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5 Chill Pills for the Hospital
Off-brand instrumentals for healing and sleep
Gracias to Paul Combs (Ten Soothing Songs for If I’m Ever in a Comatose State) and Pierce McIntyre (Coma Feel The Noise: Songs I’d Like Played If I’m Ever in a Comatose State), the relaxing prescriptions below are “off brand” because they’re atypical of the louder sort of music we associate with their creators. These usually obstreperous musicians knew the importance of a bit of solitude, and I’m hoping that they will bring you the peace that they’ve brought me over the decades.
Billy May, “Naked Isle”
Usually associated with the vibrant “swinging bachelor” style of his arrangements for Frank Sinatra (“Come Fly With Me” etc.), Billy May orchestrated several calming numbers, including the following.
Harvey Mandel, “Cristo Redentor”
The hallmark Chicago blues guitarist initiated his career with this ethereal paean (thanks to a haunting vocalise).
