What do most of us do when we are stressed?
Listen to music
From here and beyond until I finish my last NCEA exam of 2013, I know I am going to be extremely stressed and I know heaps of other people will feel the same. So heres a playlist that could be played while you're relaxing in the bath with a burning vanilla scented candle or you can play it while you are studying your arse off.
1. Up in Flames - Coldplay
A fairly slow song with repeating piano chords and a constant drum beat complimenting Chris Martin's almost-a-whisper voice, which make this song more intimate and soothing.
2. No Surprises - Radiohead
One of my favourite songs of Radiohead with its tinkling glockenspiel making it almost dream-like or like a baby's lullaby.
The Beatles were inspired by their time in India which is obvious within this song through the chant 'jai guru deva om' (which translates to 'I give thanks to Guru Deva') and also heard through the Indian guitar - the sitar and, which allows this song has a meditational sense to it.
This is a classic Lana song as it features in her first e.p Kill Kill, her debut album (Lana Del Rey a.k.a Lizzy Grant) and also in the Paradise edition of Born To Die - truly shows how far she has come. It has a more acoustic sound with the simple plucking of the guitar strings and the echoing of her vocals.
Cohen wrote this song in memory of Janis Joplin, whom he was close with, and it has a sense of romanticism without being cheesy. I think Cohen's lyrics truly standout from the minimal production and you can definitely feel his grief through each note.
I love this version of this song as its jazzy and cool. The improvisation and trills of the piano compliments Doris' breathy, low voice. The subtleties of this song such as the tapping drum beat and strings really hold this song together.
A great rendition of Strawberry Swing, which was originally written by Coldplay, it was re-written by Ocean as he showcases his song-writing talents over another musician's backing. The driving rhythms and electric guitar riff makes this song uplifting and just makes you feel good.
For anyone thats read 'Perks of being a wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky will know that 'Landslide' is the tunnel song that helped create the feeling of 'infinite'. Need I say more?
Always gotta have a bit of folk to relax the mind haha. This song is quite a percussive piece but it beautifully opens with the harmonisation of whispering vocals.
"Classical" music is perfect for studying as it doesn't have lyrics that may distract you from your studies. Debussy's works aren't classified as 'classical' but it is actually impressionist music which relates to the impressionism movement in art. Debussy was inspired by impressionist art and mainly aims to paint a picture for the listener. Just listen to the colourful harmonies and think about what Debussy is trying to portray (if you aren't trying to memorise Shakespeare quotes for your English exam).
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