"Kinda grunge, kinda punk, kinda hardcore, definitely a good time," Culture Abuse describe their approach on Bandcamp. Indeed, the Cali band's new album, Bay Dream, released in June, is a wistful, sun-soaked romp full of positive vibes and summery hooks. If you find yourself in a funk, spiraling in negative thoughts, you could do much worse than to crank up its 10 tracks.
Culture Abuse's Shane Plitt knows all about turning to music for a much-needed pick-me-up. For our continuing "Songs for Black Days" series, presented in partnership with Hope for the Day, we asked the bass player to share a few songs that have served him well in dark times. Below is what he offered up.
Primal Scream – "Movin' On Up"
"I'm moving on up now. Getting out of the darkness. My life shines on."
Anytime I feel lost or hopeless, this song is what I wanna hear. It has a overwhelming vibe of hope and rad rock & roll. Like a house-dance–tinged "Sympathy for the Devil."
Kevin Morby & Waxahatchee – "Farewell Transmission"
"I will try and know whatever I try, I will be gone but not forever. The real truth about it is no one gets it right. The real truth about it is we're all supposed to try."
This is a cover of a song by Songs: Ohia. It was written shortly after Jason Molina was diagnosed with cancer. The lyrics to this song give me absolute shivers. It's a lament [about] living your life and not giving up no matter what life throws your way.
Big Train – "Pllush"
"Who's gonna love me more when I'm crying in the middle of the night?"
This is a straight anthem to anyone who has felt loneliness and the satisfaction of saying, "I don't need you tonight." I love this song and it makes me smile whenever I hear it.
My Chemical Romance – "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)"
"I'M NOT OKAY I'M NOT OKAYYYYY YOU WEAR ME OUT."
Yo, it's impossible for me to feel sad when I hear this song, so whenever I'm feeling depressed this is my cure. Trust me.
Courtney Barnett – "City Looks Pretty"
"I'll be what you want, oh, when you want it. But I'll never be what you need. And the city looks pretty from where I'm standing."
This song got me through a recent breakup and dealing with the unraveling of relationships because of touring and being gone so much. The lyrics to this song really drive home what's it's like to travel and be gone and how people's perspectives can be so skewed on what it's actually like.
Paramore – "Ain't it Fun"
"Ain't it fun living in the real world. Ain't it good being all alone. Ain't it good to be on your own. Ain't it fun, you can't count on no one."
If you've been feeling down and you've never put this song on at a loud volume and sung along to being on your own and how good it is to not have to count on anyone, then you gotta re-evaluate your sad times playlist.
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If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of resources.
