I have a book (from long, long ago) called Cinematherapy: The Girl’s Guide to Movies for Every Mood.
A sampling of categories:
- Dysfunctional Romances
- Working Girl Blues Movies
- I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar Movies
- Hell Hath No Fury Movies
- Happily Ever After Movies
It even has a handy index so you can search by the name a movie, directors, actors, whatever.
But really, how good can that book be when it doesn’t even have James Garner listed, or Murphy’s Romance, one of the great medicinal movies of all time???
Tonight let’s talk about something similar, only for Music!
Sometimes these days I want to listen to music that recognizes that things are burning down around us. Other times, I want something that speaks to the loss and sadness, and still other times I want music that takes me to my happy place.
If I Had a Boat is my happy place right now, music-wise, and this stunning photo from Steve from Mendocino in combination with this song are my go to when I need something soothing. Which is pretty often these days!
Maybe we can share some of the music that gives us what we need, when we need it?
What would our categories be? What’s your go-to music these days, and which “chapter” would you put them in?
I’m sure some of you will play along, and others will just link to music. It’s all good!
hoytwillrise
Can’t tout dublab.com enough, listener sponsored radio out of Pasadena; free to listen to, lots of music ategories; sometimes ambient or low key gets it, sometimes funk, sometimes jazz.
Craig
Dysfunctional Romances definitely carries over from your book.
Miki
Somebody Feed Phil just dropped the next season, and Lake Street Dive is still doing the theme song.
I love them, and just found another cover that completely rips my memory heart right open.
https://youtu.be/zusFHHAhim4?si=VhXWY9f6VxB9rKoR
Ihop
As i was in and then came out of college, my tastes had broadened so much that iwas of a mind that the angry music of my youth was binned.
Some time after 40 I realized I needed some of it back, that slayer and sabbath et al can give me peace after long and frustrating days.
https://youtu.be/jqnC54vbUbU?si=2-FFpV2ue1qct3cR
War ensemble. Then I feel better
Scout211
I’ll go to the way back machine to my youth to the anti-war protests and the eternal hope that people will learn and we will have better times. Just seems appropriate today.
Blowing in the Wind by Bob Dylan. Link goes to a live performance when he sounded pretty good.
Get it Together by the Youngbloods.
Abraham, Martin and John by Dion.
Added:
Bridge over Troubled Waters by Simon and Garfunkel
BellaPea
I remember that first Lyle Lovett album that we bought (on CD). I loved If I Had a Boat and She’s No Lady, She’s My Wife. We played the heck out of that CD. Also loved his big band work.
eclare
When I need music to be angry to, gotta be NWA
https://youtu.be/ADdpLv3RDhA?si=8PnHiqXUhscTRiam
Or maybe NIN
https://youtu.be/ZdFaadxJl4g?si=BWmPAJkHtTaGhtFE
Something about that line in the chorus: I’d rather die than give you control.
For calmer and more reflective moods, gotta go with the classic: Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On. Sadly oh so relevant decades later.
ceece
happy place music: Carlos Santana: Everybody’s Everything
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT7B10NZyv8
this one is also an earworm override, any annoying song can be removed from the brain with this awesome beat and the Tower of Power horns! (also guitar debut of Neil Schon, I think age 17)
eclare
@ceece:
That is a happy song!
Sandia Blanca
Happy place music is especially important these days. My list is long and eclectic; I’ll just say most Motown, B-52s, or Herb Alpert and the TJB are all good starting points. Oh, also surf music and bossa nova (and later works by Sergio Mendes). Songs from Broadway musicals of many eras.
1960s and 70s rock (e.g. Led Zeppelin, The Who, Traffic) and folk (such as Kingston Trio, Simon & Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell). Texas Swing. Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Choral works by Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. Majestic pipe organ works by, Bach, Widor, Vierne, and Messiaen.
ceece
@eclare: if I don’t respond to this one, my family knows it’s time to pull the plug……
mappy!
The kids are all right…
Breakfast in America
NotMax
Linked in the past but that doesn’t lessen their listening pleasure.
Can’t go wrong with Gottschalk. Or a lilting waltz by Shostakovich.
;)
Betty
@Scout211: A few years ago on Facebook, I posted a number of Summer of Love songs that included yours plus others from that era, like What the World Needs Now and Turn, Turn, Turn. They are resurfacing as my memories so I am re-sharing them.
Suzanne
In terms of categories, I enjoy making Spotify playlists. Some of the ones I’m listening to lately include:
BIG GAY DANCE PARTY
SONGS ABOUT BUTTS
FUCK THE GOVERNMENT, THE PATRIARCHY, AND YOU
SHOWTOONS
ETA: Been on an Erasure kick this week. Give a little respeeeeect, tooooooooo meeeeeee!!!
Mr. Bemused Senior
🎶 The Love’s Still Growing [Carly Simon cover]
Math Guy
“The Kissing of the Sun and Moon” by Hang Massive when I need to find peace and calm.
”As falls Wichita, so falls Wichita Falls” by Pat Metheny Group when I need to be “out there”.
Almost anything by Abba, David Bowie, and Elton John when I want to think back to my college days.
Steve LaBonne
Music especially meaningful to me right now: So much of Mahler, especially 6, Das Lied von der Erde, 9, and the performing versions of the incomplete 10th which is an incredible journey from despair to hope. Brahms’s late piano pieces, and the end-of-the-world tragedy of the 4th symphony. Kajia Saariaho’s harrowing opera about a school shooting, Innocence. When I need a break from painful emotions, John Adams’s madcap Chamber Symphony or gorgeous City Noir. And of course infinitely on and on, because the riches of music are inexhaustible and absolutely essential to my being.
WaterGirl
@Steve LaBonne:
That’s true for me, too.
Right now only two things connect me with any of my emotions about what’s happening beyond horror and anger, and the urge to tune it all out. One is music and, for whatever reason, watching Cold Case. Of course, there is a lot of music on cold case, but there is also a lot of loss and regret on display. shrug.
Other than that, I just feel like I don’t want to do anything, even things I normally enjoy.
Matt McIrvin
@BellaPea: The one that always makes me sad is “That’s Right, You’re Not From Texas” (but Texas wants you anyway).
Sorry, Lyle, I’m pretty damn sure Texas doesn’t want me, and probably never did. I don’t recognize the Texas he’s singing about.
Omnes Omnibus
Yalla Yalla, Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros.
RSA
When I’m feeling nostalgic about high school friends, I might give a listen to Bruce Springsteen’s Glory Days.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vQpW9XRiyM&ab_channel=BruceSpringsteenVEVO
When I’m thinking about how small changese can make life more bearable, I can turn on Paolo Nutini’s New Shoes. My girlfriend says her kids would call this song a bop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmbUNF1Q4R8&ab_channel=PaoloNutini
Speaking of relationships, I think James Bay and Jon Batiste capture some joy in Sunshine in the Room.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgehNaaKwoA&ab_channel=JamesBay
Oddly enough, none of these songs is in the genres I usually listen to.
Matt McIrvin
Most of Devo’s first album reminds me that they were there for the Kent State shootings and knew some of the victims.
Yeah, “Gut Feeling” resonates.
Josie
@Math Guy: My two granddaughters (7&10) are quite taken with ABBA. The older one saw a local production of Mama Mia and fell in love with the music. Now they both want to hear it when riding in the car. I am enjoying it along with them, taking a walk down memory lane.
What’sInANym
Best hopeful/happy – what’s So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding by Elvis Costello (bonus points for one of my all-time favorite bass lines)
best sad/lonely – Sunday Morning Crashing Down by Johnny Cash. Maybe one of the saddest songs ever written, IMO
for anger, NIN has already been mentioned, but for these times I’d go with God Money over Head Like a Hole (though really that whole album (Pretty Hate Machine) seethes with rage.
this is my first-ever post! I’ve lurked for a while though…
Craig
Anger Management chapter
From the 25 year old hip hop comp Soundbombing 2.
The hilarious Thirstin Howl III
The ferocious Pharaohe Monch.
From the angry young Replacements. Kids Don’t Follow.
I like songs with cops at door that get fuck you yelled at them
WaterGirl
@What’sInANym: Welcome to commenting!
Now I have to tell you that WordPress does not like apostrophes in nyms, so if you keep the apostrophe, every comment will have to be approved before anyone sees them.
Two options. Remove the apostrophe. Or follow the instructions here:
Fix Nyms with Apostrophes
to add a character that LOOKS like an apostrophe but is actually a different character that WordPress has no problem with.
Again, welcome!
NeenerNeener
I’ve never had a bad day after hearing The Angels Want to Wear My Red Shoes. My sister used to make my Alexa play Happy by Pharrell Williams first thing in the morning when she came to visit.
I didn’t see a Christmas Movies category on your list but I’ve got a few dozen songs that will put me in the holiday mood come the end of the November, starting with George Winston’s version of Some Children See Him.
hueyplong
@ceece: Carlos Santana’s bus only goes to one place, the Happy Place.
dnfree
This is a beautiful song about forgiving yourself, sung by Jennifer Warnes and written by Leonard Cohen and Warnes, “Song of Bernadette”. I find it comforting any time I hear it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f96WymmAJAs
dnfree
For classical music that’s cheering and comforting, I like Vltava, which apparently is the non-German name of the piece that used to be called The Moldau, by Smetana.
What’sInANym
@WaterGirl: Thanks! I think I fixed it!
WaterGirl
@What’sInANym: Well, I didn’t have to release this comment from moderation, so unless someone else caught it right away, it looks like you were successful!
Good job
edit: If I look closely it does look like a different character. No little curvy piece. Yay!
billcinsd
@Craig:I like songs with cops at door that get fuck you yelled at them
I believe that was Dave Pirner later of Soul Asylum yelling that
Steve LaBonne
@dnfree: All 4 pieces of Ma Vlast (My Country) are wonderful.
prostratedragon
I choose movies and tv based partly on their soundtracks and sound design. One I saw recently on TCM is Man With a Movie Camera, Alloy Orchestra version, a silent era movie that is a clear forerunner of such as Koyannisqatsi, a series of images presented without apparent dramatic elements. Relaxing, but very engaging, especially with the Alloy Orchestra score.
billcinsd
Iris DeMent — Wasteland of the Free — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhgb9hYjX3g
The Regrettes — Seashore — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iiqf2R462lo
Tacocat — Dana Katherine Scully — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FShqXAqGv4
Craig
Staring Into The Void chapter.
Unholy Black Metal like Mayhem, or San Francisco’s Ludicra, or Dispirit
Or maybe The Conet Project. Recordings of numbers stations. Somehow it’s soothing.
seaboogie
We went to a Lyle Lovett and his Large Band concert this past week. I am a longtime fan, and my sweetheart (now hubby) had heard of him but didn’t know his music. Hubs was blown away by the music and how tight the band was. I had that happy pre-concert feeling knowing what I would be sharing with my boo, a wonderful time there and the post-event high for a few days. Such a balm “in these times”.
NeenerNeener
I’ve actually stopped watching tv shows because I hate their theme songs. Specifically Enterprise and Firefly. I may abandon The Buccaneers on AppleTV+ for this too, and because I hate all the female characters.
persistentillusion
Weather Report – Birdland. Really any, WR for comfort. Or if I’m feeling angry, Elvis Costello.
Just look at that parking lot
I’ll go with John Hiatt’s The Tiki Bar is Open. It’s a great song for thinking about being somewhere else. And no matter what the Tiki bar implies, no drinking is required.
I remember how disappointed my wife was when she learned that this wasn’t written by Jimmy Buffett, but she did admit that John Hiatt’s version is a lot better.
She’s been away a a long work trip for almost two weeks. I do miss her, but I haven’t had to listen to a Buffett song in that time. No Jimmy Buffett music playing is is one of my Tiki bars.
They Call Me Noni
I’ve been listening to Rag’n’Bone Man on repeat. I have his Human and What Do You Believe In cd’s. Really like his voice.
Another Scott
@RSA: Your mention of New Shoes tickled a memory – Nu Shooz – I Can’t Wait (3:45).
Best wishes,
Scott.
RevRick
Given the current political environment, I turn to hymns written in the midst of pain and suffering. We Would Be Building written during the Great Depression. In the Bulb There Is a Flower written by Natalie Sleeth and dedicated to her dying husband. Were You There? , a spiritual mentioned by W.E. B. Dubois in his book The Soul of Black Folk. God of Grace and God of Glory, written by Harry Emerson Fosdick as the Great Depression was beginning.
Sure Lurkalot
On this week’s bike rides, IPhone music algorithm coughed up some tunes (of the 1500 or so on my phone) it plays infrequently on shuffle
Take a Chance with Me—Roxy Music
Drive In Saturday—David Bowie
Don’t Give Up—Peter Gabriel (live with the awesome Paula Cole)
NotMax
For longer form listening I’ll close my eyes and zone out to the Lieutenant Kije Suite.
For songs with a sense of whimsy, the original cast albums of both The Drowsy Chaperone or Something Rotten fill the bill. Either works its magic just as well whether you’ve seen the show or not (for the record, I’ve never seen Chaperone).
Matt McIrvin
@seaboogie: I saw Lyle Lovett and His Large Band at the place that was then called Great Woods ages and ages ago (I guess it’s “XFinity Center” now). Wonderful band.
zhena gogolia
@RevRick: God of Grace and God of Glory is my jam. Rev. Barber mentioned it in his speech for Biden’s inauguration. “Grant us wisdom, grant us courage . . .”
Matt McIrvin
@What’sInANym:
That always struck me as a desperate, despairing song, about trying to find some atom of hope in a corrupt world that just crushes it at every turn.
It was originally written and recorded by Nick Lowe, but I’ve never heard Lowe’s version. Apparently it doesn’t have that firehose blast of sincerity that Elvis Costello gives it.
eclare
@NotMax:
Wow. The local theater company here in Memphis put on The Drowsy Chaperone. My aunt and I saw it, the cast did a very good job.
prostratedragon
@NeenerNeener: I’ve found many British and New Zealand shows have terrific soundtracks. US shows rarely have good overall scores, though there are plenty of great themes out there. For US scores I think of Peter Gunn which was maybe the first US show with a complete score, Columbo, Twin Peaks, and Desperate Housewives. I’d be naming UK shows all evening, and from New Zealand, Brokenwood and My Life Is Murder are knockouts. Something I’ve noticed is that these things are much, much more sonically interesting with good audio, at least a monitor-quality headphone set. If you’ve only listened through the tv box, you’ll be amazed at how much you don’t hear.
From Madame Blanc Mysteries, by Hague and White:
“Looking For Love”
“Passing Through”
piratedan
these days, it’s been a lot of anthemic angry tunes….
Stones – Street Fighting Man
When I am trying to be inspired – The Call – Let The Day Begin
piratedan
@Matt McIrvin: Lowe’s version can be found on YouTube, as it was recorded when he was in Brinsley Schwarz… Costello sped it up, added more energy and less wistfulness. Lowe even commented that he approves of EC’s interpretation of it. It comes down to the artist I think, the song certainly stands on it’s own, either as an observation, lament or cry of outrage.
NotMax
@prostratedragon
Even a mediocre soundbar runs rings around the TV speakers.; Wired (HDMI or optical), not bluetooth, thankyouverymuch.
)
kalakal
Happy place Year of the Cat Al Stewart
or Feelin alright
Joe Cocker
Angry place 21st Century Schozoid Man King Crimson
Immigrant Song
Led Zep
Mellow place The Weight The Band – but this versions Playing for Change
and just about anything by Tom Petty
Just because
Hendrix – All Along the Watchtower
Janis Joplin – Take another little piece of my heart
Cream – Crossroads
eclare
@kalakal:
I always liked Cassandra Wilson’s cover of “The Weight.” One of my step instructors in ATL always played it as our cool down song.
https://youtu.be/Z_f9sUY7_pg?si=NXGJH7HMcx5LAiBg
JetsamPool
Some of my favorite soundtracks are by Joe Hisaishi for Studio Ghibli. I find his music both beautiful and comforting.
For Sturm und Drang or thud and blunder, I like a full orchestra and classically trained voice, so I turn to opera. Lots of examples there (“Te sull’onde, te sui venti seguiran mie furie ardenti”).
Craig
@billcinsd: nice. Probably
Craig
@prostratedragon: I saw that score live at the Castro theater. Amazing
Craig
@kalakal: Hendrix anything. Guy was insane. So great.
eclare
@Craig:
I always say my two favorite guitarists were/are Jimi and Jimmy. Hendrix and Page. Both insanely talented and creative.
Peke Daddy
Happy place stuff, which often means inspiring to me.
Ode to Joy
The Sheep May Safely Graze
Mayor Of Simpleton
Above all, this.
https://youtu.be/e9vrfEoc8_g?si=QyKIamNy3oLpqoLs
No One of Consequence
@ceece: Good choice. Loved the Woodstock version too.
-NOoC
meander
Getting going on a work day:
On a calm, pensive night: most of Mary Black’s “Babes In The Woods” (1991) (a relative of Enya, IIRC)
On a more agitated evening: Portishead’s “Dummy” (1994)
No One of Consequence
@mappy!: Pretty respectfully rendered. You’re right, them kids, they alright!
-NOoC
No One of Consequence
@Craig: I feel ya. Kinda reminded lately of some Sublime:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1dPKfxRhk0
I expect that sometime this summer, if I had to guess.
See your Pharoahe, and raise you my fav Monch:
(Fair Warning Warning – Bad Naughty Language follows:)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FqbkKh8mro
-NOoC
Citizen Dave
Prompted by eclare, another by the great Cassandra Wilson, her beautiful and kind of angry cover of Billie’s Blues from the Billie Holiday covers album https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB1HK-rlVig.
And prompted by hoytwillrise in the first comment, since I dropped XM in my car, I’ve been going with a great local listener supported, truly unpredictable radio station–available to stream here https://919witt.org/. WITT-FM Zionsville/Indianapolis. Although right now they are playing 2 hours of a local city council meeting, that is normally not the case. 95% of the time it’s tunes, no rhyme or reason, with no DJs interjecting either. You have to look up the song names on their website.
No One of Consequence
Anyone else here really like to listen to a certain Stone Roses song, after a too long pause, to get the spirits going, and to get your Absolutely Will Not Be Stopped going on?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nu5YLoaxHc&list=PLHTo__bpnlYX4u_3tkQjDJn4ueOST5JLT&index=1
Always thought of coming in through the swamp in the intro here, translating rather subtly into distant overheard rhythyms and echoes, with insect and bird sound, and then you start to overhear the war drums, and they draw closer, and then…
The Aliens Land.
A beefy sound system helps with this one, or significant volume. Lyrics make me want to test God.
Mebbe jus me doh.
-NOoC
WTFGhost
One song I love is “Ballroom Blitz” by The Sweet. I defy you to find a better song to introduce an unexpected fight scene, be it in imagined movie scenes or tabletop RPG. I mean, “…and the girl in the corner says, ‘boy, I coulda warned you it would turn into a ballroom blitz.'” This happens so frickin’ regularly there’s this lady in the corner who coulda said we was ripe for another massive ballroom battle, once “…the man in the back says ‘everyone attack’, etc..”
WTFGhost
Ghost, by the Indigo Girls.
Prince of Darkness, again, Indigo Girls.
Spare Parts, Broken Hearts, Bruce Springsteen.
A whole bunch of other Bruce Springsteen, too many to select.
Emperor’s New Clothes by Sinead O’Connor
laura
@Betty: BILL! I Love you so, I always will…. https://youtu.be/JFxS_MYJSOA?
WTFGhost
While I never would urge a non-drinker to drink, the idea of missing some good Polynesian rum makes me spend just a moment, mourning for the lost experience. I tried a good rum recently, and, dear lord, I could barely drink it – it was so complicated it nearly overwhelmed my brain (which is often overwhelmed by other, less pleasant, sensations). Mind you, it was complicated in an amazing way – there was nothing wrong with the drink, it’s my body that’s broken.
Jacel
@Steve LaBonne: There’s six movements (or separate tone poems) in Ma Vlast, not four. Or are there two you leave out when having an optimally happy listen?
prostratedragon
@NotMax: Wired is essential! And over-the-ear.
kalakal
let it be always makes me sad
Jerusalem always inspires me
( and The Blue Danube always makes me think of a spaceship docking with a spinning space station)
prostratedragon
@meander: “And His Mother Called Him Bill” is a stupendous album. Even without knowing in advance, one can tell there’s something major happening among the musicians.
BarcaChicago
Been listening to:
”I’ll Take Care of You” – the great Gill Scott -Heron song with new mix by Makaya McCraven
“child of Mine” / Laura Marling (really every damn thing she’s recorded)
Jessica Pratt
Julianna Barwick
– someone here suggested the song “Estate” (“Summer” in Italian) with Shirley Horn and I am completely in love with it – thank you for whoever put that out there on one of these threads!
BarcaChicago
PS I will always love Ma Vlast. Some of the most well-known classical music is indeed the best. I brought it to my second grade “show and tell”, so my mom‘s album had my name written on it. I pretty much came out of the womb obsessed with music of all kinds…
Kelly
When I hear Eva Cassidy’s cover of “Fields of Gold” I think of and feel the best days of my life.
Steve Finlay
There is so much great music — how can I pick?
John Prine
Leonard Cohen
Chicago and Delta blues
Armenian duduk music
Voces8, especially with Ringmasters
Epirus clarinet music
Geoff Castellucci
Dvorak’s 9th
and on and on
Kelly
John Prine’s “Bruised Orange(Chain of Sorrow)” was the song that meant so much to me when it became clear my first wife was dying of cancer.
You can gaze out the window, get mad and get madder
Throw your hands in the air, say “What does it matter?”
But it don’t do no good to get angry
So help me, I know
For a heart stained in anger grows weak and grows bitter
You’ll become your own prisoner as you watch yourself sit there
Wrapped up in a trap of your very own
Chain of sorrow
prostratedragon
Columbo score cues:
“Prescrotion Murder,” Dave Grusin
“Death Lends a Hand,” Gil Mellé
“The Greenhouse Jungle,” Oliver Nelson
“Sex and the Married Detective,” Patrick Williams
Oomab
Gonna delurk. I’ve been hanging around since Bush II. I love Balloon Juice.
To recover from bad moments, “Mama Said Knock You Out”. Feeling it.
WaterGirl
@Oomab: Welcome to commenting!
Never heard of that song, I will have to check it out.