue definitely does his thing. He even discusses the background on some of the artists. He even points out the uneasiness of being a fan of some of the controversial artists such as R Kelly. The music is diverse and his insight is witty. It is amazing to see how others feel about particular songs that others may like. This writer is thankful that he stumbled upon LaFargue in the first issue of the Bronx Biannual.
Labels: Bronx Biannual, Ferentz Lafargue, R Kelly, Songs in the Key of My Life, Stevie Wonder
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