Assignment 23: Sofi Tzouanakis

Whenever I've had a particularly trying day, or I'm not feeling so down-to-earth, or just haven't been feeling 100% for awhile, I love just listening to music. Something intangible and inexplicable happens when you listen to a articulate melody. Everything seems so much simpler, as even the most oblique things become transparent and easier to tackle. It's strange; you know when you've been tense and you don't even realize it until someone prods you? It's like the music prods me, and I feel my heart and my mind ease, and my shoulders sag, and my mouth sigh.
Anyway, here's what I've got for... relaxing. Yeah. (In no particular order)

1.) Moonlight Sonata, Beethoven: Seriously, I don't know who doesn't get chills while listening to this piece. Classical is always ultimately one of the most soothing music genres, particularly when you play it. I take classical piano and played this for a concert once, so sometimes I'll just play it to relax and it transcends simply listening. Just an unparalleled piece of art.
2.) To Build a Home, The Cinematic Orchestra, Ma Fleur: Jesus, this song is introspective as all else. It's the perfect "I'm looking dramatically out the car window" music. No, but honestly, just listen to it. It's so emotional and stunning and... ugh
3.) Ne Me Quitte Pas, Jacques Brel, Live in Concert: I don't feel like this one will be everyone's cup of tea, but what do I know? This song is sung in French. I find the way a foreign language sounds so refreshing. I'm listening intently to every word that's being spoken, more so than English songs, and yet I have no clue what he's saying. Take that as you will.
4.) Hurt, Johnny Cash, American IV: I have a very specific moment connected to this song, and it always brings me down. Picture this: Driving a pickup alone, through the West Texas dust, as the sun sets over the endless golden plain. Yeah, I cried.
5.) The Sound of Silence, Simon and Garfunkel, The Collection: I just really like this song, how simple it is, and the lyrics. I'm not sure what else I can say about it; I think the point of music is it can't be explained in words. So just go listen.