As some of you will know I have a non metastasising form of blood cancer. I’ve been through treatment successfully (for now), but when I was going through the initial induction treatment there was a lot I had to deal with mentally. I’m definitely a non woo person but I do meditate regularly and try to have a good grasp of self awareness. The album that really got me through the toughest part will make a few of you cringe but it was Tool’s Ænima. To me it a one off in the bands career. Regardless of the level of BS around the band now the lyrics really hit hard post diagnosis. It’s mostly just a long Jungian reflection on human psychology and transcendence. I’ve cathartically burst into tears listening to some of the tracks on multiple occasions. Plus it rocks and has mostly normal length songs

I’m thinking Disintegration is likely going to be the next one…

For me, it's usually records that I can sing that have floated me over the bumps.

OK Computer - I lived in semi-rural Oregon for about 13 years beginning in 2000, and as it turned out, the distance between my driveway and the nearest movie theater was exactly one OK Computer long. For an evening of escapism, it couldn't be beaten.
The Grotto (Kristin Hersh)
Dance Hall at Louse Point
Things We Lost in the Fire
Prospero's Books score (especially The Masque)
The title song from The Silver Cord (King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard). Lyrics are about death and rebirth, and I played this endlessly in 2023 after I lost my mom.

Non-or-fewer vocal records:

Pergamon (Tangerine Dream Live)
A Tribute to Jack Johnson
Made in Timeland (King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)
Mahler's First Symphony
From the Ages (Earthless)

I would be long-dead were it not for Neurosis' Through Silver in Blood. My meditative companion through almost 30 years and counting of pain management.

Sebadoh’s Bakesale, after my first girlfriend broke up with me in early 1995.

There are probably more, but that’s the first one that comes to mind.

jfv wrote: Sun Dec 08, 2024 1:39 pm Sebadoh’s Bakesale, after my first girlfriend broke up with me in early 1995.

There are probably more, but that’s the first one that comes to mind.

Jesus, so typical and dated. I tried this album around the time as well, after a break-up, because I heard Lou Barlow speak about it. I hated this record so much. Maybe it just means I wasn't actually heart-broken though.

For another break-up of sorts, The Queen is Dead, mostly for "I Know it's Over." Also Nina Simone Wild is the Wind, mostly for "Lilac Wine."

enframed wrote: Sun Dec 08, 2024 2:20 pm For another break-up of sorts, The Queen is Dead, mostly for "I Know it's Over."

Somewhat ironically, I was listening to this album obsessively while crushing on someone.

Ornette Coleman's The Shape of Jazz to Come.

Silver Jews' The Natural Bridge, American Water, Starlite Walker and Bright Flight.

Chris Herbert's Mezzotint.

Kanye's The Life of Pablo.

Embrace

Jawbreaker - 24 hr Revenge Therapy

Teeth

Thin Lizzy - Fighting

jfv wrote: Sun Dec 08, 2024 2:53 pm

enframed wrote: Sun Dec 08, 2024 2:20 pm For another break-up of sorts, The Queen is Dead, mostly for "I Know it's Over."

Somewhat ironically, I was listening to this album obsessively while crushing on someone.

Makes sense to me. Mine was very short-lived and doomed from the start.

Emotions experienced while crushing or having just broken up have much in common. And not ironic at all.

Veruca Salt's Eight Arms to Hold You helped get me through my second semester as a freshman in college/university, when I was living in the dorms all by myself, not having a social life, feeling depressed, etc.