So, since the world is a disaster due to Covid, and most of you are in some form of quarantine or social distancing, I thought it might be nice to show you some music to cheer you up. Also, we should count our blessings and appreciate the simple things like being able to produce beauty at the touch of a button. Here we go!

Pulaski at night by Andrew Bird.

Andrew Bird is a singer-songwriter whose principal instrument is the violin instead of the usual guitar or piano. This gives his music a kind of classical music folk hybrid feel. On this track, Bird uses his considerable skill as a composer and producer to weave a magical tapestry, that never fails to make me feel uplifted.

https://youtu.be/oecHq2neweA

Feeling Good – Nina Simone

Considering her difficult life, it's kind of surprising that Nina Simone wrote such a song. I suppose to survive we've got to be capable of looking on the positive side of things. The horn section keeps time, while Nina's voice and piano soar in and out of that foundation pillar, all the way to a moving climax.

https://youtu.be/LR1bWhdoIXM

Get Better

I'd actually recommend this entire album as a sonic mood changer, Positive Songs for Negative People is the title of the album and it's not meant in an ironic sense at all. However, unlike some overly polished Disney film platitudes, the album doesn't just say "you can do it." Instead of this song, and the album itself, point out that you need to confront your problems; and although it might not be easy, it's better than not doing it.

https://youtu.be/C_g-UIGh9N0

Love Illumination Franz Ferdinand

The first time I heard this song the distorted guitar riff grabbed my attention, the dirty horn section gave me an eargasm, and the playful seventies-style synth felt like romantic cuddling afterward. My go-to, good time Summer song!

https://youtu.be/4nJ0o8-3Aas

What a Beautiful Day the Levelers

Back in the day when "indie" rock was so mainstream, that it could produce countless one-hit wonders. This song creates a socialist Utopia in the mind of the listener, populated by everyone from James Dean to Ché Guevara. A tribute to the power of the human imagination.

https://youtu.be/5SKS_xcBS5w

Mrs. Robinson Lemonheads Version

Another indie rock one-hit-wonder. This song somehow manages to ignore (or drip-feed irony on, as was the way in the 90s) the dark undertones of the song's lyrics and with a bass line that never fails to get my booty moving, and with its rough in your face high energy performance, should at least tap feet everywhere. "Here's to you Joe Dimaggio, a nation turns its lonely eyes to you."

https://youtu.be/zvMFm5nKeUc

Musicology Prince.

Prince's celebration of funk (and since he's Prince; himself). The bass lays down a funktastic rhythm and will definitely help you get " a Ph.D. in Advanced Body Movin" Maybe a little too long and overindulgent but you've got to expect that from late period Prince.

https://youtu.be/zILabWVdIMs

The Whole of the Moon The Waterboys

Perhaps more uplifting than optimistic, and whilst always implying a hint of envy about the "Mary Sue" that the song waxes lyrically about, this song takes me on a narrative journey and makes me want to push myself harder.

https://youtu.be/sBW8Vnp8BzU

Tenia Tanto Que Darte by Nena Deconte

I'd be remiss if I didn't include something from my adopted Spain. Whilst this song is a sickly sweet, love pop-rock song, its pristine construction, rock-solid catchy guitar riff, and cute vocal tones always help me out of dark funk. I often think about listening to music as a meal and this is most definitely dessert.

https://youtu.be/rd8ZFtD5rM8