Elevator Music

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Music, as much as any form of human expression, zeroes right in on our emotions. Today, with war and a wobbling economy on top of the usual unavoidable cyclical downturns in our personal lives, the time seems right to remember those happy songs that can keep us going. So we put our heads together to draw up a list of favorites that help remind us of what's good about the world and why, all evidence to the contrary, it's worth getting out of bed in the morning . . . .

Amazing Grace (John Newton)
A slave trader, Newton had a spiritual awakening during a storm at sea, gave up the trade, and wrote this great hymn about it.
-Jon Spayde

The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) (Simon and Garfunkel)
It's short, it's sweet, and it "makes the moment last."
-Christina Clarkson

What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
"I hear babies cryin" / I watch them grow / They'll learn much more than I'll ever know / And I think to myself / What a wonderful world"
-Kai Hagen

Kiss of Life (Sade)
The perfect soundtrack for falling in love.
-Anjula Razdan

Ironic (Alanis Morissette)
The way she puts words to many of the problems of daily life makes them somehow less frustrating.
-Leif Utne

Winter Warz (Ghostface Killah)
I put this song on and I am soon hoarse and out of breath from shout-rapping and acting like a maniac.
-Nick Garafola

I Love Rock and Roll (Joan Jett)
Granted, it's a little weird when my two young daughters and I sing these slutty come-on lyrics at the top of our lungs while we ride in the car -- but it sure is fun.
-Kristi Anderson

I Can See Clearly Now (Johnny Nash)
This popped up on the radio at crucial times in my life. I finally had to buy the CD so I could hear it when I needed it.
-Nina Utne

Symphony No. 9, From the New World (Antonin Dvorak)
The 19th century's answer to The Beatles' "Here comes the Sun". It just gets me up.
-Jeremy Wieland

Aaj mera jee karda (Sukhwinder Singh, from the movie Monsoon Wedding)
I played this at a commitment ceremony recently, and every single person headed to the dance floor.
-Jennifer Dix

Everything's Comin' Up Roses (Nanci Griffith)
Charming and a little raucous, this ditty celebrates the pleasures in just doin' your own thing.
'Jessica Coulter

Hell (Squirrel Nut Zippers)
This strangely delightful song inspires those of us who suspect that "in the afterlife...[we] could be headed for the serious strife" to continue living it up!
-Laine Bergeson

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