Don’t Give Up – Peter Gabriel
What’s the point?
You ever find yourself asking that?
The point of this playlist is to bring succor to people who are grieving. That’s it. We listen to and feature songs that we hope people can resonate with and perhaps elicit a cathartic release – at the very least – to help them feel less alone…
Strange Beauty – First Aid Kit
It’s still September. We’re still talking about Suicide. We’re doing this because the experts tell us that the more we talk about it – the more we bring it into the open – the less likely it is that people will go through with it.
And yet – people still do…
Open Letter – Mr. Phelps
So it’s September – and for the Grieve To list – that means our thoughts turn to suicide.
Yep – if you didn’t know – September is Suicide Awareness Month – it’s also National Suicide Prevention Month and in fact right now – between the 8th and the 14th – it’s actually National Suicide Prevention Week. If you are in any doubt as to the impact suicide has on society – spend a minute here: Suicide Statistics – the rate inches up every year – and as a middle aged white male – well – I’m slap bang in the highest risk group…
Death Dream – Frightened Rabbit
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week!
…at least it was – it was when Scott Hutchison of one of my favorite bands Frightened Rabbit took his own life – probably acting out the story of a song he’d written 10 years ago – 10 years ago when he had more hope.
I Could Be The One – Noonie Bao Acoustic Mix – Avicii, Nicky Romero
I thought there’d be a couple of Avicii tracks in this week’s submissions and while Noka’s selection of Wake Me Up on the Music to Vibe To list was beautifully written and a must read / listen, it was the track from Matt Jenko and the Music to Save The World playlist that caught my ear.
Songs to Address The Madness
Tracks that touch the darkness so you don’t have to – featuring artists like Slipknot • Eels • Rose Gray • Basement Jaxx • Crystal Castles • Eric Whiteacre • Opeth • Frightened Rabbit • Pearl Jam • Chris Cornell
All Power to The People
The maddening, frustrating and inspiring experience that is humanity, and our daily struggle as we move forward… – featuring artists like The Stylistics • Flobots • R.E.M. • Mavis Staples • World Party • tulengua • Paolo Nutini • The Jam
A Life in Full Color (song for Louis) – Gerhardt
Why write a song reflecting on the suicide of a beloved friend? Why send it out into the world? What purpose does that serve? Ever since Gerhardt reached out and sent me this beautiful track, I’ve been reflecting on those questions – and while I don’t have an answer, I have an idea of one…
Deep Relaxing Tracks
Soothing, heartfelt songs from a blend of genres for taking relaxing deep breaths – featuring artists like Feist • Daniel Norgren • Joni Mitchell • John Lennon • Blake Mills • Mndsgn • Madison Cunningh • Dirty Projectors
Break the Bottle – Jess Silk
God I love the story tellers.
The lyricists who construct a reality you can step into, to experience it as if you were there – as if you knew the characters – who do it so seamlessly that – even if it is by proxy – you get to feel the emotions for real.
That’s the point of this list – it’s designed to make you feel – to connect with the emotions that we’re oh so good at keeping hidden, buried under guilt and social conditioning. Because when we don’t deal with those emotions – well – that’s when the bad shit happens…