Album, CD, 8-track, reel-to-reel or whatever-what person or group’s musical collection most comforts you when life turns to shit? Please note that “album” is singular, and that I am not looking for you to provide a list of your entire music collection-I just want you to pick that one musical collection that most comforts you personally.
For me, it would have to be Donovan’s “Cosmic Wheels”. Slipping on the headphones, From the title song to the end song(“Appearances”) it is a pleasure to listen to.
Electric Light Orchestra’s Out of the Blue. It takes me back to a simpler time in my life, and the songs on it are associated with good memories.
(A close second-place would be the soundtrack album to Star Wars, for similar reasons. Interestingly, both albums were released within a few months of one another.)
I’m not sure I would call it a comfort album. But there’s one album I occasionally play that makes me feel like I’m in a different dimension, yet puts me in a very soothing mood: Not Available by The Residents. I don’t know how to describe it, other than to say it’s unlike any other album I’ve heard. I’ve probably played it at least 300 times, and I’ll probably play it another 300 times.
Band On The Run 25th Anniversary Edition–specifically the 2nd disc with alternate takes along with Paul and special guests reminiscing about making the album and taking the cover photo.
It’s a masterpiece from start to finish and it reminds me of a very good time in my life. When the last notes of “Find The River” come to a end, I’m always happy.
