All Songs Considered: Episode Summary - "Even More Songs to Calm the Nerves"

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Songs Considered
• Host: Robin Hilton, with contributors Lars Gottridge and Stephen Thompson
• Description: NPR's flagship program for music discovery, artist interviews, and deep conversations about music's impact on our lives.
• Episode Title: Even More Songs to Calm the Nerves
• Release Date: April 8, 2025

Introduction

In the April 8, 2025 episode of All Songs Considered, host Robin Hilton welcomes contributors Lars Gottridge and Stephen Thompson to delve deeper into the theme of music designed to soothe and calm the nerves. Building upon previous installments, this episode expands the playlist with a diverse array of artists and genres, offering listeners an extensive selection of calming tunes.

Opening Conversation: Finding Calm Amidst Chaos

The episode begins with a casual conversation between Lars and Stephen about contemporary drinking habits, reflecting on societal changes since 2020. Lars Gottridge mentions a headline about increased alcohol consumption, leading to a thoughtful discussion on personal relationships with alcohol.

• Stephen Thompson shares his intentional decision to reduce drinking, emphasizing self-assessment:

  "[00:44] Stephen Thompson: It's intentional. A good friend of mine said it's always a good idea to reassess your relationship with alcohol. Just kind of take a step back..."

• Lars echoes his commitment to sobriety, highlighting the challenges of resisting old habits:

  "[01:07] Lars Gottridge: ...if there was some sort of academy that handed out awards for the amount of willpower it takes to not guzzle wine... I would win that award."

This conversation sets the stage for exploring how music can serve as a buffer against the stresses of everyday life.

Exploring Calming Music Selections

1. The Choir - "You Don't Have to Smile" ([03:00]–[06:00])

Stephen Thompson introduces The Choir, an instrumental album titled Translucent, released in January 2025. This marks a departure from their traditional Christian rock roots, offering ambient, cathedral-like soundscapes.

• Stephen praises the band's evolution:

  "[06:00] Stephen Thompson: So for the last 30, almost 40 years, it's primarily been a vehicle for the songwriting of Steve Hindalong and Dari Dougherty."

• Lars appreciates the ambient qualities, noting the band’s long-standing presence:

  "[05:34] Lars Gottridge: ...they've been doing this for a minute."

2. Orbital Patterns - "Can't Tell if I'm Aw" ([06:57]–[10:27])

Lars introduces Orbital Patterns, the project of Michigan-based electronic artist Abdul Alam. The track "Can't Tell if I'm Aw" from the extended version of Imposter Syndrome showcases ambient textures designed to induce a trance-like state.

• Stephen comments on the playlist’s suitability:

  "[10:27] Stephen Thompson: Ambient music is certainly what I feel drawn to... this seems like a good contender for that playlist."

• Lars admires the intricate sound design:

  "[10:44] Lars Gottridge: ...this is really beautifully done and I don't really know what's what he's making the music with either..."

3. Alva Noto & Ryuichi Sakamoto - "Logic Moon" ([11:31]–[17:15])

The conversation shifts to Alva Noto's collaboration with renowned pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto on the track "Logic Moon." Stephen shares a personal anecdote about finding solace in Sakamoto's work while navigating anxiety in a new city.

• Stephen reflects on the emotional impact:

  "[14:11] Lars Gottridge: ...his music is just so perfect for calming the nerves."

• Lars connects the music to visual experiences:

  "[15:51] Lars Gottridge: Watching the water bottle... makes me appreciate this song a little bit more..."

4. Leah Bertucci - "VAP" ([18:32]–[22:12])

Lars spotlights Leah Bertucci, a New York-based composer and improviser. Her piece "VAP," performed by the Quartetto Maurice, emphasizes string arrangements devoid of saxophones, highlighting a blend of violin, viola, cello, and ambient textures.

• Stephen describes the music as "pastoral ambient":

  "[21:12] Stephen Thompson: ...I like to call it pastoral ambient music or stuff that you can see soundtracking a Terrence Malick movie."

• Lars appreciates the human element in the string textures:

  "[22:12] Lars Gottridge: There's a lot of humanity in that, in a way, for me."

5. Hayden Pedigo - "Long Pond Lily" ([23:07]–[29:28])

The duo discusses Hayden Pedigo's new song "Long Pond Lily" from his upcoming album I'll Be Waving as You Drive Away. Stephen shares an emotional connection, recalling a concert experience that moved him to tears.

• Stephen praises Pedigo as a "storyteller without words":

  "[26:53] Stephen Thompson: I like to call him a storyteller without words."

• Lars reflects on the song’s imagery and emotional depth:

  "[27:55] Stephen Thompson: That's where your mind went to first."

6. Max Richter - "Voices" and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ([28:15]–[33:31])

Lars introduces Max Richter's album Voices, inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The opening track "All Human Beings" features a reading by Eleanor Roosevelt, combining stirring music with impactful text.

• Stephen reads the preamble of the Declaration:

  "[29:28] Stephen Thompson: ...everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration without distinction of any kind."

• Lars expresses the album’s uplifting nature:

  "[31:20] Lars Gottridge: I just find this so inspiring, so uplifting."

7. Wayne Shorter & Milton Nascimento - "Tarja" ([34:17]–[38:55])

Stephen highlights Wayne Shorter's collaboration with Brazilian singer Milton Nascimento on the track "Tarja" from the album Native Dancer. The blend of jazz and Brazilian rhythms creates a unique, calming atmosphere.

• Lars notes the fusion of genres:

  "[37:41] Stephen Thompson: ...they kind of find this third way of music. It's not quite Brazilian popular music. It's not quite jazz. It's not quite... fusion."

• Stephen describes the song as ideal for winding down a party:

  "[38:55] Stephen Thompson: ...let's wind the party down."

8. Maby Fratti - "El Sol Sigue" ([39:07]–[43:32])

The focus shifts to Maby Fratti, a Guatemalan cellist and composer. Her solo piece "El Sol Sigue" from Pia sobre la Tierra showcases her versatility beyond the cello, incorporating voice and electronics.

• Stephen compares her to Arthur Russell:

  "[42:34] Stephen Thompson: ...Mabi Frate really inhabits and inherits that kind of like Arthur Russellian world."

• Lars praises her creative spirit and the song's orchestration:

  "[42:56] Lars Gottridge: ...she does really, really gorgeous work."

9. Ida - "Don't Get Sad" ([44:10]–[48:29])

Stephen introduces Ida's track "Don't Get Sad" from their latest album You’ll Find Me, reissued in a box set by Numero Group. The song offers comforting lyrics and harmonies aimed at uplifting listeners during tough times.

• Lars reflects on the song’s reassuring message:

  "[46:22] Lars Gottridge: ...it's like optimism, but it's not blind optimism or blind idealism."

• Stephen emphasizes the importance of community through music:

  "[44:10] Stephen Thompson: ...live music is a big part of that for me."

10. Henrik Goretzki - "Symphony of Sorrowful Songs" ([49:03]–[53:05])

Closing the episode, Lars selects an excerpt from Henrik Goretzki's Symphony Number 3, Opus 36, specifically the "Lento" section. The piece builds gradually, encapsulating profound sorrow and beauty.

• Lars conveys the emotional weight of the symphony:

  "[51:58] Lars Gottridge: ...just a breathtaking work... I have cried to this song so many times just from the beauty of it all."

• Stephen mentions notable renditions by Beth Gibbons and Lisa Gerrard:

  "[52:32] Stephen Thompson: ...there are two versions that came out in somewhat recent years featuring Beth Gibbons... and Lisa Gerrard from Dead Can Dance."

Personal Stories and Reflections

Throughout the episode, both Lars and Stephen intertwine personal anecdotes, illustrating how these musical selections have personally aided in managing anxiety and finding calm. Their shared experiences create an intimate atmosphere, inviting listeners to connect with the music on a deeper level.

• Lars shares a heartfelt perspective on love versus hate:

  "[32:39] Lars Gottridge: ...love always wins. Hate does not win..."

• Stephen emphasizes the importance of routines and community in maintaining mental well-being:

  "[17:15] Stephen Thompson: ...reminding ourselves that we are a humanity that deserves to be loved and connected and supported is crucial."

Recommendations and Conclusion

As the episode concludes, Stephen and Lars encourage listeners to explore the featured tracks through their curated playlist "Songs to Calm the Nerves," available on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. They highlight the extensive nature of the playlist, boasting over three and a half hours of music designed for relaxation and emotional support.

• Lars hints at future episodes:

  "[53:05] Lars Gottridge: ...we'll put all of this music on there."

• Stephen nods to the ongoing journey:

  "[54:00] Lars Gottridge: ...it's all songs. Consider."

The episode wraps with a mutual appreciation for the therapeutic power of music, leaving listeners with a sense of hope and encouragement to seek solace through their own musical explorations.

Notable Quotes

• Stephen Thompson on reassessing relationships with substances:

  "[00:44] ...take a step back and like, how do I interact with this substance?"

• Lars Gottridge on personal willpower:

  "[01:07] ...I would win that award. It is Herculean."

• Lars Gottridge on love overcoming hate:

  "[32:39] ...love always wins. Hate does not win."

• Stephen Thompson on community and support:

  "[17:15] ...we are a humanity that deserves to be loved and connected and supported."

Final Thoughts

This episode of All Songs Considered presents a rich tapestry of music selections aimed at providing comfort and tranquility. Through thoughtful discussions, personal reflections, and diverse musical showcases, Lars Gottridge and Stephen Thompson guide listeners on a journey to find peace and calm through the power of song.

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the curated playlist and embrace the therapeutic benefits of music in their daily lives. As Robin Hilton aptly concludes, the show's blend of insightful commentary and evocative music continues to inspire and soothe audiences worldwide.