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.
We Fight – Dashboard Confessional
Here’s to fighting your way in and out, shouting all the way!
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.
Watching As I Fall – Mike Shinoda
A creative person continues to share their grief.
Soul Satisfier: A Little Blast Of Positive Energy. I’m Always Opposed To Ignoring The Negative Or Unpleasant But No One Should Live There.
Live Your Life – Rihanna/T.I.
I think there are other things to chase than paper, but the underlying principle holds fast I think.
Caustic Cathartisizer: Angry And Aggressive…But Only For Catharsis I.e., Meant To Process Anger Not To Build On It.
I C Your BS – Snoop Dogg
Video (Lots of Language Warning)
Double G time machine.
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.
Anything You Can Do – Bernadette Peters/Tom Wopat
Have always adored Bernadette Peters, throw in some Luke Duke and I’m down. Sorry the video quality is terrible.
Cool Groove: Just On The List Cause It’s Something To Which You Can Mentally Recline And Tap Your Feets.
Spybreak! – Propellerheads
Background mood from the Matrix. Makes me want to sneak around the office like a spy.
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.
Billie Jean – Barcelona Guitar Trio
I found all of the hands on the guitar disconcerting. But once it gets going it becomes more amazing than terrifying.
Cultural Compositions: A Chance To Experience The Music Of Peoples Different From My Own Peoples, Even Though We Are All The Same Peoples.
The Angel – Louis Dunford
Video (Language Warning)
If I’m honest, don’t really know what a bunch of the words in this song actually mean, but it sounds like its from a guy who loves a place I ain’t never been.
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.
The Bubmble Bee Tuna Song – Mephiskapheles
I don’t know what you envision in a song by a band named Mephiskapheles off an Album titled “God Bless Satan”. This was not it. If this song is what you were expecting, talk to your doctor.
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.
Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers
And I know, I know, I know…26 times!
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.
I Hate You – Oliver Tree
This guy has always been a different breed of cat, but this song is pretty straightforward and to the point. It’s a fun groove for a specific mood.
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!