SHUT UP & LISTEN #2: Studying music, other than classical

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graphic by: Jay Softye

By Alex Berkman
 
Studying. Everyone does it differently, but the majority of people have one thing in common, they listen to music while they study.  The accepted notion in studying is that classical music is the most helpful to study to, but what if you don’t listen to classical.  Here are a few artists you might want to check out for studying purposes.
 
Mogwai: Formed in 1996, this Scottish post-rock band makes music that puts their guitar-based sound before their lyrics.  The lyrics are quiet and unnoticeable, so they can be considered instrumental.  The music can range from almost whimsical to outright intriguing, but it all works as a learning tool. [I]
 
Battles:  This New York based indie/math rock quintet takes all the glory of jazz and brings it into the digital age.  The quick changing melodies and complete absence of intelligible lyrics make studying to this music enjoyable and helpful.
 
Eels:  An acquired taste due to lyrical content and structure of the songs, but is great background music.  With Strings: Live at Town Hall can be downloaded for free from the band’s website (eelstheband.com).
 
The Mercury Project:  Another instrumental group, but not guitar driven.  Sounds more like a jam session than a musical project.  Makes great background music for reading or driving. [I]
 
Ladysmith Black Mambazo:  One of the greatest groups of musicians to ever come from the continent of Africa.  Studying to Ladysmith may lead to an urge and need to dance.
 
John Butler Trio:  This Australian-based trio can’t avoid the comparisons to Jack Johnson, but they are exponentially catchier.  The beat of the band’s music can get into you a great groove.
 
Tricky:  This English electronica artist is a very in depth artist to listen to, but can accompany studying very nicely.
 
Common:  Though he can be considered a street prophet along with Talib Kweli and Mos Def as well as others, his music can be soothing.  I recommend listening to his records one time through before you study to it, just to get acquainted. 
 
Soul Coughing:  This former college radio mainstay wrote music with hip-hop rhythms and beat poetry lyrics.  If you can make is past the heavily drug induced lyrics, the music and lyrical metaphors are great.
 
Caspian:  Very smooth and whimsical in their approach.  Simply, great music to relax, study or drink wine. [I]
 
Miles Davis:  A godfather of improvisational and fusion jazz.  His record “Bitches Brew” is considered one of the greatest albums of all time.  Whether just listening or studying with his music, it is inspiring. [I]
 
Eric B. & Rakim:  If any of you reading this know me, you know that I am a fanatic for old-school hip-hop, so this is expected.  Eric B.’s work on the turntables is entrapping, while Rakim’s ability to rap, like he doesn’t breathe, is hypnotizing.
 
Neutral Milk Hotel:  Part of the Elephant 6 Collective and one of the most influential groups of all time.  Lead singer Jeff Mangum’s changes in pitch while singing have a lulling effect.  I recommend the record In the Aeroplane Over the Sea.
 
Between the Buried and Me:  This one is for you metal/hardcore fans out there.  These guys play fast, scream loud and very talented, technical musicians (example: “Roboturner”).  If you are into music like this it is easy to find a groove in it.
 
Fugazi:  This band inspires me in a really strange way.  They refuse to give interviews to any publication that has advertisements for tobacco or alcohol (sorry Rolling Stone).  They are somewhat beyond typical classification, but for this circumstance can be considered indie-rock.  I don’t care if you’re studying or not, do yourself a favor and listen to this band.
 
Note: Some of these bands involve lyrics.  If you can’t study with lyrics, have marked the bands without with “[I]” to denote instrumental.  I recommend trying out both types as some of these artists can work for everyone.