Music Sets the Mood

by Miriam Caldwell | More from this Blogger

14 Apr 2006 09:59 PM

Ever had one of those days when can't seem to get anything done? The kids are on edge and so are you? The tone of the household is just not the one you want for the day. One of the easiest ways to change the mood in your house is to put on some music. It is amazing the difference that this can make in my house. I am going to make some suggestions of music to change the mood of the house.

When my kids have a lot of extra energy, and we can't get outside to run it off one of the best things to turn on is some music to dance to. Some of our favorites are "No!" by They Might Be Giants. I also love to put on "1" by The Beatles. Anything by Deep Forest will allow your kids to work off some extra energy.

When I need to get some cleaning done I love to put on anything by Barenaked Ladies and Poi Dog Pondering. I sing along and dance while I vacuum or do the dishes. I think cleaning should be done to pretty upbeat music that can distract you from your chores.

When I want to change my mood, my favorite CDs to put in are ones by Cherie Call. She is a contemporary LDS artist. I really love her music. She writes most of her songs and is a very gifted lyricist. Her songs are all very uplifting. I am not a huge fan of contemporary LDS music, but I really recommend her.

If I just want something on in the background, I will usually put on something classical. I enjoy Beethoven and Mozart. I recently discovered that I really love Handel. Something about his music is so uplifting. I also really like to listen to Enya when I am writing.

I started putting music on when I realized all the negative influence I was letting come into my home by having the t.v. on for background noise. My husband will laugh at this blog because he is truly a music person. He is constantly discovering new artists and sharing them with me. I know that I don't have the same love for music that he does, but I know that it can positively or negatively affect my moods. What music do you like to listen to?

Learn more about Miriam Caldwell

Miriam is a SAHM mom of three children. She has a daughter who is seven, and two sons, four and two. She loves being a parent and spending time with her children.

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kino (30) 15 Apr 2006 08:34 PM

I second the comment about Cherie Call. I discovered her music when I was feeling really depressed, and her heartfelt lyrics and beautiful music made me feel like I had found a new friend. She is one of the most gitfed LDS lyricists. I Once recommended her music to someone who hates contemporary LDS music, and the next day they said they were really surprised with how good Cherie Call's lyrics were.

If you want uplifting music, also be sure to check out two other Utah musicians: Peter Breinholdt and Ryan Shupe. They both have CDs available on iTunes. And if you decide on locating any Poi Dog Pondering (as referenced in the blog), I would only recommend the first two cds, a self-titled CD, and "Wishing Like a Mountain and Thinking like the Sea." Everything after those CDs is really not too good.

Also, pretty much any CD by They Might Be Giants is great for kids; I especially like the classic "Flood" CD: a must-have in my book : )

Miriam Caldwell (8030) 17 Apr 2006 01:31 PM

I do want to add that I only listen to the first two Poi Dog Pondering CDs. I thought that they had broken up after that. So if you want to listen to them, those are the ones I recommend.