What music relaxes you?

carr Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 11:32 PM EST

eva cassidy, nickel creek (the songs that i love, I LOVE, but the songs I don't like, I really don't.), katie melua, a lot of glen hansard stuff (despite the common "screeching" and building, it kind of helps you just build up with the song and let it all out.), slower little big town stuff

Cicidee Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 05:34 PM EST

Morcheeba
Zero 7
Bebel Gilberto
Portishead
Massive Attack

I could actually list more but these are my go to artists when I need to zone out and relax.

LrJ Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 04:55 PM EST

Silverchair's Diorama album

SImon Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 04:52 PM EST

Mandi, thank you for mentioning "Since I Don't Have You". I have only recently discovered this song and I love it!

Kai- Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 04:44 PM EST

When I really need to relax, Mozart does it for me every time.

Raven_Moon Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 04:08 PM EST

I find Sarah McLachlan, Iron & Wine and Enya to be rather relaxing. I also like chillin' to Celtic ballads.

t3hdow Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 03:48 PM EST

Forty one replies so far and not a single nod for Coldplay? Even at their most intense, the band's soft sound combined with Chris Martin's soothing singing voice is designed for a relaxed setting.
It's also a slight downside for morning listening, as I should be trying to wake up, not go back to bed.

BB Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 03:28 PM EST

Air's 'Moon Safari'
James Taylor's 'Sweet Baby James'
Van Morrison's 'Astral Weeks'
and the Beach Boys' 'Pet Sounds'

Betsy Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 03:05 PM EST

Sade, baby... Nothing is more calming then a little smoooooth operator. Dead Can Dance and Neutral Milk Hotel also calm me after a rough day.

Anne Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 02:56 PM EST

One word: Manilow.

I also listen to the Three Tenors. Beth, I love Echoes (is there an "e"?)-it puts me to sleep,

Sean Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 02:26 PM EST

Mario Spinetti
Sigur Ros
Clannad
Imogen Heap

Stephanie T. Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 02:20 PM EST

Smooth Jazz, Lounge, or old technopop.

Rasha Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 02:12 PM EST

GeeMoney, I never said JT was gay. I was referring to Lance Bass. I love Justin!

Miss Dahlia Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 01:19 PM EST

I love Dusty Springfield's "Dusty in Memphis". The album is like audio Xanax to me.

Deids Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 12:41 PM EST

Definitely the most relaxing music in my book is the second disk (like anyone plays CDs anymore) of the Marie Antoinette soundtrack. It's a mix of instrumental, and low-key groove that helped lull me to sleep just about everynight of a European vacation (between trains and hotels w/ loud alleyways, I needed it!). It's tagged on the album as music "for the morning after" -- very apt.

jaime Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 12:25 PM EST

When im exhausted and want to relax and listin to something to put me to sleep i listen to Damien Rice or David Gray both these artist have beautiful peacful music with lots of meaning.

Becca Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 11:56 AM EST

old school heavy techno the crystal method is what relaxes me. & im a huge metal head anyways, but when im sad, the heavier & angrier the metal is, the more it makes me feel happy (ya, i know it makes no sense)

Jelana Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 11:54 AM EST

Yo Yo Ma playing Bach's prelude from Suite No.1 in G Major. If I'm playing it in the office, chances are someone has really ticked me off and I need to calm down. It always works.

Kath Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 11:42 AM EST

Mandalay.

Laura Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 11:41 AM EST

For me right now, it's Damien Rice, Cary Brothers, Snow Patrol, the Once soundtrack...I think that's it.

thereadbaron Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 10:55 AM EST

Smooth Jazz. It's all I can stand. I make my newborn fall asleep to Paul Hardcastle every night. I hope he feels like he's swinging in a hammock surrounded by palm trees while drifting off to dreamland.

Lauren Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 10:52 AM EST

And "Swimming Pool" by Freezepop!

Lauren Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 10:47 AM EST

Mandi, I adore doo-wop. American Graffiti is one of my favorite movies, and I just saw a production of All Shook Up (a jukebox musical of Elvis songs) this past weekend.

My relaxing music is Rufus Wainwright's quieter stuff (like "11:11" off Want One), Joe Purdy, A Fine Frenzy (LOVE their album One Cell in the Sea, and they're amazing live), and the Across the Universe soundtrack. Also I love Mates of States' cover of "California," the OC theme song.

RT Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 10:36 AM EST

Josh Groban, he talks me off the proverbial ledge on stressful days. The first few notes and my stress floats away...

Scout Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 10:20 AM EST

Jim Brickman

Em Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 10:18 AM EST

Hey, whenever they've got Doo-Wop on PBS I watch- it's great! But my ultimate chill-out music is Sigur Ros, Simon and Garfunkel,and Sufjan Stevens.

John T. Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 10:12 AM EST

Natalie Merchant

GeeMoney Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 10:04 AM EST

Oh yeah, and Michael Buble too. He rocks. And JT is NOT gay. Don't hate on him because he's fabulous, Rasha. :)

GeeMoney Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 10:03 AM EST

Rasha - I agree. 'Schizophrenic' by JC Chasez was a heavily underrated album.

Anyhoo, I like to listen to Norah Jones (Come Away With Me), Jewel (Pieces of You) or Sarah McLachlan (Surfacing) when I relax. Especially when I take a bath. I could use one right now!

marie Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 10:01 AM EST

Michael Buble kind of puts me in a trance. Its so smooth, like chocolate for the ears. Jack Johnson makes me sleepy too.

Rasha Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 09:57 AM EST

The severely underrated "SCHIZOPHRENIC" by JC Chasez (the not-Justin Timberlake, not-gay NSYNCer with the huge voice).

The entire album is a rare combination of "What the f--- was he smoking when he wrote that song?" and musical genius. His talent and creativity takes you away from the weight of reality, save for a few songs that are instant tearjerkers. The man can sing everything and on this album he does...from the ultimate break-up song ("Dear Goodbye) to the ultimate man anthem ("All Day Long I Dream About Sex) to the BEST. SONG. IN. THE. HISTORY. OF. SONGS. (“100 Ways”). I sound like an infomercial because it’s THAT good!

LISTEN TO IT!

el Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 09:50 AM EST

When I'm seriously stressed and need some relaxation time, nothing does it better than Metallica, preferably "Until it Sleeps" or "Mama Said"

Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 09:44 AM EST

Julee Cruise does it for me. And this one Canadian acapella group called The Nylons makes me happy, because it reminds me of my mom.

Beth Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 09:34 AM EST

I listen to the NPR program "Echoes" in the evenings for my chill-out music. Even though I had to turn it off the other night when they played a guitar version of "Tubular Bells," and all I could think of is Regan spinning her head completely around in the Exorcist. Of course, this came directly after I finished watching "Zodiac." Alone. At night. Okay, I'm getting off subject here.

Melissa Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 09:15 AM EST

Sigur Ros always does the trick for me.

orville Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 09:08 AM EST

Weirdly enough, "soft Latin." Stuff like Santana's "Europa" or "Samba pa Ti" mellow me right out. Soft blues rock sometimes does the trick too--"Sweet Melissa" and the like.

Auriana Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 08:47 AM EST

Enya, Enigma, Delerium, Clannad, The Medieval Baebes, various Classical music and various movie/anime/videogame soundtracks

BMA Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 08:44 AM EST

Cocteau Twins - lush, techno-infused, nonsensical lyrics. What's more relaxing than that?

Nickel Creek - especially their first album. Achingly lovely lyrics and instrumentation.

Carpenters - should not need an explanation.

BMA Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 08:42 AM EST

Cocteau Twins
Nickel Creek
Carpenters

Mr Kitty's Mom Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 08:30 AM EST

BrankdonK - I love Enya too, even if definitely not cool - but James Galway's Japanese Flute Melodies will get me in a zen mood every time - as will Bob James/Earl Klugh cd Cool - best ever.

KateDFW Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 08:05 AM EST

I love show tunes. Can't help it. I have an addiction. I can sing every word to Phantom of the Opera, although no one actually wants to hear me sing.

Nancy Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 07:59 AM EST

Jack Johnson will do the trick, too.

JoeC Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 07:55 AM EST

Let's see, anything by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, or Nat King Cole. Very soothing....

Nancy Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 07:49 AM EST

Oh, Mandi, you're very cool. I love your posts. My chillax music is Eva Cassidy, Lyle Lovett, Norah Jones, or some country music.

cruzilla Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 07:05 AM EST

Mandi, you have absolutely nothing to be ashamed about! That sounds like a great concert.

BrandonK Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 05:53 AM EST

Everybody rags on her, but I like listening to Enya. Very relaxing (which Margaret Cho hilariously used in her bit about going to get an enema).

bootsycolumbia Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 05:46 AM EST

Old school jazz vocals do it for me. I love Sarah Vaughan, Mel Torme, and Frank Sinatra, but my ultimate chill-out guy is Joe Williams. I used to stay up late to watch Carson back in the day when I knew Joe was going to be on. Smooth supple voice and timeless styling--I'll always be a fan of his.

Snarf Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 05:39 AM EST

Pretty much anything that's defined as "ambient" or "chill-out" the following 3 cds are among my faves.
Enigma - The Screen Behind the Mirror
Robin Guthrie - Imperial
Delerium - Karma