Everyone knows that music is powerful, but did you know that it can reduce physical pain by increasing your body's production of pain-fighting endorphins? This playlist of beautiful, relaxing songs is better than a neck massage. Almost.
Everyone with a soft spot for singer/songwriters knows their Troubadour History 101, filled with songsmiths from previous generations, but here's where you'll find the best of the current crop of artists committed to the crafting of thoughtful tunes.
Long before the blues went electric and urban, these rural pioneers were laying down the foundations of the genre, usually with no more than a voice and acoustic guitar.
Folk rock was born when bands started using rock instrumentation to play traditional folk music in the 1960s. These are the songs that defined this important development in popular music history.
4AD Records is known for breaking some of today's most critically-acclaimed independent artists, including Bon Iver, St. Vincent, The National, and Deerhunter. This playlist features songs released on the label since 2000.
These are the songs that take classic rock to another level: forgotten B-sides and sprawling deep cuts from the most iconic rock acts of the '60s and '70s.
Songs from artists performing at the eclectic three-day Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, headlined by Kanye West, Arcade Fire, and Kings of Leon.
One of rock journalism's favorite buzzwords comes to life in songs that echo Dylan's various phases lyrically and/or vocally. Explore Bob's influence on his generations of disciples, from the folk-rock era to today's modern troubadours.
Drawing on influences from traditional folk, psychedelia, and elsewhere, freak folk was born out of the "New Weird America" cultural movement in the mid-2000s. Listen to the sounds inspiring a new generation of hippies and expanding the definition of folk music.
Artists get inspiration from many sources, and literary figures are no exception. Enjoy these songs based on famous lines, poems and characters from your favorite authors. See how many you can identify!
In the '50s and '60s, NYC's Greenwich Village was home to America's folk music revival. With Odetta and Pete Seeger guiding newcomers like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, the Village proved fertile ground (once again) for seminal bohemian developments.
With credible indie bands like Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, and The Black Keys licensing their songs for use on Television, it's not selling out anymore.
Songs about books, songs inspired by authors, songs about reading, and even a few songs about putting words to paper yourself. Indulge your inner bookworm with these songs about the literary life.
Have you ever found yourself muttering "These kids today..." while listening to the radio? Stave off incipient fogeydom at any age by listening to these young artists who use the sounds of the '60s, '70s and '80s as their jumping-off point.
This four-day festival in Telluride, CO brings together popular and upcoming bluegrass acts as well as some crossover artists. This playlist should prepare you for "acoustic adventures at 8,750 feet," whether you're headed to the Rockies or not.
Everyone with a soft spot for singer/songwriters knows their Troubadour History 101, filled with songsmiths from previous generations, but here's where you'll find the best of the current crop of artists committed to the crafting of thoughtful tunes.
Like the blues music they're grounded in, The Black Keys possess both timelessness and staying power. Listen to the greatest songs from their influences -- including band favorites -- as well as those from their contemporaries and side projects.
Enjoy these predominantly acoustic, unplugged songs with a distinctly wintry feel. Imagine yourself snowed-in on a winter day, sitting by the fireplace with little to do but reflect.
Hop in your VW Bus and take the psychedelic journey back to the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival. This playlist features live (and some studio) versions of songs that'll transport you right to Yasgur's Farm. And remember, don't take the brown acid!
Whether you're studying for finals, organizing your desk, or filling out expense reports, these classical pieces provide the perfect musical accompaniment to help you get the job done. Now get to work!
Cramming for finals requires cool, calming tunes to balance the stress of studying. Help put yourself in the right state of mind with these pop and rock tunes.
Here are the most epic scores in modern cinema. Filled with sweeping string sections and thunderous percussion, this is the perfect playlist for saving the world, preparing for battle, or staring up in awe at something miraculous.
Like Vinyasa, this playlist is both flowing and dynamic; some songs function to clear the mind while others work to energize the body. The focus here is on left-of-center acoustic and electronic songs.
Like Vinyasa, this playlist is both flowing and dynamic; some songs function to clear the mind while others work to energize the body. The focus here is on soothing New Age songs and instrumentals.