Art Therapy 1

Music has a very apparent therapeutic effect on most people’s lives. Dependent on what kind of day it is and what kind of mood you’re suffering (or enjoying), rock and or roll can totally make or break, justify or deny how you feel. Now I guess you the reader can say “faggot” and that this my emo post, but hear me out. There are definite career choices out there relating to this very topic: music (and art) therapy. While I think that these take things a bit too far, and certainly shouldn’t be used exclusively in psychiatric help, there is a nugget of truth in this study. I mean, music has a certain visual effect on people, (ever seen the color of a song? No I’m not on acid…more on this topic (Synestasia) later.) why can’t a song clear, confirm or question a mood? Why can’t music confirm or even help specific states of mind?

So, since I’m too lazy to write an essay and further examine the topic, I’ll show you a few records that remind me of or emote me in a certain way and some that can be generalized of a specific state of mind. You’ll find that, generally, these albums I cover all carry a common thread throughout and aren’t usually “singles” records.

If this works, I’ll post a few more relating to the subject.

Yeah, I was in the shit:

Case No. 001
State of mind/mood: Realization/Coming of Age
Album: Emergency & I
Artist: The Dismemberment Plan
Why: What better gift to give the high school graduate than this record? This is surely not Dr. Fucking Seuss’ Oh the Places You’ll Go – it’s not cheeky and clever, certainly not on sale (Starting May 15!) on a table in Barnes and Noble. Yet, it’s a better illustration of moving forward than any record I’ve ever heard. Lyrically, starting with the overarching march/what not to do anthem of “Life of Possibilities”, wading through the shit and obstructions of “What Do You Want Me to Say?”, again feeling righteous anger and sadness in “The City” and finally letting it all wash over, for better or worse with “Back and Forth”. And not only do the lyrics tell the story, the Plan’s music explodes with the noise of possibility, awkwardness and awesomeness, seemingly feeling it out in front of you. There’s never been a better album that funnels all shades of grey that confusion and the multiplicity of change that maturity brings. (Except Baz Luhrmann’s “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)”.)

Case No. 002
State of mind/mood: Overcoming Rejection/Sadness
Album: One Word Extinguisher
Artist: Prefuse 73
Why: Admittedly, this is an easy and obvious choice for both the artist and subject matter. It’s been widely documented that Scott Herren worked on this record after enduring a collapsed relationship. Also, there are a million other records dealing with the same damn thing. Pop music hasn’t really shied away from heartbreak to say the least. The thing that makes this record so unique is there aren’t any words to explain the guilt, sadness, and pain of a failed relationship. Rather, synths moan and clouds of melody blow over disjointed drum breaks while occasional voices coo, illustrating the slow rehabilitation of a broken heart.

Case No. 003
State of mind/mood: Immaturity
Album: Reville
Artist: Deerhoof
Why: While winsomeness isn’t something that I’d usually find particularly engaging, Deerhoof have a fantastic way of exploring something so indefinable. Sweetly sung, no-lyric melodies hover over a grand explosion of massive rock n’ roll fun recalling the best of the Who and Zeppelin. But rather than being sweaty Man Rock, their music is painted in big bright colors with wide-sized Crayolas, making beautiful art that exudes cuteness and creativity in its rawest form.

[I’m now exhausted – more later, I promise. I’ve been up since 4:30 this morning.]