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.
Hero – Foo Fighters
Mentioned watching the Webley Stadium Taylor Hawkins memorial concert where the drummer’s son Shane cathartically hammered out this tune. Always loved the song, “He’s Ordinary” which implies everyone is a hero somewhere to someone. To watch him play it for his father, new levels of heartwarming and moving.
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.
Black Gives Way to Blue – Alice in Chains
I know. It isn’t shocking that a band who’s music seemed dedicated to use of one of the deadliest of drugs lost members to that very practice. Still doesn’t make it any less tragic. Crazy to hear William who sounds soooo much like Layne Staley sing about such sadness and loss.
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 High – Jason Mraz
Mraz is one of my secret pleasures. There’s something smart to his pop-ie positivity that belies more. Whatever he’s hiding under that hipster hat, there’s something worth considering if not just enjoying.
Caustic Cathartisizer: Angry And Aggressive…But Only For Catharsis I.e., Meant To Process Anger Not To Build On It.
#%&@ This, I’m Out – Off With Their Heads
Originally found this tune for the wife, after a while I was signing along. If you ever feel stuck I hope you hear the more positive vibe at the beginning where the lyrics are “Cause I found everything that I lack; I found comfort in a land far away” and never find yourself despairing the way it takes a dark turn at the end. A Change is Gonna Come!
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.
Fancy Like – Walker Hayes
Some’s fancy. Some ain’t. We identify as Budget Bougie. Think somewhere smack between off brand ramen and osetra caviar. If you ever spend time with us I hope you feel comfortable with your shoes on or off, enjoying some comforting snacks, and being yourself. That’s how we do, how we do.
Cool Groove: Just On The List Cause It’s Something To Which You Can Mentally Recline And Tap Your Feets.
AI AI AI AI – John Lurie
I found the wonderful lunacy of John Lurie fascinating, even though at times, he goes places I struggle to keep up. The horsey riding scenes in the second season of his HBO special were lost on me. But his painting, his story telling, his music, his descriptions of art and life…a wild experience. This song illustrates some of both, and is weirdly fun.
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.
Time To Say Goodbye (Con te partirò) – Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
I won’t mention what wifey said about Bocelli long ago before knowing anything about him outside of loving listening to this tune at the fountains in front of the Bellagio. She still loves the song and these are two exceptionally honed sets of pipes.
Cultural Compositions: A Chance To Experience The Music Of Peoples Different From My Own Peoples, Even Though We Are All The Same Peoples.
Warrior Song – Alex Boye
Heard this dude at the end of some movie. Can’t remember the movie exactly…do remember the voice. No. It wasn’t Black Panther. There are some great tunes in his catalogue but this one seemed best for this category.
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.
Birds of Fire – Mahavishnu Orchestra
Jazz fusion group with rotating members reimagining music. First heard them in college and had questions. Sometimes I still do. Amazing magicians casting off the rules they often attend to in other groups or settings. Might be one of several operational definitions of “art”.
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!