Music for "Tough Times"


When you're feeling lousy, or maybe just had a tough day, what one LP, CD, tape, etc. do you play to make you feel better? In my case it's Cowboy Junkies CD "The Caution Horses". Margo Timmins voice is at once soft and soothing, but also haunting and immediate. This is music that I can get lost in. What music do others use on occasions like this?
garfish
I don't know if this falls under the "hair of the dog" category, but Bob Dylan is who I always turn to when I reach this level of down. Fortunately, it hasn't been more than a few times. I find belting out the tunes to be incredibly cathartic. The next day, I am usually fine.
Just about anything by Mozart does the trick for me; specially the wind concerti. After all, it's the only music that causes my pet bird to sing along (no kidding). Quick pick-me-up. Although I find that it's not always a specific composer but the performer that has that elusive "happy vibe". In a different vein, some of the jazz artists that have that happy feeling are Oscar Peterson, Ella, Tony Bennet, CANNONBALL ADDERLY, Zoot Sims and specially Louis Armstrong. If Louis doesn't put a smile on your face; get professional help immediately! If all else fails: Spike Jones.
End of relationship - Billie Holiday "Lady in Satin". Existential crisis - Bach's "Cello Suites". Looking for Salvation - Coltrane, " A Love Supreme". Angry at the world - The Clash, "London Calling" or "Black Market Clash".
I can see I'll be looking for some new music as a result of the posts on this thread. JD, your post was heavy, but know that you make the Audiogon chat room a more enjoyable place to visit. And like Detlof and others, music has helped pull me through some tough times too. Craig