Music and Alienation

[Nicholas Whitman Kessler]

A topic became prevalent to me today when I turned on Marillion's "Marbles" and realized just how much the band (and particularly, music in general) has influenced my journey of recovery in mental health. Alienation was the topic. When we get alienated, we often revert (or subvert) to some kind of music or another. I'm curious as to what bands people have listened to and why. Perhaps some examples of lyrics and how they inspired you to keep moving forward. In particular: what helped you start your recovery ("WAKE UP?") Often these bands are not the typical local punk bands, or teenybopper bullcrap, but tend to verge on the progressive side. What's your thoughts?

[lise]

i like gut wrenching music when going through a rough time... PJ Harvey, Sia, Beth Orton, Missy Higgins, Sinead O'Connor, Portishead, Dido, Sarah Blasko, Lamb, The Waifs, The Cardigans, ... i obviously relate more to female performers...but Nirvana is also good to let in..
it is the lyrics of the songs by these people that gets to me.. the agony of pining/ or being in love/ or recovering from a stay in hospital.. these people effect me, they make me feel something.. that is what music should do, good music... pop music is just for dancing to..