By: Tina Davidson
This is me with “Tina” in Germany circa 2000. Photo Credit: One of my college roommates.
Music evokes strong emotions and can bring back memories long forgotten.
When I hear the song, “Cotton Eye Joe,” by Rednex, I am transported back to college and I picture myself surrounded by friends dancing under a black light.
I never really thought of my current playlist (Cotton Eye Joe, you didn’t make the cut) as a scientific tool, but now that’s changed.
Read All About It
My mindset has changed thanks to the book, “Your Playlist Can Change Your Life.” It boasts, “10 Proven Ways Your Favorite Music Can Revolutionize Your Health, Memory, Organization, Alertness, and More.”
Now that’s some big claims. I haven’t finished the book yet, but I’m listening to a lot of music and paying better attention to it.
Parental Advisory: Stick to the songs that bring back good vibes.
Brain Tunes
Chapter 10, “How to Use Your Brain’s Own Music,” intrigued me the most. Music can be made from your brain’s own waves and added to your playlist.
Bonus Track: Google “Brain Music Therapy” (BMT) and “Galina Mindlin“– once you’ve discovered BMT, there might be a cure for your insomnia after all.
Pump up the Volume
Here’s a few songs from my Summer Playlist:
I may regret my choices later (but all scientists have a work in progress, right?)
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“Shake Shake Shake (Shake Your Booty)”- KC & the Sunshine Band
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“Help”- The Beatles
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“I Wanna Be a Lifeguard”- Blotto
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“Last Night a DJ Saved my Life”- Indeep
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“Obviously 5 Believers”- Old Crow Medicine Show
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“Can’t Stop the Feeling”- The Piano Guys
Where’s the Show?
There’s nothing quite like hearing your playlist songs performed live. I doubt I’ll hear any of my summer playlist songs at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center any time soon, but looks like the 2017-2018 season is going to be a good one.
Do you have a favorite local performing arts center? Here’s my top picks of the upcoming Cal Poly Arts shows (wish I could afford to attend them all):
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Bill Murray, Jan Vogler & Friends- Oct 8
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Steep Canyon Rangers- Jan 21
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Improvised Shakespeare- March 16
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Black Violin- Feb 17
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Itzhak Perlman- Jan 16
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Michael Feinstein- Jan 26
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Andrew Bird- Oct 16
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Koresh Dance Company- April 14
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Cameron Carpenter- Feb 26
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Brasil Guitar Duo- Oct 14
I Heard you on the Wireless
Special thanks to Cal Poly DJ, “Jack Funk,” for pouring out the groovy tunes on Wednesday evenings on KCPR (congrats on your graduation). My boys enjoyed listening to your show during our twenty-minute commute to gymnastics.
They’ll never forget that:
“Last night a DJ saved my life with a song.” Lyrics by Indeep
Happy listening! Here’s to a happy and healthy brain.
Please share your summer playlist in the comments.
Tina Davidson 