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In my last installment, I suggested several ways to amplify and enhance the power of your written affirmations for the New Year with music. I received a few emails from individuals who couldn't locate a friend to share the recording experience (and two tape decks) with.

So here are a few additional suggestions.

1. If you only have one tape recorder, you can record your spoken affirmations, at full speaking volume. Do NOT have any music playing in the background when you do so. (Hint: record in your bathroom for the best acoustic resonance)

Now, play back your spoken recorded words while playing the music of your choice through your home stereo, boom box, or computer.

Although you won't have a "stand alone" recording to listen to anytime you want, you'll have the option of variety in soundtracks.

There is something special about hearing your own affirmations in your own voice that may compensate for less than ideal recording logistics.

Q: What if you don't have a tape recorder?

1. Buy one.

Walkman-style tape recorders with built in microphone are available at Radio Shack, Circuit City, Wal-Mart, etc., and are higher quality and less expensive than they were ten years ago! (There aren't many things in life that get better and less expensive with age, are there?)

2. If you don't want to buy a tape recorder:

If you have a telephone answering machine -- or even voice mail -- call yourself, and record your affirmations as a message. Then, queue up the music you want and retrieve your message.

Every day can be a new "virtual recording."

3. I'd prefer to listen to a pre-recorded tape or CD.

There are a number of companies that still offer subliminal audio affirmation programs, although they are challenging to find in most stores. Three sources that produce effective and reputable products are from Richard Sutphen, Eldon Taylor, and Steven Halpern (Soundwave 2000 subliminal series on the Inner Peace Music website).

Movie Review: In the Shadow of Motown

Run, don't walk, if this extraordinary documentary is playing anywhere near you. If you were of age in the 60s, if you loved the soundtrack of The Big Chill, if you love the music that the legendary Motown label gave to the world, you will love this salute to the under-recognized and "unsung" studio heroes who played on virtually all the Motown hits.

In the early, golden days of modern rock and soul music, there were only a handful of studios that recorded most of the hits. Unlike today, when hi-tech digital studios can be found in bedrooms, living rooms and garages around the world, back then, only record labels had recording studios. The label launched by Berry Gordy was one of them, following in the tradition of Sun Records in Memphis (where Elvis recorded). The same core musicians played on virtually every song; the singers and producers were essentially interchangeable.

These guys worked together so smoothly, it was like they had a telepathic vibe going on in the room ... and they cop to this in their on-screen reminiscing. "The Funk Brothers,' the name they gave themselves, were: James Jamerson (succeeded by Bob Babbit), Joe Hunter, Johnny Griffith, Joe Messina, Uriel Jones, Richard Allen, Jack Ashford and Eddie Willis.

Directed by Paul Justman, the film was inspired by Allan Slutsky's book on James Jamerson, the legendary, revolutionary bassist who, tragically, died at an early age.

The movie audience was dancing in their seats, toes tapping, heads bobbing, shouting and humming along. You will, too. Informative and entertaining, this is one not to be missed.

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Steven Halpern is one of the world's leading composers of music for healing, wellness, and inner peace. His latest recordings include PERFECT ALIGNMENT, featuring Grammy award winner Paul McCandless, and INNER PEACE II, with Madeleine Singer. Look for them at Borders, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, your neighborhood independent retailer, or online at www.innerpeacemusic.com. For a free catalogue call 1-800-909-0707

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