I know. Not everyone is moved by music. But like it or not, music connects with and moves people in ways little else does. For those folks…I’ve often used a tune or two that might help validate and normalize their experience as they plug into common themes, might give them a tool to use outside of sessions to remind them of specific things or to alter their mood or remember why they want to make different choices, and for those folks the music does something they or I couldn’t manage ourselves.
With some assistance I’ve been building a practice playlist with the idea of some shared musical experiences for our team and access to the widest variety of magical/musical styles, emotions, lyrics, etc., for those days when just that one song will do. So if you are one of those folks who enjoys the tunes and is on the lookout for new beats or if you have clients that could use a hummable reminder…you should be able to find something new here.
*standard disclaimer…some of these songs are brutally aggressive or ugly (kinda like life sometimes ([that’s why they’re on here]) and some use words even I find offensive and I’ll try to warn you with some kinda symbol when that’s going to be the case.
**less standard disclaimer…if you are certain there is not a style of music you don’t care for, I take that as a personal challenge and have a fairly good start so don’t expect to love or connect with everything…but you might be surprised here and there and find yourself going back to something that didn’t sit well at first aural glance. Happens to me all the time.
Selections by Category
Monday Motivator: Kinda Like A Workout Song For Your Noggin.
C’mon C’mon – The Von Bondies
I mean, it’s literally the title.
Heart Wrencher: Songs Embracing Good Reasons For Sadness, The Kind You Listen To In The Midst Of A Break Up While Eating A Tub Of Ice Cream Kinda Thing Or Finding Out Someone/Thing You Love Is Temporary.
Weird Goodbyes – The National with Bon Ives
Someone with a recent history of heart rending losses introduced me to this tune. Completely new to me.
Soul Satisfier: A Little Blast Of Positive Energy. I’m Always Opposed To Ignoring The Negative Or Unpleasant But No One Should Live There.
What A Wonderful World – Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole
Talk about a voice and vibe made for a song. It’s amazing how much wonderful stuff we stroll past everyday focused on all of the disaster that seems to be the regular diet nowadays. If you’re going to sort through the trash, might as well smell the flowers.
Caustic Cathartisizer: Angry And Aggressive…But Only For Catharsis I.e., Meant To Process Anger Not To Build On It.
Middle Finger – The Dropkick Murphys
I hope I never get lazy or complacent enough that this song didn’t have some appeal.
A Team: Love The Care And Skills Some of My Colleagues Have Put Into Their Work, This Is One Of The Ways I Like To Brag About Them. Maybe There’s Someone You’d Like To Champion.
All Star – Smash Mouth
Get your game on, go play.
Cool Groove: Just On The List Cause It’s Something To Which You Can Mentally Recline And Tap Your Feets.
Birdland – Buddy Rich
This tune is a blast. Might hear it again in this category, just focused on the trumpeter instead of the drummer. Just sayin’.
Terrific Technicians: Be It Classical Composing Or Shredding Their Instrument(S) With Amazing Precisions, A Fair Reminder That Combining Your Gifts And Ongoing, Non-Stop, And Intense Efforts Can Result In Incredible Skill That Touches People.
Zomby Woof – Frank Zappa
Frank himself isn’t in the video but his wild take on music is celebrated with skill.
Cultural Compositions: A Chance To Experience The Music Of Peoples Different From My Own Peoples, Even Though We Are All The Same Peoples.
Каділак – Dzidzio
A young Ukrainian chap introduced me to some music from far away including this luxurious gem. Talk about rollin’ in your caddy.
Squeeze Me?!?: Sometimes There Are Songs Or Groups That Represent Confusion Or Discomfort In Some Way By Being…Well, Their Own Particular Brand Of Weird. Helps Me Remember People Don’t Hear Or Interpret Anything The Same Way And This Tune Strikes Me That Way.
United States of Whatever – Liam Lynch
That is some peculiar fun. Whatever!
Lovin’ My Relationship: If you’re lucky enough to have someone in your life who makes it so much better, these songs are meant to give you a fun way to celebrate and remind you how lucky you are.
At Last – Etta James
Pipes!!! Love the voice. Love the song.
Leavin’ My Relationship: If you’re un-lucky enough to have had someone in your life who makes it so much worse, these songs are meant to give you a fun (not really) way to suffer and remind you how lucky you are to be free.
Bye Bye Bye – *NSYNC
Byeeeeeeeee! You think they’re actually singing with all that choreography?
You can always find these tunes on Spotify as well. Just look for Ohio Balance. I hope you found something you at least enjoy if not something that will serve some purpose for you. Be back soon, there is so much great tunage!
