Jan 20, 2011

Life's Soundtrack - Just Breathe

earth teach me

Yesterday I found myself on the verge of a full-blown panic attack.  I had just been given a huge work assignment with a super short deadline.  Normally that wouldn't cause a panic attack, but I am also trying to manage a remodeling project at my house with contractors who just won't seem to show up when they say they will or answer the questions I ask.  After my latest go around with a painter, I realized I still hadn't written this post - nor did I have any idea what I would write about.  On the verge of panic I heard a voice reminding me to just breathe - yep, Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) saved me.

For this week's playlist, let's build on that moment of calm I felt when I heard Eddie's voice singing "Just Breathe."  Take a minute and share in the comments section those songs that bring you a sense of peace when they come on.  Songs that soothe those moments of panic and remind you that you can get through anything life throws your way.

Here are a few of my tried and true favorites:
Pearl Jam - Just Breathe
Dolly Parton - Light of a Clear Blue Morning (it was Dolly's 65th Birthday yesterday, even if you don't love her voice, take a minute and listen to these lyrics)
Anna Nalick - Breathe
Michael Stipe & Chris Martin - In the Sun
Gary Allan - Life Ain't Always Beautiful
Priscilla Ahn - A Good Day
Lady Antebellum - One Day You Will
Sarah Mclachlan - Answer
Mary Chapin Carpenter - Come On Come On

On to last week's playlist, I found myself laughing out loud at a few of your comments, and, I'll admit it, drooling (exp. Kris Kristofferson - I don't care how old you are or how old he is - there is just something about that man.)  Some of your suggestions had me kicking myself for not including on my list - hello Iron & Wine and Ryan Bingham, other suggestions were brand new to me and I LOVE when that happens. Thanks to PG and Bee I learned that, while I thought the US had cornered the market on sultry bearded singers, we have nothing on our neighbors to the north.  These two ladies proved that Canada is full of scruffy dudes with killer voices.

To hear the playlist, click on the sideways triangle in the middle of the embedded player.  To skip forward or back to the next song, click on the < or > to either edge of the player.

Don't forget to comment, sharing the songs that help you stop and breathe when it feels like the world is crashing down on you - I NEED this list to get me through my remodel project.

13 comments:

Anna said...

Jamie,
Our family knows all about the challenges of house remodeling and working with different contractors - some great and some not! Hang in there, I'm sure you will be happy with the results. Or at least happy it is over :)

Kelli said...

Hi Jamie,
Haven't check in for a while, and spent loads of time listening to last weeks list... wow!
Here are some of my faves for this week:
If the Stars Were Mine ~Melody Gardot
Heart of Gold~Neil Young
Rain~Patty Griffin
Norah Jones~Don't Know Why
Adele~Make You Feel My Love
Keith Urban~Til Summer Comes Around
Julie Roberts~Break Down Here
Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks~Old Friend
Butterfly Boucher~A Bitter Song

I hope your Friday and weekend is fabulous!
~Kelli

Suki said...

Love this weeks songs. Really for me this week a song who bring me true peace is No Day But Today from the Rent Musical.

Unknown said...

oh,
Just Breathe makes me cry and rejoice and yearn.
I've blogged it before,

isn't music the everything sometimes.

thank you.
and today I listened to the soundtrack from il postino and Dog Days are Over , Florence and the Machine

blue elephant photography said...

I know you will be able to meet that deadline. I'm sure you are pretty good with what you do. No more panic attacks.
Well when I need to just stop and breathe I think of Snow Patrol - Just Say Yes and The Finish Line. I also listen to Frou Frou/Imogen Heap - Breathe In and Let Go.

ELK said...

music is the great healer ..of almost panic attacks AND painters gone crazy!! hang in there friend

dbalyoz said...

oh good luck with work and, even more stressful, house remodelling. have you heard ludovico einaudi? definitely different style but very soothing. :) xx denise

Kat Sloma said...

So, so glad Anna Nalick is on your list! I love her first album. And reading your title I had Pearl Jam running through my head before I ever started to read...

knitalatte said...

Remodel is a four letter word, or it should be.
Hope you can get thru it and still consider yourself sane.
How about a little Bobby Mcferrin
Don't worry be happy
and
Meaghan Smith
Take me dancing

Good luck!

kelly@thebluemuse said...

I am in love with Just Breathe, so that is also my top pick, but also, anything from Norah Jones first album, so relaxing....

Prairie Girl Studio said...

here i am finally listening to your whiskered playlist, jamie ... and once again you have touched me deeply by awakening me to yet another lineup of new and sensational artists ... deep sigh ...
i want to listen to marc broussard's home a thousand times and again sweating in a sea of soul ...
and then you took us to the tenderness of amos lee ~ not three seconds into this song and i was weeping ...
oh boy ...
when i have finished listening and gathering myself once again ... i will share my thoughts for this week ...
thanks so much jamie ...
blessings to you ~
xoxoxoxoxo
prairiegirl

Prairie Girl Studio said...

oh boy, i sure hope you are doing ok with those reno's and all the headaches ...

just looking at your list of uplifting, 'it's gonna be ok' songs is inspiring and really got me thinking!

right off, the beetles started singing here comes the sun in my mind ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6tV11acSRk&feature=related

and then i realized how many of their songs pick me up and if i sing along loud enough, they will allow me to bounce right over any ol problem ... : )

obla di obla da
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LedUjMuTR7Q&feature=related

feeling groovy by simon & garfunkel is one of my mom's favourites ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBQxG0Z72qM&feature=related

finally, always remember to purse your lips and whistle ...
and ...
always look on the bright side of life by monty phython ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlBiLNN1NhQ&feature=fvw

thanks always, jamie!
xo
pg

urban muser said...

i can't wait to check out the bearded playlist!

for breathing, i suggest:

"breathe me" by sia

and maybe something by jack johnson, i really like his cover of "imagine"