My listening habits have been strange lately.  Check that my listening habits have always been strange.  I tend to get stuck on certain bands and even certain songs for unhealthy stretches of time.  Currently I have been stuck on Julian Casablancas’ solo album Phrazes For The Young, specifically track number six - “River Of Brakelights”. 

I’m not saying listening to one song over and over is a bad thing, but it does limit my ability to thoroughly listen to new albums.  Sure I’ve listened to the new Beach House album, but I haven’t really listened to it the way I have Phrazes For The Young.  Which is funny because I really had no desire at all to listen to Casablancas’ solo album more than once.  There’s just something about the mix of synths and twangy beats that connects with my brain and won’t let me move on to anything else. 

I’m not sure any one can really understand how the mind is impacted by certain notes, beats, lyrics but it’s an interesting topic.  I recently picked up Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain by Oliver Sacks (a neurologist who also wrote the wonderful The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat: And Other Clinical Tales).  In  Musicophilia Sacks discusses the extreme effects music has on the brain, including ear worms that have the ability to drive people mad.  It’s an interesting read if you’re looking for something to keep you occupied during winter’s last gasp. 

Take a listen to my current ear worm, a few previous problem songs, and Mr. Sacks himself discussing his book:

• MP3: Julian Casablancas – “River Of Brakelights”
• Buy: Julian Casablancas – Phrazes For The Young

• MP3: Cloud Cult – “When Water Comes to Life”
• Buy: Cloud Cult – Feel Good Ghosts