The (Healthy) Sound of Music
Sea Shanties: The Movie, Uruguayan "singers," and a musical forager.
Hello there,
After another week with another horrific crisis, I remembered to try another brain-tricking method: music.
Studies show music have a variety of effects on the brain and the body, from stress reduction to pain management, improved sleep and more. So this week I played music as I worked, trying out a bunch of upbeat playlists.
Also, because I’m neurotic, I made a spreadsheet of all of the TV shows, movies, and books I’ve recommended so far in the newsletter so you can search by what kind of mood you’re in. Enjoy.
Watch
Fisherman's Friends (Netflix) is based on a true story and follows a group of British fishermen who sing sea shanties (yes, those sea shanties) and find unlikely success. It’s fun, uncomplicated and predictable, and the music is delightful.
Read
Cantoras is a bit of a misnomer; you might expect that it’s a book about singers, but it’s actually about a group of gay friends in Uruguay. (“Singers” was code for lesbians during the dictatorship era.) This book is exquisitely written, and is a wonderful read though it’s sad and harrowing. I read this during the New York epicenter period and it really transported me to the windswept beach in Uruguay where part of the book takes place.
Follow
I’ve become a fan of Alexis Nikole Nelson, who calls herself the Black Forager on Instagram. (She also has nearly half a million followers on TikTok.) She shares her encyclopedic knowledge of edible wild plants and intriguing recipes for cooking them in her own unique, bubbly way. She often bursts into song or composes little ditties. She also talks about foraging laws and their racist history. 10/10 would recommend.
Do
I’ve been on the hunt for mood-lifting playlists, the kind with relentlessly upbeat music. I haven’t found a perfect one yet but this one is solidly corny and peppy and this classical one is a good one for work. (Any suggestions?)
Also, here’s a deeply wacky music video to distract your brain (h/t Today in Tabs).
Until next week,
Rachel