More questions answered by The Oracle... (submit yours now!)
July 1, 2009 - submitted by Siobhain, Australia
Q. Hi Oracle, I was wondering why/how we get goose bumps? More specifically how can music cause the reaction?
The Oracle replies:
I'll start with the latter part of your question. Music evokes an emotive response which triggers a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. It controls many reactions in the body including goosebumps. There's been some research which concluded that it's usually melancholy thoughts that send a chill when we hear music that may remind us of a particular sad moment. I myself experience them with happy memories associated with music or at live concerts (especially during Politik) so not sure about that theory. As human hair is very fine, it stands on end and as they pull up they cause the appearance of goose flesh.
July 1, 2009 - submitted by Jennifer, United States of America
Q. This may be a dumb question, but I am highly curious. I was watching the news about Michael Jackson's death, and they were talking about his debt. They then mentioned that he owned, what I think, were the rights to at least a 100 Beatles songs. Does it not strike you as odd that a musician that had nothing to do with the creation of their music gets money from it now?
The Oracle replies:
This is an interesting yet strange thing indeed as MJ actually outbid Paul McCartney to become the owner of those rights. The publishing company were selling off catalogues but I think it would have been fairer to offer The Beatles songs to Sir Paul at a price rather than someone else buy them! Michael only bought the rights that the publishing company held; as publishers don't get 100% of the royalties, he didn't also get what McCartney and the estate of John Lennon would automatically receive. A few years ago MJ sold 50% of his assets to Sony too and it was widely reported that Michael always intended to give the rights back to Paul. His will may prove that to be true...
July 1, 2009 - submitted by Renate, Netherlands
Q. Dear Oracle! I heard a version of Clocks on the radio which I have never heard before. It was a kind of samba sound with trumpets. It was very good and different, it was no live version but a studio one. Do you know which one I mean and please can you tell me where I can find it? Thanks
The Oracle replies:
That'll be the Rhythms Del Mundo. It was performed by members of Cuba's Buena Vista Social Club plus other Havana-based musicians.
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