To return to the theme of musical reactions changing with time, I want to speak of "Smoke gets in Your Eyes."

When I was age 10 - 13, my mother would iron clothes in our dining room. Clothes would be piled on the table, she'd turn on the radio, and I would do homework or fold socks, keeping her company. I heard of a lot of easy listening and old standards.

When I heard "Smoke gets in Your Eyes" by the Platters, I disliked it instantly. What the heck was that abrupt, gurgling wail about? A couple days ago I listened to it again, and I feel the same. What the heck vowel is that supposed to be? I didn't like it then and I don't like it now.

One day a DJ played "Smoke gets in Your Eyes" by the Platters and then by (I think) Sam Cooke. Mom and I agreed that we liked the old-fashioned version better. I think that a lot of our musical sensibility is innate and inherited.