I was recently exchanging some emails with someone that I have never met in real life. They were talking about their love of music and said that a group that I liked played the first song on their "Everything will be OK" playlist.

I decided to make a playlist like that for myself. I am really responsive to musical control of my emotions and moods. So much so, that I am geeking out by reading a book on the topic "This Is Your Brain On Music: The Science of a Human Obsession" by Daniel J. Levitin. Very good book.

Here is my version of that playlist (in random order):

I'm Gonna Take That Mountain - Reba McEntire
A good get you going, you can do anything song. Great Dobro part.

Hard Times - Eastmountainsouth
Hard times come again no more. Enough Said.

Even Superman - Ryan Shupe & The Rubberband
Even Superman can fail, it is ok not to be a superhero. Wish I could have found an non-fan vid.

That's Not Love - Keb' Mo'
Love doesn't hurt like that. A good reminder

Penelope - Great Big Sea
Every Da-a-a-a-a-ya. Cheery music with words that encourage you to go where you are happiest. I couldn't find a good vid for it :(

Wave On Wave - Pat Green
We are all looking for redemption, just afraid to say the name. Am I the one you were sent to save?

Praise You - Fatboy Slim
Happy song, happy video. Do what makes you happy even when you look dorky.

Shepherds' Delight - Martin Simpson
Beautiful brisk instrumental. Always makes me smile and try to whistle along. I couldn't get the link to go directly to the song so you will have to click. 5 star album.

The Cat and the Moon - A. R. Rahman
A happy dance song from the Lord of the Rings Musical Soundrack by the guy who did the Slumdog soundtrack. Hobbits live for leaf, and food and friends. A good reminder. Because we all want to dance like that.

Earthbound - Rodney Crowell
Keep earthbound. Don't get wrapped up in the sky or sink down into the muck. A balancing song. The video celebrates music and eating together. I love that.

Shine - Trey Anastasio
Shine on. Helped me through a really bad time.

Ghosts In My Machine - Annie Lennox
I might be haunted by the ghosts in my machine, but I can overcome them. I keep wondering how she knows me so well when we have never met.

Smoothie Song - Nickel Creek
Another happy instumental

All for Good - Adrienne Young
I loved and hated this song so much I blogged about it. I am finally at peace with it, though I HATE the bible reference it is based on.

In The Valley - Midnight Oil
A good song about working your way through life and about family. I especially like the line "I hope that virtue finds its own reward." That line is a leg of my ethical system. I just found a slower version that I also like so this is a twofer. What can I say, I love passionate, hyperactive bald guys that are taller than I am.

When I Am King - Great Big Sea
The world would sing if I were king. One of my favorite bands. Wonderful live

The Littlest Birds - The Be Good Tanyas
The littlest birds sing the sweetest song. A good reminder for when I feel small and burdened.

The River's Gonna Run - Sam Bush
I'm gonna rock on the water, I'm gonna dance on the flood. Such a good song. I love the plodding intensity.

Going in the Right Direction - Robert Randolph & The Family Band
I love the pedal steel guitar and he is the master. I love how the vocals are the response to the steel's call. Good reminder to keep on the right road.

Beautiful Day - U2
I know I'm not a hopeless case. This song actually makes me physically dizzy when I listen to it with my eyes closed.

Ask - The Smiths
Don't let shyness or coyness stop you. It is strange when you are encouraged by the Smiths... I have definitely been spending to many warm summer days indoors.

Little Bird - Annie Lennox
I've got to put these wings to test. God, I love her.

The Revolution Starts... - Steve Earle
NOW! With me!

Let the Day Begin - The Call
I love how The Call leads with a melodic bass part and the piano part on the chorus is pure joy. Michael Been sings so that you have no choice but to get going. He demands it and you long to obey. This song can't be played loud enough. Now, let the day begin, let the day begin, let the day start.