Because, in a perfect world, I would be everyone's musical conscience

While I'm still knee deep in processing images from last weekend (I took a total of 325 shots, but have widdled them down to about 175 "keepers") I thought I'd do a series of posts about some of my favorite stuff on the ipod—tracks you can use to replace all of the crap you currently have on your personal listening device. (Curt, this would mean anything done by the Scissor Sisters.)

Today, I'm going to share a few of things from my playlist entitled "Musical Paxil"—one that contains two distinct genres, "things that will lower your pulse rate" (perfect for a stressful day at work) and "things that will make you want to cease having a pulse" (not recommended while standing on the edge of a cliff).

First the mellow.

1) Your Faithful Friend (Abra Moore) A big hug for your ears with lyrics like "it's all about faith, don't give up on me … I'm holding you safe under my wing." (I know that sounds like a bad Bette Midler song—is there such a thing as a good Bette Midler song?—but it's really great.)

2) Piggyback (Bob Schneider) While the song talks about losing a mother and having a father "who has a hook where his hand used to be" it's really a beautiful song.

3) Lodestar (Sarah Harmer) This song builds all of the way to the end and is just so soothing you feel like you're gently floating on the ocean.

4) Neverending Math Equation (Sun Kil Moon) A laid-back acoustic cover of a Modest Mouse song—you wouldn't think it would work, but it does.

5) In the Sun (Michael Stipe) Another incredible cover.

6) Feel Us Shaking (The Samples) A song about finding tranquility beneath the sea.

7) The Maker (Willie Nelson) Originally written by producer Daniel Lanois, this song legitimately seems otherworldly helped along by the fact that Emmylou Harris provides background vocals.

Now the mood altering.

1) What Sarah Said (Death Cab for Cutie) The lyrics are too heavy to even type, let's move on.

2) Here Comes the Flood (Peter Gabriel) Music as haunting as Peter's voice. Great lyrics and phrasing.

3) Not Dark Yet (Bob Dylan) "It's not dark yet … but it's getting there." A later-year track from Bob where the age in his voice adds texture to his incredible lyrics.

4) Keep Me In Your Heart (Warren Zevon) Hard to believe that this is the same guy who wrote "Werewolves of London."

5) Breathe Me (Sia) Cracking, whispering vocals accompanied by piano that, like the Sarah Harmer song, continues to build throughout.

6) Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own (U2) It probably helps that I know way too much about the back story of this song (It's basically about Bono losing his father) but it is also special because it's the strongest Bono's voice has seemed in years which is appropriate since his dad was a big opera fan.

7) One By One (Wilco & Billy Bragg) An incredible interpretation of unreleased Woody Guthrie lyrics. The whole "Mermaid Avenue" album is worth checking out.

That's it for now, I'll shoot for something a little more uplifting next time.

-Craig