Music that helps re-balance

duyunne

duyunne

Jedi Council Member
I wanted to start a thread concerning specific songs that have a 're-balancing' effect so to speak, songs when played, that can help you focus, make you happy, energize you, invigorate you... Basically, songs that have a profound effect on you emotionally and physically, or have had such an effect on you in the past.

Songs of ANY origin (genre, artist, era.)

When posting the song, please include a link to the material if it's stream-able, if not, do your best do describe it and provide name of the artist(s)/band/composer and the title of the piece.

Most importantly, I would also like for you to provide a brief explanation as to how the song makes you feel and why. Feel free to describe your experience with the song in any way you can to help us understand the effect it has on you.

The purpose of this thread is as follows:

- To determine if the effect of this amazing music is personable to you only, or if this song has true potential to effect anyone who hears it
- To create a play list of tracks that can possibly assist in maintaining and or rising FVR in the event of discomforting circumstances (under tragedy, attack, the weather, and so on.)

I understand there is a "What are you listening to" thread (one of my favorites!), and welcome any one to re-post material from this thread if you wish. This specific thread is NOT meant to replace that thread in any way, this thread is for the discernment of music in the world and whether or not it has true effects on the vast majority, without bias to the culture behind the genre/era and artist.

Thanks for your help.
 
Re: Music that helps re-balance me

I will obviously get the ball rolling and post tracks which have had a long lasting effect to me through out my life. I will have to mention that much of the music I listen to is 'discovered' by being synced into my iPod and being played on shuffle during my day. If something comes on that is undesirable, I remember it, skip it and delete it from my library. If something comes on that is desirable, I will explore more of their catalog and eventually purchase their desired material for my collection. Before the iPod, the same principles were practiced, except I burnt the tunes to mixes on CDR.

Artist: Mogwai

Title: Tracy (Kid Loco's Playing With The Young Team Remix)

Genre: Post-Rock, Trip Hop, Instrumental



I first heard this when I was 19, during a heat wave in the lower mainland region of BC, Canada (Surrey.) At the time, I struggled with addictions, toxic peers, demeaning employment situations and lived in a dangerously unhygenic 'party den' with the said peers. During my first listen, I was walking aimlessly down a busy road to have time to myself, covered in humid sweat, during the later evening upon the sunset hours.

At first, the fluttering synth effects annoyed me, the bass guitar was too repetitive but the subtle ambient drone effects that swelled behind the instrumentation seemed to have this 'wringing' effect on my heart, as if standing upon a cliff ledge, over the vastness of the world, or floating into an ocean abyss and encountering the enchanting song of the whale... At this point, I instantly felt consoled by the synth's repetitive familiarity and the bass then felt playful and innocent, like that first childhood crush. I was instantly enamored by this song and I cried. I felt as if my decision to take the solitary, aimless walk was what lead me into unlocking this tracks potential. To this day, this song still has that effect on my heart, in particular, that vast ambiance. It helps me feel connected to the earth, my life, this experience.
 
Re: Music that helps re-balance me

Artist: Kettel

Title: Mwoeb

Genre: Electronic, IDM, Experimental, Ambient


I eventually had the opportunity to leave (more like flee) my toxic Surrey environment and move to Alberta, Canada, namely the Red Deer, central interior of the province. At this time, I was dealing with depression and loneliness. I was able to acquire some friendships, but they were not fulfilling as no one I knew then had the same values as me, regarding the nature of our world, tastes in movies, books, music, etc. As a result I spent much of my time alone, walking and riding a BMX bike I found laying in the middle of a street at 5am on a winter morning (a street that is normally very busy through out the day time hours.)

This song in particular came on every so often on my iPod. I usually skipped it as I found the shuffle from the delay FX on percussion samples in the intro to be annoying noise. This prevented me from hearing the rest of the song, which in my opinion is pure magic.

In order to unlock this songs potential, I apparently had to be riding my bike most of the day on one of the hottest days of the year (becoming a trend) and covered in sweat. I was aggressively forcing this little BMX under me up one of the steepest hills in Red Deer. Panting, slowly inching up the side walk (because it's suicide to ride the gutter in this city) my hair disheveled and wildly flagging confusing and judgmental glares from the passing drivers, this song eventually chimed on with it's familiar shuffling sound... but I was too focused on my ability to make this hill! I HAD TO DO IT! and continued to push... I peddled past my physical 'wall' and kept going, in a heated daze, sweat dripping off my chin, then that stuttering synth patch started yammering, making me more annoyed yet more determined until it hit me:

That delay and re-verb drenched pad that floated above the noise, eventually accompanied by what sounded like an illegible singing female vocal sample, equally delay and re-verb drenched, echoed through out the shuffling beat. An amazing world hidden inside, again I would have never experienced unless I took to that hill on that bike. Obviously, upon making it to the top of that hill, and within the awe of this song, I cried. Stepped off my bike and sat in a grassy street corner and stared up at the blue sky and I cried. People walking by me looking at me like I'm a crazy man, concerned, ignoring me, not asking me what was wrong, wishing I would go away, not even knowing what I found. I smiled graciously and loved my existence and this experience and this song made itself the soundtrack.

This was when I realized there is something bigger than us out there meddling with us (in a helpful way.) It felt so warm and welcoming. I feel it every time I hear this song.
 
Re: Music that helps re-balance me

It really depends. It depends on which way the slings and arrows and vicissitudes of life have buffeted me. If I have been knocked left of center then I need something from the right or vice versa etc. Sometimes I like something dark -- almost some music that is a reflection of a place worse off than I am - maybe some blues. Sometimes it might just be some traveling music. Sometimes it might be Hendrix and sometimes it might be Satie. No one-size-fits-all go-to really. But I will offer this one by Hybrid:

Hybrid - Until Tomorrow [ft. John Graham]

You drink your health
And remember to forget
Yourself
Sat on a roof
In the everlasting moments of your youth
You looked surprised
As it all went up in smoke before your eyes
Beneath the glow
On a different kind of Sunday morning

Until tomorrow
On a different kind of Sunday morning

No need for words
Your heartbeats and the breeze was all I heard
Your hopes and fears
How trivial it seemed from above
I breathe you in
As the sunlight breaks the haze that touched your skin
Beneath the glow
On a different kind of Sunday morning

Until tomorrow
 
Re: Music that helps re-balance me

BHelmet said:
It really depends. It depends on which way the slings and arrows and vicissitudes of life have buffeted me. If I have been knocked left of center then I need something from the right or vice versa etc. Sometimes I like something dark -- almost some music that is a reflection of a place worse off than I am - maybe some blues. Sometimes it might just be some traveling music. Sometimes it might be Hendrix and sometimes it might be Satie. No one-size-fits-all go-to really. But I will offer this one by Hybrid:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/n9DeWKwTb88

You drink your health
And remember to forget
Yourself
Sat on a roof
In the everlasting moments of your youth
You looked surprised
As it all went up in smoke before your eyes
Beneath the glow
On a different kind of Sunday morning

Until tomorrow
On a different kind of Sunday morning

No need for words
Your heartbeats and the breeze was all I heard
Your hopes and fears
How trivial it seemed from above
I breathe you in
As the sunlight breaks the haze that touched your skin
Beneath the glow
On a different kind of Sunday morning

Until tomorrow
Click to expand...

I never heard this artist before, Thanks! It makes me think of hi-ways, travel, leaving some place, going where you need to be. It was uplifting to behold and the lyrics sort of remind me of 'winning' a Saturday night with friends, (no drama/conflicts, good times, a night to remember)

The beat intensifies, ushering in a sense of energy to get things done. A fitting and welcoming start to a positive theme/frame of mind for the next work week that inspired the initial Saturday night get together.
 
Re: Music that helps re-balance me

Artist: James Holden

Title: The Caterpillar's Intervention

Genre: Experimental, IDM, Jazz?


I discovered this on shuffle on a public transit commute 2 years ago, I was 30 at the time. It was a humdrum day in the office, though, like my present stages of life, far from any of my early modes of depression and loneliness (married, father by this point.) I was largely bored through out the day, as my job at that time was mostly waiting for trouble calls from field techs, so I already had a sense of excitement now that I was off my shift.

This song came on with it's gallop of a beat and it's spiny synth stabs and instantly grabbed my attention as the synth began to blend with what sounds various string and wind instruments, as well as odd vocal moanings. The world blured by outside the bus windows, everyone on the bus absorbed into their various, complex paths... Then the build and chaos of the instruments made the hairs on my arms and neck stand on end and I felt instantly focused, with a vigorous sense of purpose and energy, the horns made my heart race and I couldn't hide my zany smile.

The song was still playing as I left the bus and walked confidently with the beat toward my home, feeling completely alive. The track ended... I encored it. One of my favs. Every so often I nod this one off on my morning commute to pump me up for another day in the office.
 
Re: Music that helps re-balance me

I don't have specific songs that I consistently go to but have certain sounds I go to for specific things:-

To connect with the homestead

Hans Zimmer - Kopano

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2gmTxpy8Po

Tomorrow - Salif Keita

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d-Qppv7aZU

Ismael Lo - Africa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOfm9WRFRxA

They make me feel like I can feel the soul of the continent, the struggle and yet the life that defies all these. The soul acts to defy. I like these types of songs because I don't want to forget what others have to endure and I want to feel a connection to a sort of spirit life.

To be inspired

Steve Jablonsky - Leave Earth Alone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5pEJokkvaY

Hi-Finesse - Reach

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiY3IKk1npU

Hans Zimmer - Time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BJ9AJ7iwIg

Title speaks for itself. They inspire me.

Rainy Day

Ólafur Arnalds - This Place Was A Shelter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4yxINM4ny4

Quantic - Time Is The Enemy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvUeo5sagkA

Zack Hemsey - The Way

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN2Xs-MvxLw

For those rainy days when you are stuck in looking out. Reflective of the mood - stuck in, looking out. I feel like if I can find music that helps me connect to what I feel, maybe even lead me to places of feeling I am scarcely aware off, then to me it's a good thing and gives me balance, internal equilibrium.

Upbeat:-

Gabriel Shadid - Something to believe in

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usGs2kOUVTk

MTBRD - Give You

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHZtX9zLHzc

Rudimental - Not Giving In

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsw8-TF-VRI

Upbeat, lift the spirit, yet also add some energy towards movement.
 
Re: Music that helps re-balance me

zin said:
Artist: Mogwai

Title: Tracy (Kid Loco's Playing With The Young Team Remix)

Genre: Post-Rock, Trip Hop, Instrumental
Click to expand...

Hi Zin, I really like this one too, thank you for sharing. I think this melody could be good for yoga and/or meditation: it's quite calm and these repetitive patterns could help reaching a certain focused state. It reminds me a little bit of Ryan Farish melodies, like these two for example:

Title: Chasing The Sun by Ryan Farish

Genre: Chill-Out, Downtempo, Ambient, Progressive House, Uplifting Trance


Title: Pacific Wind


Thank you for this thread.
 
Thanks for starting this thread zin,

The first song that comes to mind about re-balancing for me is Massive Attack's : Angel :) - my all time favourite.

I imagine the slow build up of this song, which leads to a crescendo, to be similar to life experiences, where we start young, by slowly accumulating knowledge and experiences, reaching a zenith at the moment in time where we understand our purpose, and calling - and then slowly try to internalise our fate & destiny after moments of deep recapitulation....the video for the song too symbolises this process in an abstract sort of way:

https://vimeo.com/27860873

Lyrics:

You are my angel
Come from way above
To bring me love
Her eyes
She's on the dark side
Neutralize
Every man in sight
To love you, love you, love you ...
You are my angel
Come from way above
To love you, love you, love you ...-

And the next song, is Bob Marley's Redemption Song - a beautiful song with beautiful lyrics - that just keeps reminding me to retain focus on the important things in life - no matter how dark it gets, and how depressing world events are - the candle must still keep burning :)

https://vimeo.com/71427050

"Redemption Song"

Old pirates, yes, they rob I;
Sold I to the merchant ships,
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit.
But my hand was made strong
By the 'and of the Almighty.
We forward in this generation
Triumphantly.

Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom?
'Cause all I ever have:
Redemption songs;
Redemption songs.

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
None but ourselves can free our minds.
Have no fear for atomic energy,
'Cause none of them can stop the time.
How long shall they kill our prophets,
While we stand aside and look? Ooh!
Some say it's just a part of it:
We've got to fulfill the book.

Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom?
'Cause all I ever have:
Redemption songs;
Redemption songs;
Redemption songs.

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
None but ourselves can free our mind.
Wo! Have no fear for atomic energy,
'Cause none of them-a can-a stop-a the time.
How long shall they kill our prophets,
While we stand aside and look?
Yes, some say it's just a part of it:
We've got to fulfill the book.

Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom?
'Cause all I ever had:
Redemption songs
All I ever had:
Redemption songs:
These songs of freedom,
Songs of freedom.
 
Re: Music that helps re-balance me

zin said:
I never heard this artist before, Thanks! It makes me think of hi-ways, travel, leaving some place, going where you need to be.
Click to expand...
Here's another song about travel by a musician I like, Mel Parsons. I would describe it as a kind of country music vibe, upbeat and wistful at the same time:

http://melparsons.bandcamp.com/track/another-city

Also in another of her songs, "Faraway" the lyrics describe the "power" music has:

Music makes me feel like I'm alive
it can wake me up it can make me dive
it can dry my face or bring the waters down
now all I know [. . .]
Click to expand...
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wj6ZjcW4bs

I liked very much the Mogwai "Tracy" song you posted. I hadn't heard it before, so the first time I heard it was today, at the end of a serious bout of tidying up around the house.
 
These are the words of Oliver Dragojevic begins dedication of this song to his father:

"When we lose someone dear to only then realize that life is fleeting and he never early to die. That's what I learned, unfortunately, the hard way, when my dad died in 52 years of life ...
Dad know I'm thinking of you every day and are happy to remember the time when you were with me in moments when I needed it most ... "

This song for me has a special meaning, can be identified with the pain that the author felt while writing and singing this song.

The lyrics:
Rekli su mi najgore o tebi
nisu nikad pricali o sebi
rekli su mi ono ca su tili
virova san, stariji su bili

Rekli su mi da si svugdi bija
rekli su mi da si puno pija
rekli su mi ono ca su znali
virova san jer san bija mali

Oprosti mi, pape
sve te grube rici
i moj zivot sada
na tvoj zivot slici
Oprosti mi, pape
sad razumin tebe
gledan tvoju sliku
gledajuci sebe

Rekli su mi da si zenske jubi
na kartama da si solde gubi
rekli su mi ono ca su znali
virova san jer san bija mali

Rekli su mi da si 'sova Boga
rekli su mi prikovise toga
rekli su mi ono ca su znali
virova san jer san bija mali

Oprosti mi, pape
sve te grube rici
i moj zivot sada
na tvoj zivot slici
Oprosti mi, pape
ca san druge slusa
ja san, pape, isti
jer san zivot kusa

Translation (hope that is correct, because it is a different dialect)
They told me the worst about you
They never talked about yourself
they told me what they wanted
I believed, were older

They told me you was everywhere
they told me that you drink a lot
they told me what they knew
I believed because I was a kid

Forgive me, Father
all these harsh words
and my life now
in your life resembles
Forgive me, Father
I understand you
I look at your picture
watching it yourself

They told me you loved women
the cards you're losing money
they told me what they knew
I believed because I was a kid

They told me you were cursing God
they told me too much
they told me what they knew
I believed because I was a kid

Forgive me, Father
all these harsh words
and my life now
in your life look like
Forgive me, Father
I listened to the other
I am the father, the same
because I tasted life.
Video:
https://youtu.be/57gM47J7sLQ
 
Hello Zin, for what it's worth,

From wikipedia:

_https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unchained_Melody

""Unchained Melody" is a 1955 song with music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret. North used the
music as a theme for the little-known prison film Unchained, hence the name. Todd Duncan sang the
vocals for the film soundtrack.[1] It has since become one of the most recorded songs of the 20th
century, by some estimates having spawned over 500 versions in hundreds of different
languages.[2]"

My preferred version is by The Righteous Brothers,
listen to it here:

_https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiiyq2xrSI0

For my dollar, this is the greatest song of the twentieth century.

Mind you I haven't heard them all, but I was born in the forties, so I've listened to a lot of
music, and one of the girls in our family worked in a record shop.

Nevertheless, I do think that the music most people prefer is the music they heard as they were
growing up.

I heard Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas" (1942) while still in the womb, and find myself
singing it occasionally.

_https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Christmas_(song)

_https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9QLn7gM-hY

I'm guessing that a lot of the people on this Forum would have not heard of these songs, and I'm
in the same boat, I am way out of touch with modern music.

So, to each, his(or her) own.
 
THANK YOU! There is much to absorb. I appreciate the effort in your posts.

I'll try to respond with my thought's to these when I have the time and energy set aside to do so. I skimmed some of these and can see their potential right off the bat.
 
Thanks for this thread :cool2:

Tool - Aenema

*Warning explicit lyrics


For me this song is something I listen too when I get frustrated with the world, it helps me get those feelings out, almost like a venting song. Although I rarely listen to "heavy" music much these days, for me Tool are a band that changed the way I saw music, their progressive style influenced me majorly as a musician, freeing me from the standard 4/4 time signatures and provoking me to challenge myself and evolve as a musician. So, along with the venting that can accompany this song, it also reminds me not to stand still, to always strive for new things and keep challenging myself both musically and in life.
 
I've been meaning to sit here and give my thoughts on these. Sorry I haven't...

I loved Aenema by Tool. Though it's a bit too scathing for me to use it as a tool to protect or raise FVR, but who am I to decide that?

I think the last time I really resonated with the Tool track was when I was tired of being bombarded by the blue vs gold dress that went viral within the past year or so. I blame that blow up on the celebrity feedback regarding the campaign. It made me go back into watching Bill Hicks videos as well as a result.

The connections between Hicks and Tool are interesting. It's a shame I haven't really resonated with any of their work after this LP though.

As for the rest, I can't promise anything but I'll return some evening when the son is asleep early and when my wife needs a break. Until then I welcome anyone to take the time to explain how those tracks can help them, it may inspire me to take more time to get into what I've started.

Cheers!

Edit: i briefly seen this: "I heard Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas" (1942) while still in the womb, and find myself
singing it occasionally" from Music Man. I'm not sure why but that song haunts me. It seems really dark to me. I love the whimsical instrumentation but I think it's the vocals that concern me. It's probably related to a forgotten trauma or maybe some of the myriad of christmas era horror films i've seen through out my life.
 
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