Working Out the Tension

Have you ever been massaged by music? Then I guess it's about time you were. I've compiled a playlist below, which is meant to release the stress and tension caused by daily life. I personally have major issues with tension: tight shoulders, stiff neck, crippling headaches. I blame it on LA and work. Shocking, I know. Slowly, I've found select songs that consistently cure me from life's woes.These songs (each in their own way) are able to transport my mind away from the day, and into a cloud of soundwaves.

I've broken the playlist into three sections, to offer a variety of prescriptions for your stress. The songs vary from electro dance pop to sedated acoustic melodies, depending on your attitude for the night. If you want to confuse yourself, put all the songs on a playlist, and hit shuffle.

SURRENDER or How to melt into the wallpaper:
This group of tracks is meant for a night spent on the living room floor. These songs aren't here to cheer you up, or put you to sleep - they are for the numbing of the mind. We'll call it a musical lobotomy.

[mp3] Mogwai - 1% Monster
[mp3] Grizzly Bear - Colorado
[mp3] Liars - Garden Was Crowded And Outside

RISE ABOVE or F-ck it lets have a party:
When it's time to push through the exhaustion, crack open a Sparks and get down to business, these songs will keep both body and mind in rhythm.

[mp3] Metric - Monster Hospital (MSTRKRFT remix)
[mp3] The Rapture - House of The Jealous Lovers
[mp3] Love Is All - Make Out Fall Out Make Up

DECOMPRESSION or The rational choice for stress relief:
Consider this your middle of the week mix. Because you're not quite in the mood for a Sparks, a soothing melody becomes the perfect way to cut out the clutter of the day.

[mp3] Radiohead - Videotape
[mp3] Sufjan Stevens - Casimir Pulaski Day (live @ KCRW)
[mp3] Elliott Smith - Pitseleh

Obviously this is just a starter mix, so expand how you see fit.

Bonus Track:
Nothing puts me in a better mood than listening to Demetri Martin's comedy cd, These Are Jokes. Brilliant.

[mp3] Demetri Martin - Some More Jokes