My Top 7 Musical Motivators (Tales From My iPod)
I use music for different things. Sometimes I play music to match my mood. But mostly I play music to generate a NEW mood – or a state change. If I need to come up with something creative after a lazy morning, for example, I’ll deliberately choose music that whips my creative juices into action.
When I want to rest my busy mind, I’ll choose something entirely different.
Music is a powerful state-changer. Here are 7 of my most often played favourites, but my music collection is extensive, so these are by no means the only choices.
I’d love to hear what yours are … please feel free to add yours in the comments section at the end!
1. Rodrigo y Gabriela – Diablo Rojo – For creativity and action.
You simply cannot sit still to this. If you want to get yourself moving, dancing, writing, jogging, sprinting … this is irresistible. The only problem I have with it is that I want to watch the video on Youtube a thousand more times. The temptation eventually wears off, but the music is astounding and the effect lives on.
They have recorded it on a number of albums (once on a studio album and several times on live recordings. My favourite version is from their “Live In Japan” album).
2. John McLaughlin – “Remember Shakti” – For peace of mind and rest.
From Mahavishnu Orchestra to Shakti to concertos – McLaughlin has spanned a heap of styles. But for chilling, meditating or simply floating off into a dreamy world, the double CD “Remember Shakti” is the one most frequently played. The music never fails to surprise no matter how many times it’s heard. If you like foot-tapping singalong tunes this is definitely NOT for you, but give this spiritual modern classic a couple of chances and I think you’ll be hooked. Not one I’d play in the car either!
3. Tommy Emmanuel – “Only” – For lightening up the day, breaks between activities and getting into light-hearted state.
I only recently discovered the Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel – and that is definitely my loss that I didn’t know about him before. Not only does he play with astonishing virtuosity, but his style and his tunes are fun, never boring, and often very lively. Tommy’s music IS for the foot-tapping brigade, although he musters up a mean melancholy melody too. Cheerful, easy listening and absolutely delightful. I play Tommy in the car, whilst reading and he’s good to cook by too!
And for guitarists – another one to envy!
4. Van Morrison – “It’s Too Late To Stop Now.” Great for concentration whilst driving, walking alone, jogging or as a background to a good discussion, (preferably with a good red wine).
Van the Man has been around a long time and I confess I don’t like everything he’s put out. Sometimes he can be too self indulgent IMHO. Way back in 1976 he recorded a live album called “It’s Too Late To Stop Now.” Thankfully, it became available on iTunes because my vinyl copy was worn smooth. Lively, musically brilliant, not just from Van but the band are all absolute masters. (They’d have to be playing with the notoriously demanding Morrison presumably, but whatever he’s really like off stage he certainly brought out the best in these folks).
Play at parties, play to uplift, to singalong to, (you’ll soon get to know a lot of the words – the tunes are irresistible), or just to relax.
5. Leonard Cohen – For when you need to access your soul.
Cohen is the world’s greatest living English wordsmith. That’s not opinion, that’s irrefutable FACT! (Well, okay, it’s my opinion). His quiet yet powerful charisma and the voice that has dropped at least another octave as he’s aged make him a powerhouse of awe and inspiration. Here is a man in his eighth decade still performing, writing and creating – and the genius never ends.
I cannot play Cohen when I’m writing – his words take mine away.
He is to be listened to and savoured, like a fine delicacy. Don’t try to understand the songs, allow them to create moods. His lyrics touch nerves you can’t quite reach with your logical mind but you know he’s said something profound – if only you could just grasp it … nope … it’s no good. No one can say it better than Mr. L. Cohen just did. So listen again. There’s no favourite album … they all have gems and lesser gems. Just close your eyes and listen to a few tracks for an intense experience. I suggest you buy a few albums and then make up a playlist if you have an iPod.
6. Paul Simon – Graceland – As a reminder that life is fun and that you are actually free.
Well, it has to be Graceland, but there are so many good ones. Graceland, though, is still head and shoulders above the rest of even Simon’s gigantic musical masterpieces. Perhaps it’s the freedom of the African rhythms. Definitely great for the car, also for any chore-like activity – housework, cooking or just waiting for guests to arrive.
7. Bobby McFerrin – Vocabularies – A hint of spirituality. Bobby connects me with my human spirit and somehow evokes a sense of kindness and love towards others.
Now, Bobby McFerrin is best known for “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” which was a cute little song with a catchy hook, but Mr. McF is capable of far, far more than that. Bobby McFerrin is a human musical instrument. He plays himself like a drum, has a range of an astonishing number of octaves, (I’m going to guess at five but it could be more), and can make sound effects better than Garage Band and Rolf Harris combined.
He even made an album, (Paper Music) of classical music where he SINGS the lead instrument line – and it works!
I have several McFerrin albums. No two are the same or even alike, so don’t try to pigeon hole this guy. The one on my iPod is Vocabularies which has a float-above-the-clouds kind of feel. It’s not as ethereal as “Remember Shakti” (I have to close my eyes for that one), but it carries you along and I find it great for inspiring creativity and for keeping me going through long-ish writing projects.
What are your favourites?
What moods or states do you like to evoke?
I’d love to add to my music collection! Share your ideas … and let’s listen!