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Originally Posted: 10/28/2020

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.

For the First Outing, I’ll include some long-standing classics from the list, some VIP’s as it were.

Selections by Category

Monday Motivator: Kinda Like A Workout Song For Your Noggin.

Give ‘Em Hell – J Broussard

Video

This one has a weight of sadness that drives it’s motivation in my soul. Not sure who he’s singing about but for me, I hear the words towards my Dad and what he would think, were he here. Regardless of his assessment, I’m sure the sentiment of the chorus would hold true.

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.

Kevin – (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (Feat. Leon Bridges)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnL9kzxRtbI

What does is say when a Macklemore is out in front of most of the media/pols/etc. in recognizing the opioid crisis. Oh, that’s right…he probably doesn’t get millions from the industry. I remember being kinda shocked when he performed it live at some awards show…was destined for our playlist then. Not anti pill, but I know they don’t solve everything and often come with downsides, everyones’ personal choice, not mine.

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

Silver Lining -Mingo Fishtrap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMzlGgbg6jE

This crew has a vibe and groove that just makes me happy, lyrics of a couple of them also make me happy, this is one of them. There’s another of theirs that will certainly make the list, just not sure which category yet.

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

Eat Your Heart Out – Outline In Color

Video – Click Here

Young man introduced me to this “tune”, (warning…it starts off pretty intense) I know a lot of folks don’t enjoy this kinda music…but it really helps me realize how different my experiences have been from others and helps me in some ways feel a different part of the world instead of just trying to imagine it.

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.

Samuel L Jackson – Elliot Goldenthal

Video – Click Here

Not sure how I feel about people who can’t fathom the simple genius of Samuel L. Always the same, always different, and outside of the snake movie, always works. Hondo, Jules, Zeus, Mace, John, Nick, Richmond, Darius, etc., all him, but always different views into him. Fun and super serious. I don’t think this flick gave him top billing but the tune sure does…and seems to fit him fairly well, and hopefully our crew as well.

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

Pink Yesterday – Too Many Zooz

Video – Click Here

Makes me want to ride the subway in hopes of catching a live tune by them.

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 Passage Of Time – LTE (The Liquid Tension Experiment)

Video – Click Here

Freakish super group, grinding it out in a pandemic. Just trying to follow the ever evolving time signatures makes me dizzy but it’s not just complicated…it rocks.

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

Everybody Hurtz – The Coconutz (Sarah Marshall Soundtrack)

Video – Click Here

The song is unmistakable without understanding the words and takes an even deeper feeling of warm sadness for me.

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.

Here Kitty Kitty (From The Tiger King) – Geek Music

Video – Click Here

 Guess I just had to remind myself that this was and is a thing. You watched it too, you know you did. Even more indicative of the year was hearing that he didn’t really sing the song either. How does he still come off more likeable that Carol Baskin?

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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