It’s the final Friday before Christmas, which means most of my time is about to be spent wrapping presents, eating mince pies and traveling around the country to see various friends and family. It’s going to be lovely, but there’s sure to be a bit of drama here and there. During all that chaos, it can sometimes get a bit much and that’s when Jon Hopkins comes swooping in to save the day.
No, he hasn’t got a catchy Christmas song that’ll brighten any mood, nor has he got a back catalog of anti-consumerism songs to help mask any guilt you’re feeling about over spending. Instead, he’s got a whole heap of stunning records that help you forget whatever drama you’re living through right now.
Chief among those albums for escapism is ‘Music For Psychedelic Therapy,’ and while Traffic Jams is usually about recommending a single song, today I’m urging you to play the full hour-long record. It’s magical.
There’s the sound of footsteps in the grass, lightly ringing bells, chimes of all sorts and the gentle electronic hum that Hopkins manages to muster up so perfectly. The album even culminates with some spiritual teachings from American yoga guru Ram Dass to finish off the brain cleansing.
So start your morning off with this excerpt from the album, and if it floats your boat you should definitely seek out the complete record to calm your nerves on the journey to work. And sure, if you want to pop a few psychedelics while you’re listening that’s fine, just make sure it’s not while you’re on the way to or from the office. Enjoy.