When life kicks you in the teeth one too many times, turn to music. That is my advice.
It’s certainly not going to fix everything (wouldn’t it be great if it did though?) but it definitely helps.
I am going through some shit at the moment…. (losing my job and all) and I’ve spent most of yesterday and today in a deep funk. I am actually typing this from under a pile of tissues, chocolate wrappers and empty ice-cream containers.
So, like I always do in times of need, I turned to music. Music is so important to most of us for a good reason. It reminds us of the past, it brings up old memories and the feelings that went along with it.
I’ll always remember driving in Dad’s car as a child and hearing the gravelly tone of Joe Cocker coming out of the speakers. Now every time I hear that voice I think of those childhood memories, those Sunday afternoon road trips, and of course, I think of my Dad. Even when my father is long gone, I know that every time I hear Joe Cocker I will think of him.
Music can motivate you, it can inspire you and hell, it can make you cry. I don’t think I have ever gotten through ‘Storms’ by Fleetwood Mac without getting a little teary. (Damn you Stevie!)
As someone who suffers from anxiety, it sometimes feels as though my mind is running a million miles an hour and I can’t turn it off. Music can be a great distraction from the chaos.
Today’s distraction is Depeche Mode. I am beyond obsessed with this band. I could talk about them for hours and not get bored. I could talk about their incredible progression. (Seriously, take a look at the video for ‘Just can’t get enough’ and then watch anything from Violator or Songs of Faith and Devotion) I could talk about the sound of their music. The fact that while they could be cold and electronic, they still managed to put a great deal of depth and emotion into their songs, not to mention their ability to elicit an equally strong emotional reaction in their fans.(Just watch the Pennebaker documentary 101 for evidence of that) I could talk about Martin Gore’s glorious fashion and his songwriting, I could talk about the quiet genius of Alan Wilder…. and don’t even get me started on Dave Gahan. Instead I will just say this:
I really freaking love Depeche Mode. Even when I am feeling like utter crap, I still love Depeche Mode and thank God for that.
The song of the day is Strangelove.
Will you give it to me
Will you take the pain
I will give to you
Again and again
And will you return it
(I mean how great are those lyrics?)
Pop Life 