Music is the best way to heal yourself after an evening of debauchery.
Hangovers come in many shapes and sizes. There’s the cheap wine stinger, the beer-fueled bloater, the mixed bag vom-inducer, the classic still-drunk-when-I-woke-up-and-yet-to-feel-it, and so on. Obviously, none of them are pleasant and we all have our different ways of dealing with them, from sweating it out to non-stop Netflixing and everything in between.
Music, for me, is one of the best ways to distract from the pain of a hangover and the horrible flashbacks of dumb shit I said the night before, so I thought I’d share with you my hangover music playlist and some tips for getting yourself back to 75% (75% is usually about as good as it gets the following day).
Is this information essential to you now? Maybe not, but it might be. Think of it like knowing CPR – it’s just nice to be prepared.
1. ‘Flying’ – The Beatles
Don’t give me words, I just want some music that is part uplifting, part chilled out and wholly cool. This one usually comes on before I’ve even left the bed (thanks SONOS) and hit the bathroom for a half-hour shower.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1ONJQLdZrk
2. ‘Smoke Rings’ – Les Paul
You might have puffed a few too many cigs the night before, but I guarantee this song will have you floating through the air as you start to get your shit together.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg_KZQ7k3kI
3. ‘Albatross’ – Fleetwood Mac
I find this tune nice in those moments of contemplation in the morning: waiting for the toast to pop or the kettle to boil, etc. It feels like The Mac are joyfully tossing us into the air like babies and making sure they always catch us – not that I’m usually in any mood for serious motion at this point. Also, this terrible fan-made video should provide a few lols if you’re in the mood for a giggle…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXeKi6ZkbOw
4. ‘Daydream’ – Lovin’ Spoonful
A little bit o’ whistling, some nice strumming, and lyrics about wasting the day away? You got it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7u5SdjDSQQ
5. ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ – The Foundations
Tinder date bail on you last night? Or did your crush reject your drunken booty call? Well here’s a track that can help you get rid of that negative emotion out, whilst still bopping along. I imagine this is the perfect one to cry with as you do the dishes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvluBVhfGcw
6. ‘Lovely Day’ – Bill Withers
Having a positive attitude is one of the most important tools for dealing with a hangover, and what could be more encouraging than the vocals of Bill Withers? The answer is nothing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEeaS6fuUoA
7. ‘Walk On The Wild Side’ – Lou Reed
Are things beginning to look up? Don’t rush it. Be prepared for that second wave of hangover which could strike at any time. Make sure you’ve got Lou pumping just in case and if you’re sure you’re feeling better (or need some encouragement) take it up a notch with Tribe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG6fayQBm9w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3pyCGnZzYA
8. ‘Feeling Good’ – Nina Simone
Feeling good enough to go out and do it all over again? There’s something a little sinister about the horns in Miss Simone’s 1965 tune, which always seem to be ringing in my head as I start to make plans for a “recovery session”…
