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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.

Sweep the Leg – Family Force 5

Video

Any fans of Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio prior to the Cobra Kai Netflix series might enjoy this nostalgic romp. It makes me want to clap my hands together and create the healing friction of Mr. Miyagi’s secret Crane magic.

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.

Blank Stares – Jay Allen

Video

Country boy on The Voice sang a cover for the show but talked about the song he wrote after losing his mother to Alzheimer’s. I’ve watched people live those words and it certainly qualifies as a heart wrencher.

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

I Lived – One Republic

Video

I dig that this tune embraces both sides of the positive/negative balance and finds the joy in even the tough times. Then you can have a blast without needing the world to cooperate.

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

I Don’t #$% With You – Big Sean/E-40

Video – Language Warning!!! In case you couldn’t guess.

Sooooo. Great song for the category. Also picked the video from the movie Fist Fight as it highlights how the most inappropriate things are kind of hysterical, depending on where you’re sitting.

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.

Don’t Hate Me (Because I’m Beautiful)  – Nerf Herder

Video

Baseketball anthem of self adoration.

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

Crazy – Alice Russell

Video

First heard the Gnarls Barkley version, this one had so much more vibe and groove it became a favorite.

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.

Recuerdos de la Alehambra – Andres Segovia

Video

Nylon string mastery.

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

Ten Million Slaves – Otis Taylor

Video

I always thought of the banjo as an American south kinda thing, or of Roy Clark/Steve Martin/etc. According to Otis and others, the banjo is something that came to America with dark times in our history. He’s looking to reclaim it, and accomplishing just that, I think.

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.

Whamola – The Les Claypool Frog Brigade

Video

Soooooo. You’re in a band or four that already exist on the edge of music…but don’t feel as though you have quite delved into weird sufficiently? Les Claypool says check out some flying frogs.

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!

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