→ RIP — Bill Withers 💀

I found out Bill Withers died today. Not a huge fan, but I am rather fond of this one of his.

I used that song in the intro to one of my old videos, one I did with Augie back in my personal golden age of geocaching.

I miss those days.

→ Corona Virus Rap - Gmac Cash

While I’m at it I might as well post this, too, since Josh got such a kick out of it. I sent this to him a week or so ago, then days later he’s in the hospital. Great timing on my part. Maybe he didn’t follow soon enough the sober and thoughtful advice given in this video.

Get well, my brother.

→ The Covid-19 Blues

Just got this from my brother, who at this moment is being hospitalized in Louisiana for pneumonia and possible coronavirus infection. Still awaiting results of his 2nd test. Hasn’t killed his sense of humor. We love you, Josh. Get well.

→ This Soft Jazz Will Cure Your Coronavirus

I guess it’s true that there really is a jazz for every conceivable mood or situation.

→ Reduce Your Anxiety

Is this the most chill song in the world?

In fact, listening to that one song — “Weightless” — resulted in a striking 65 percent reduction in participants’ overall anxiety, and a 35 percent reduction in their usual physiological resting rates.

I have a lot of tracks I listen to alter or set my mood, but I’ve never seen the phenomenon quantified so neatly. I’d like to see the measurable improvements in focus, attention, or creativity that music is capable of producing. Not to mention physical effects — improved strength, speed, and stamina. The immune system. Can music heal? Why do we respond to music?

The answer lies somewhere, I think, somewhere outside of human psychology or physiology.

Anyway, calm down and listen to this. Or vice versa.

Read the article. They posted a playlist of the top 10 songs studied with the greatest effect on mood and anxiety.