Summary

The website content provides a curated list of Spotify playlists and musical artists to help individuals cope with anxiety and maintain productivity while working from home during challenging times.

Abstract

The article titled "Helpful Playlists For When Things Go Bananas" offers a selection of soothing and mellow music to help individuals manage their anxieties and focus on work amidst the stress of current events. The author, a freelancer, shares their personal approach to staying calm and productive while confined to home, suggesting that gentle music can be a source of comfort and companionship. The recommendations range from classical pieces to indie folk, instrumental, and international music, with links to specific Spotify playlists and artists that can be played throughout the day to enhance concentration and provide a sense of tranquility.

Opinions

The author finds Spotify's algorithmic playlists, like those based on "Only Love" by Ben Howard and "Morning Classical," to be particularly helpful for maintaining a calm work environment.
Kings of Convenience and José González are highlighted as go-to artists when in need of background music that won't distract from work.
The author expresses a preference for listening to music in languages they don't understand, such as French, to avoid lyrical distractions while working.
The Staves and Trills are praised for their female harmonies, with a particular emphasis on The Staves' rendition of "Jolene."
The author suggests avoiding emotionally intense music, like that of The Frames, during times of high stress and uncertainty.
Cocktail Jazz and Iron & Wine are recommended for their non-invasive qualities, suitable for tasks requiring concentration.
The article endorses the discovery of new music, such as the band Caamp and the artist Miya Follick, for a refreshing change in the workday soundtrack.
Yo La Tengo and Belle & Sebastian are mentioned as artists that can add a touch of positivity without being overly stimulating.
The author admits to the occasional need for nostalgic music, hinting at the Garden State soundtrack, to lift spirits during the workday.

Helpful Playlists For When Things Go Bananas

Sounds to drown out the noise.

Y’all. I can’t even pick a thing to be most scared of right now. Economic downturn, lack of human contact, our government’s ineptitude, the actual goddamn virus causing all the fuss? TAKE YOUR PICK.

In the midst of managing any number of anxieties, we all still have to work. I know that working right now might seem particularly difficult on multiple levels the least of which is that you’re sitting at your coffee table, so I thought, as a freelancer, I’d help my office-dwelling brethren and sistren out with some tunes.

I’ve been taking a very “easy does it” approach to social distancing, keeping my clothing comfortable, and my music mellow, and basically never leaving the damn house. There are way more cups of tea happening now and far more “book breaks,” too. It’s a very tough and scary time and I’m not yet confident it won’t become more intense, so I’m operating as gently as possible. Music is helping.

Below, a few options for those of us working really, really alone and from home and who need some company by way of song. Not that the cat isn’t great or anything, but she can’t play piano for shit.

This playlist based on the song Only Love by Ben Howard.

Honestly, Spotify knows its shit. This Morning Classical playlist should be helpful during far more times of day than that.

Tell Alexa to play Kings Of Convenience when you can’t think of anything to listen to.

Any of the music that was ever played in one of the Twilight movies. You heard me.

My personal Victorian-era playlist which is essentially all I listen to from September-Halloween.

I feel like you’ll enjoy Brandi Carlile for this purpose but if you’re easily distracted you’ll want to go with something a little more ambient like an instrumental folk playlist.

I listen to a lot of shit in French. It’s hard for me to at the moment because my Paris trip in April just got cancelled but I would like to stress the genius of listening to music in a language you don’t understand when you need to get work done.

I also frequently use Spotify’s Relax & Unwind playlist on weekends or while cooking, if you keep it at very low volume I could see this being great for work as well.

Tell Alexa to play Chilled Classical when you need to clear your head of nonsense.

Avoid The Frames. I love them but we’re not emotionally equipped right now.

This is going to feel very Wes Anderson to you but just go with it. When that’s done play this one.

José González is a very smart decision.

Cat Power if you’re able to resist singing along to everything.

Omg Rogue Wave.

I really, really love female harmonies like The Staves (honestly if you haven’t heard their Jolene, stop reading this right now and listen) and I recently discovered a band called Trills and yes please more of this.

Toward the end of your day, or maybe while you’re making dinner, I love this Cocktail Jazz playlist. It’s so good for thinking about nothing. I don’t know how it works, but it does.

I mean if you want to you can give the Garden State soundtrack its second life.

You’re pretty safe with Iron & Wine, it’s very uninvasive and mellow, it’s not going to interfere with a spreadsheet or anything.

You will never regret listening to Hanorah.

I mean…maybe Yo La Tengo?

I accidentally went to the playlist inspired by “Dusty Trails” by Lucious and holy shit.

Personally, I adore Belle & Sebastian but I find their music to have a little too much pep in its step for the workday, but it’s a nice way to end your afternoon.

I just really love this song by Miya Frolick and want you to hear it.

Not to get too banjo hipster about it, but this playlist based on Caamp’s “Strawberries” is pretty damn good. It’s not full Mumford, you’ll be fine. If you do end up liking it, spend some time listening to Dead Horses too while you’re at it.

Father John Misty. Just do it.