The XX has been in heavy rotation lately on my playlist:
Any suggestions on similar bands?
David Swindle is the associate editor of PJ Media. He writes and edits articles and blog posts on politics, news, culture, and entertainment. He edits the PJ Lifestyle section and blogs about political culture at PJ Tatler. Contact him at DaveSwindlePJM @ Gmail.com.
He has worked full-time as a writer, editor, blogger, and New Media troublemaker since 2009. He graduated with a degree in English (creative writing emphasis) and political science from Ball State University in 2006. Previously he's also worked as a freelance writer for The Indianapolis Star and the film critic for WTHR.com. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and their Siberian Husky puppy Maura.
Relaxing? Hmmm. No. Boring? Why yes, that’s it.
It’s marginally more interesting than the sound a train makes on the tracks.
The hell bound train that just left with your soul.
Don’t find it relaxing at all; the beat is too poignant and even though repetitive and predictable, far too loud. Of course it is a matter of taste and disposition, sometimes I find Iron Maiden-Afraid to Shoot Strangers very calming.
My suggestions though:
Deep forest-Sweet lullaby
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG0pegmmB5A
Neil Schon-Big Moon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJMiCAYDNIU
Hilary Stagg-Simple and sweet (not on youtube)
Loreena McKennitt-Night Ride Across The Caucasus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBZJXuPzaH0
List is endless. Not much into elctronica, aside from some Utah Saints and Chemichal Brothers.
Dave,
I’ll offer one. A combination, video and song, relaxing and hypnotic, a seamless pairing of art(dance and music)from two different eras.
And Gilda herself, enchanting as ever, the smile that could light up a room, hips slowly swaying to a sweet and smooth slide guitar.
The bump-at-the-doorway/pardon-me section is classic.
The Sirens could do no better, it is the very definition of entrancing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kKVBZUVWxQ
Thanks, sonny, what a find. I also got to re-see my old ROTC uniform before we got the modern Class As.
Very, very good.
Try Deva Premal. She’s every bit as good.
http://www.devapremalmiten.com/
maybe some kruder and dorfmeister
or air
for that trippy loungy electronica vibe
The most relaxing, “ethereal” song in my opinion:
“Callas Went Away” by Engima:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNcAw8UABpM
This song calms me down every time, not matter how stressed out/irritated/nervous I am.
Another very good electronic-space-ambient relaxing song:
“Lumia Nights” by Jonn Serrie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9oUBVqW6pQ
Another very relaxing piece by a Native American flute musician named R. Carlos Nakai:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETvFnLg0hXU&list=UUpPJBHzWTt_-SYxO5D5yPXw&index=10&feature=plcp
This song is beautiful and relaxing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjyaVA8qaaw
I fogot The Fountain soundrack, one of the best ever imo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j7otyrIkDQ
“infinite horizons” – God Is an astronaut on All is violent, All is bright
Anything by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
I find “passenger” by the Deftones relaxing
“I am weary” – the Cox family
… Are you trying to fall asleep or just looking for something mellow?! Sorry, no links
– John Carpenter wrote for the credits to Escape from New York.
Now I know what I sounded like at your age before I knew anything about music. Keep listening, broaden and deepen your listening. Learn how to listen differently. Also, read pre-20th century stuff – that’s most of human experience.
I like this track by The XX, too. It was used toward the end of an episode of the excellent “Person of Interest.” I also suggest the downtempo stuff from The Dining Rooms. It’s my morning bus ride music.
I’ll bet you’d like much of Brian Eno’s solo material,
especially ‘The Plateaux Of Mirror’ and his Ambient
works…
I find it more annoying than relaxing. Most of the reply suggestions are no better. A truly relaxing and beautiful piece, with much greater musical value, is Schubert’s Serenade. Many excellent versions on You Tube.
Any Gregorian chant is far more relaxing–and profound.
Check out SECRET by OCEANLAB
this song sounds a lot like THE GLITCH MOB, the song FORTUNE DAYS, only that is less relaxing.