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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.

Runnin’ – David Dallas

Video

Thinkin’ that you got next, heck, hope you ain’t holdin’ your breath, man
‘Cause I’m out here, I’m hungry, I don’t play around, trust me

Ain’t had this much drive since my Honda Civic got rusty
And my girl said that she loved me
,

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.

Hurt – Johnny Cash

Video

“NIN version is great but something about the stage of life in which the Man in Black finds himself gives it a whole different weight.”

Soul Satisfier: A Little Blast Of Positive Energy. I’m Always Opposed To Ignoring The Negative Or Unpleasant But No One Should Live There.

Nothing More – The Alternate Routes (feat. Lili Costner)

Video

“We are love, we are oneWe are how we treat each other when the day is doneWe are peace, we are warWe are how we treat each other and nothing more”

Caustic Cathartisizer: Angry And Aggressive…But Only For Catharsis I.e., Meant To Process Anger Not To Build On It.

The Loser Wins – Atmosphere

Video

“I won’t trust you againGetting better at choosing friendsThis time the loser winsCause I learned how to cut off the looser ends”

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.

BasA** – Saliva

Video

The Terminator footage in the video just made more sense.

“Cause I’m a bada**And you don’t want to clash‘Cause your mouth’s writing checksThat your face can’t cash”

Cool Groove: Just On The List Cause It’s Something To Which You Can Mentally Recline And Tap Your Feets.

Got Ya Movin – Funky Times

Video

Just Groove. That is all.

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.

The Sinister Minister – Bela Fleck & The Flecktones

Video

Such a unique collection of folks and instruments, all plucked, hammered, or triggered with amazing skill. I’ve seen them live. They often role in even more esoteric musical geniuses onstage, Welcome to banjo-centric jazz. Bela is great. All hail Victor.

Cultural Compositions: A Chance To Experience The Music Of Peoples Different From My Own Peoples, Even Though We Are All The Same Peoples.

Electric Pow Wow Drum – The Halluci Nation

Video

Definitely outside of my culture, is literally in opposition to said culture. Maybe we should all be connecting with things that are different or even in conflict with us. Scratch the maybe, all of these factions and divisions seem to be putting disaster in the passing lane.

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.

Oh No You Didn’t – Wojahn Brothers

Video

Yes, it’s from the video game Mercenaries 2 and Oh Yes they did’t.

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.

Yours – Blues Traveler

Video

“I am passionately
Yours
And the saddest eyes are
Yours
And the softest skin is yours
Yours
And the hope I borrow is
Yours, yours, yours”

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.

Somebody Kill Me – Adam Sandler

Video

Conflicting feelings on a stick.

You can always find these tunes on Spotify as well. Just look for Tom 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!

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