Episode 25 – Drugs & Rock & Roll
Sex & Drugs &Rock & Roll. We’re going to skip the Sex part for the moment & turn our ears to the topic of Drugs & Rock & Roll. *Please note, some of the songs I am playing today relate to the topic but a good many are free from any associations to drug use, as far as I know & are just excellent music I wanted to share with you!
In the past we have discussed how music can affect the brain, elicit emotions & memories but have not really talked about how the brain is affected by different external factors when it comes to creating music, not to mention performing it and experiencing it as a listener. One of the factors frequently associated with music & in particular (but not limited to as we shall find) rock & roll, as Ian Dury sang, is Drugs.
At the interface between drugs & music, scientific investigations have been enlightening, most particularly in the realm of neuroscience. Music & drugs both tickle many of the same neural networks, most importantly, a tiny organ called the ‘nucleus accumbens. Both music and drugs result in the release of many of the same neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, & a host of endorphins. We discuss historical aspects of substance intake and music as well as the very relevant observation that drugs are NOT needed to write, perform or enjoy good music.
*If you or anyone you know has any concerns regarding drug and/or alcohol use please visit DirectLine – DirectLine offers immediate telephone support and online counselling provided by professionals trained in a range of alcohol and drug issues. You can also ring 1800 888 236. Alternatively speak with your local GP.
(Episode Image courtesy of Dall-E A.I. image generator with the prompt “drugs & music in the style of a 60’s psychedelic poster”)
Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll by Ian Dury from New Boots & Panties!!
Travelled by Imber
Lydia by 2 Inch Tape from What I Need
The Road (Freezing Trees) by Fennec
A Night On Bald Mountain by The Philadelphia Orchestra & Leopold Stokowski from Fantasia O.S.T.
Battlefield by Helen Townsend
Missing You by 8-Ball Aitken from Ice Cream Man 2
The Blimp (mousetrapreplica) by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band from Trout Mask Replica
A Carrot Is As Close As A Rabbit Gets To A Diamond by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band from Doc At The Radar Station
Quarter Life Crisis by Bec Jean from Quarter Life Crisis
Club Meds by Mollixillom from Vaxication
One More Robot / Sympathy 3000-21 by The Flaming Lips from Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
Sister Midnight by Iggy Pop from The Idiot
Cocaine Decisions by Frank Zappa from The Man From Utopia
Red Shoes At The Drug Store by Tom Waits from Blue Valentine
Choose Bad Smack by T.I.S.M. from Great Trucking Songs Of The Renaissance
The Moment by Tame Impala from Currents
Do You Realize?? (1st Chords Wayne) [Demo] by The Flaming Lips from Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)
It’s Just a Burning Memory by the Caretaker from Everything At The End Of Time (Stage 1)