I need suggestions on realistic music choices.
October 12, 2011 1:13 PM Subscribe
I recently broke up with my boyfriend and I'd like to listen to some music, please.
I know there are a lot of break-up music questions already, but I don't want to listen to the Really Sad Right Now* variety. I also don't want to listen to the Super-Inspiring, You're Fantastic variety. I guess I want to listen to the middle of the road.
Some songs that fit the bill now are:
Harry Nilsson - Remember
The Kinks - Strangers
October Man - In a Perfect World
Elliott Smith - Ballad of Big Nothing
Any suggestions would be wonderful! Thank you.
*I tried the super sad variety, like the secret track at the end of The Point, and I could not stop crying. I'm sick of crying. The really upbeat songs made me want to beat the shit out of musicians - all of them. I don't think I should listen to that anymore.
I know there are a lot of break-up music questions already, but I don't want to listen to the Really Sad Right Now* variety. I also don't want to listen to the Super-Inspiring, You're Fantastic variety. I guess I want to listen to the middle of the road.
Some songs that fit the bill now are:
Harry Nilsson - Remember
The Kinks - Strangers
October Man - In a Perfect World
Elliott Smith - Ballad of Big Nothing
Any suggestions would be wonderful! Thank you.
*I tried the super sad variety, like the secret track at the end of The Point, and I could not stop crying. I'm sick of crying. The really upbeat songs made me want to beat the shit out of musicians - all of them. I don't think I should listen to that anymore.
Best answer: Kinda sad, kinda sweet: Good Life by Francis Dunnery
For a country tune: Life as we Knew It by Kathy Mattea
posted by jbickers at 1:20 PM on October 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
For a country tune: Life as we Knew It by Kathy Mattea
posted by jbickers at 1:20 PM on October 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
I would suggest Laura marling and neko case. Both lovely voiced ladies that sound wonderful at any time.
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 1:20 PM on October 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 1:20 PM on October 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Blood on the Tracks
posted by Nahum Tate at 1:23 PM on October 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by Nahum Tate at 1:23 PM on October 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
The entirety of the Frightened Rabbit album Midnight Organ Fight. Best. Break-up. Album. Ever.
posted by El_Marto at 1:26 PM on October 12, 2011
posted by El_Marto at 1:26 PM on October 12, 2011
I've said it before, I'll say it again: Peter Gabriel's album Us should be automatically issued to everyone going through a breakup. The reason is that it's not just all one thing or all another; instead, it's got a song for each of all the different stages you go through post-breakup. (He was recovering from two breakups back-to-back while recording it. He understood.)
For your current request: I'd suggest the first two tracks, one of which is Come Talk To Me (at least the music is seriously stirring) or Digging In The Dirt, which can help get some rage out. Possibly Secret World, which is a sort of philosophical "y'know, whatever went wrong with that relationship wasn't necessarily anyone's fault, it just was what it was and we did the best we could and that's okay".
Seconding Dylan's Blood On The Tracks above, as well.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:27 PM on October 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
For your current request: I'd suggest the first two tracks, one of which is Come Talk To Me (at least the music is seriously stirring) or Digging In The Dirt, which can help get some rage out. Possibly Secret World, which is a sort of philosophical "y'know, whatever went wrong with that relationship wasn't necessarily anyone's fault, it just was what it was and we did the best we could and that's okay".
Seconding Dylan's Blood On The Tracks above, as well.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:27 PM on October 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Song For The Dumped - Ben Folds
posted by Mister Fabulous at 1:37 PM on October 12, 2011
posted by Mister Fabulous at 1:37 PM on October 12, 2011
The Tossers - Purgatory
Maybe I'm just weird, but it takes me through the whole emotional rollercoaster, and by the end I feel pretty ok with it all again, if a little wistful
posted by pupdog at 1:39 PM on October 12, 2011
Maybe I'm just weird, but it takes me through the whole emotional rollercoaster, and by the end I feel pretty ok with it all again, if a little wistful
posted by pupdog at 1:39 PM on October 12, 2011
Best answer: "I Don't Want To Get Over You" by The Magnetic Fields
posted by Specklet at 1:49 PM on October 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by Specklet at 1:49 PM on October 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
IbMePdErRoIoAmL by Elvis Costello
posted by any major dude at 1:52 PM on October 12, 2011
posted by any major dude at 1:52 PM on October 12, 2011
Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye, and Somebody That I Used to Know by Elliott Smith.
posted by seriousmoonlight at 1:54 PM on October 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by seriousmoonlight at 1:54 PM on October 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Stars' "Set Yourself on Fire" has lots of good breakup songs.
Your Ex-Lover is Dead
The Big Fight
Calendar Girl
There are probably more, but that should give you a taste.
posted by Gilbert at 1:56 PM on October 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Your Ex-Lover is Dead
The Big Fight
Calendar Girl
There are probably more, but that should give you a taste.
posted by Gilbert at 1:56 PM on October 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
How would you feel about TMBG's "They'll Need a Crane"? It's a mix of upbeat (the music) and down (the lyrics).
posted by cardioid at 1:58 PM on October 12, 2011
posted by cardioid at 1:58 PM on October 12, 2011
Best answer: I'm right now loving Blaze Foley - Clay Pigeons
posted by crayz at 2:10 PM on October 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by crayz at 2:10 PM on October 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: cardioid, I don't know why, but I didn't like that, and I expected to.
Can someone explain any major dude's comment to me? I'm not that hip.
Other than that, a lot of these are wonderful. I really like Stars, and that Francis Dunnery song was amazing.
posted by doyouknowwhoIam? at 2:14 PM on October 12, 2011
Can someone explain any major dude's comment to me? I'm not that hip.
Other than that, a lot of these are wonderful. I really like Stars, and that Francis Dunnery song was amazing.
posted by doyouknowwhoIam? at 2:14 PM on October 12, 2011
IbMePdErRoIoAmL = Imperial Bedroom
posted by seriousmoonlight at 2:21 PM on October 12, 2011
posted by seriousmoonlight at 2:21 PM on October 12, 2011
IbMePdErRoIoAmL (Imperial Bedroom) is the name of an Elvis Costello album. It is really, really good. "Still giving up its secrets," I remember one critic saying about it, like, decades after it came out.
posted by jbickers at 2:21 PM on October 12, 2011
posted by jbickers at 2:21 PM on October 12, 2011
Best answer: Obvious choice (and fits the "middle of the road" criteria): Rilo Kiley's Breakin' Up
posted by The Gooch at 2:22 PM on October 12, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by The Gooch at 2:22 PM on October 12, 2011 [3 favorites]
A little corny maybe, but Don't Think Twice It's Alright has always been good to me for this.
posted by troublewithwolves at 2:47 PM on October 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by troublewithwolves at 2:47 PM on October 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Maybe too far to the weepy side (though I find it too detached in tone to bring on crying fits, personally): Magnetic Fields, Why I Cry
Defiant, but not "super-inspiring": Ani Difranco, Untouchable Face
It may be a bit more aggressive than what you're in the mood for right now, but Firewater's The Golden Hour (most of the tracks available here) is my favorite break-up album of recent years.
posted by EvaDestruction at 2:55 PM on October 12, 2011
Defiant, but not "super-inspiring": Ani Difranco, Untouchable Face
It may be a bit more aggressive than what you're in the mood for right now, but Firewater's The Golden Hour (most of the tracks available here) is my favorite break-up album of recent years.
posted by EvaDestruction at 2:55 PM on October 12, 2011
This may be a controversial choice, but my last breakup was made possible by Not Ready To Make Nice (Dixie Chicks).
Also, You Were Right (Built to Spill) and Amazing (Aerosmith).
posted by sideofwry at 3:28 PM on October 12, 2011
Also, You Were Right (Built to Spill) and Amazing (Aerosmith).
posted by sideofwry at 3:28 PM on October 12, 2011
If you like Harry Nilsson, just put Nilsson Schmilsson on repeat for a while. Cures what ails ya. I also recommend:
Department of Eagles - In Ear Park
The Zombies - Odessey and Oracle
The Ettes - Wicked Will
Connie Converse - How Sad, How Lovely (especially "Talkin' Like You")
Alexander - Alexander
And in case you want any totally cheerful, kind of silly music:
The Free Design - ...Sing for Very Important People ("Don't Cry Baby" and "Love You" are the greatest songs ever, short of the Sesame Street theme, of course)
posted by katillathehun at 3:32 PM on October 12, 2011
Department of Eagles - In Ear Park
The Zombies - Odessey and Oracle
The Ettes - Wicked Will
Connie Converse - How Sad, How Lovely (especially "Talkin' Like You")
Alexander - Alexander
And in case you want any totally cheerful, kind of silly music:
The Free Design - ...Sing for Very Important People ("Don't Cry Baby" and "Love You" are the greatest songs ever, short of the Sesame Street theme, of course)
posted by katillathehun at 3:32 PM on October 12, 2011
The Mountain Goats' Autoclave yt .
It's not a breakup songs thread until someone mentions No Children
AV Club just covered this
bit of pop-punk/emo: Brand New - Mix Tape
Alkaline Trio - Fine Without You
The Gaslight Anthem - Here's Looking At You, Kid
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 4:29 PM on October 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
It's not a breakup songs thread until someone mentions No Children
AV Club just covered this
bit of pop-punk/emo: Brand New - Mix Tape
Alkaline Trio - Fine Without You
The Gaslight Anthem - Here's Looking At You, Kid
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 4:29 PM on October 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
Don't know if this fits your mood, but Single, by Everything But the Girl, might work:
I called you from the hotel phone
I haven't dialed this code before
I'm sleeping later and waking later
I'm eating less and thinking more
And how am I without you?
Am I more myself or less myself?
I feel younger, louder
Like I don't always connect
Like I don't ever connect
posted by Bron at 4:58 PM on October 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
I called you from the hotel phone
I haven't dialed this code before
I'm sleeping later and waking later
I'm eating less and thinking more
And how am I without you?
Am I more myself or less myself?
I feel younger, louder
Like I don't always connect
Like I don't ever connect
posted by Bron at 4:58 PM on October 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
I recommend Ride a lot, because it's awesome. In fact, the whole damn album is fantastic
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 5:25 PM on October 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 5:25 PM on October 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
Adele - Rolling in the Deep - nice and take-charge without being either overly sad or overly peppy.
posted by be11e at 5:46 PM on October 12, 2011
posted by be11e at 5:46 PM on October 12, 2011
Best answer: can't say I'm a huge fan, but as an Australian I am legally obligated to link to Somone I Used To Know
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 5:49 PM on October 12, 2011
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 5:49 PM on October 12, 2011
Anything by The Mountain Goats, but the classic is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRP6egIEABk
posted by deathpanels at 7:33 PM on October 12, 2011
posted by deathpanels at 7:33 PM on October 12, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAuqAOWIlms has gotten me through more than one breakup.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_9udTmVZc4 is a good one too. I like Ani DiFranco's cover version as well.
Also, nthing No Children. Sometimes I just need to listen to that song and This Year on infinite repeat.
posted by naturalog at 7:55 PM on October 12, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_9udTmVZc4 is a good one too. I like Ani DiFranco's cover version as well.
Also, nthing No Children. Sometimes I just need to listen to that song and This Year on infinite repeat.
posted by naturalog at 7:55 PM on October 12, 2011
whatever you do, DON'T listen to Get Lonely. it's just pure despair
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 8:08 PM on October 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 8:08 PM on October 12, 2011 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I always go back to Wilco's Glad it's Over.
posted by Majorita at 10:28 PM on October 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Majorita at 10:28 PM on October 12, 2011 [1 favorite]
Well, I only made it up to "E" in my mp3 collection, but here's some hand-picked tunes for you. I hope you like them!
Dar Williams- You're Aging Well- this is a wonderful song for any woman you care for.
I love The Beta Band's Dry the Rain- the chorus is fabulous.
If you enjoy some soul, here's Al Green- Ain't No Fun to Me
Bird York, In the Deep- this is at the end of the film Crash, and I was just blown away by its beauty and how perfectly it fit that movie.
Cee Lo Green, It's OkIf you can make it 1:40 into this without singing along or tapping your toe, then you're made of sterner stuff than I.
Eilen Jewell, Warning Signs. I love this song, and in fact the whole album is damn good.
posted by EKStickland at 12:07 AM on October 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
Dar Williams- You're Aging Well- this is a wonderful song for any woman you care for.
I love The Beta Band's Dry the Rain- the chorus is fabulous.
If you enjoy some soul, here's Al Green- Ain't No Fun to Me
Bird York, In the Deep- this is at the end of the film Crash, and I was just blown away by its beauty and how perfectly it fit that movie.
Cee Lo Green, It's OkIf you can make it 1:40 into this without singing along or tapping your toe, then you're made of sterner stuff than I.
Eilen Jewell, Warning Signs. I love this song, and in fact the whole album is damn good.
posted by EKStickland at 12:07 AM on October 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
Playlist consisting only of Your Ex Lover is Dead by Stars (plus the Final Fantasy cover/remix), and No Children by The Mountain Goats. On repeat.
posted by schmod at 9:03 AM on October 13, 2011
posted by schmod at 9:03 AM on October 13, 2011
You REALLY REALLY should just straight up blindly purchase or otherwise obtain this album right now:
The Meadowlands by The Wrens
posted by ghostbikes at 9:34 AM on October 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
The Meadowlands by The Wrens
posted by ghostbikes at 9:34 AM on October 13, 2011 [1 favorite]
I Don't Really Love You Anymore by the Magnetic Fields.
posted by Chenko at 9:38 AM on October 13, 2011
posted by Chenko at 9:38 AM on October 13, 2011
What ghostbikes said, a thousand times over. Seriously.
posted by joe lisboa at 11:20 PM on October 14, 2011
posted by joe lisboa at 11:20 PM on October 14, 2011
A lot of Ryan Adams
Most classic rock - CCR, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Lynnyrd Skynnrd
Eisley
Remy Zero except "Perfect Memory"
Doug Martsch
Amy Winehoue
Jason Mraz (his songs might even lift your spirits!)
posted by jitterbug perfume at 6:50 PM on October 15, 2011
Most classic rock - CCR, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Lynnyrd Skynnrd
Eisley
Remy Zero except "Perfect Memory"
Doug Martsch
Amy Winehoue
Jason Mraz (his songs might even lift your spirits!)
posted by jitterbug perfume at 6:50 PM on October 15, 2011
I suggest Fool to Cry by the Rolling Stones.
I'm also going to go out on a limb and suggest The Requiem Mass in D minor by Mozart. It's a funeral mass (but a breakup is kinda like a death, isn't it?) It works its way through a lot of grief-stricken music before it ends with the Lux Aeterna.
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 9:00 PM on October 28, 2011
I'm also going to go out on a limb and suggest The Requiem Mass in D minor by Mozart. It's a funeral mass (but a breakup is kinda like a death, isn't it?) It works its way through a lot of grief-stricken music before it ends with the Lux Aeterna.
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 9:00 PM on October 28, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by griphus at 1:18 PM on October 12, 2011 [2 favorites]