Hot Topics     Home and Family     Just for Women     Family Fun    

Use music to chill



Sometimes our kids bring reality into focus with music

music, relax, Khruangbin

Recently I was sitting at my desk, trying to organize my activities for the day when I heard my phone beep. It is so easy to distract me. I received a text link with a message from Baird, my husband’s son. 
‘Morning jam keeps me calm and happy through the day.” How could I resist? I clicked the link to see what Baird thought was so important.

Baird is a talented musician who has produced a vinyl album and CDs, and he has performed in upstate venues. In the early days, I remember him performing in New York City as well as at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, NY. (Find him @clymtn on Instagram. Check out #truckerriffs Tuesdays.)

To my surprise the music was a delight. I could work. Feel good about what was going on around me, even though I am working alone in my office. And Baird was right. The music has the effect of centering me.

So, though we don’t ordinally recommend music. I wanted to introduce you to Khruangbin. In this time of pandemic craziness take a chance and enjoy the change.

The three members of Khruangbin, who hail from Texas, are the bassist Laura Lee, the guitarist Mark Speer and the electronic sound of D.J. Bonobo.  In June they released the band’s third album, “Mordechai.”  (Khruangbin is Thai for airplane or literally “engine fly.). 

A recent article, introducing the group and its new album, suggested that there is a lot riding on “Mordechai” than any of the band’s previous releases. Besides the sold-out shows and critical acclaim, Khruangbin reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart in February, after “Texas Sun,” the band’s collaborative EP with the R&B singer Leon Bridges, debuted atop the Americana/Folk Albums list.

It merges “styles of funk, soul and psychedelia but all through a Texas lens,” wrote Leon Bridges in an email. “Their minimal approach to instrumentation and production is what resonated with me when I first heard their music. It’s refreshing to see a band of their nature thrive in the music industry.”

I found Khruangbin on Pandora. Baird plays it from his Bandcamp account. Check them out. I am sure they are posted on every music platform. Baird recommends we listen to ‘One to Remember” and “Dearest Alfred” on their newest album.



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Kids aren't eating fruits and veggies

    Happiest Baby's Dr. Harvey Karp has tips to change that

    A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that approximately 32% of 1- to 5-year-olds did not eat a single piece of fruit a day and nearly one half (~49%) didn't eat any vegetables a day. Roughly 51% drank a sugar-sweetened beverage, like fruit drinks or soda, at least once a week. read more »
  • 5 sleep habits essential for heart health

    Make sure you get your zzz's with these tips

    In the days following a time change due to daylight saving time, research shows a marked increase in heart attacks and strokes. However, losing sleep anytime can be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. read more »
  • Take these 6 steps to manage your blood pressure

    Hypertension can be dangerous

    High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects nearly half of adults in the United States, and only about 1 in 4 with this condition have it under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). read more »
  • Make your St. Patrick's Day spread green with envy

    These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or an appetizer

    Freshen up your St. Patrick’s Day menu with easy, light sandwiches inspired by the traditional color of the festivities. These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or even as an appetizer for get-togethers with friends and family. read more »
  • Lucky mint brownie perfection

    A twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate

    How lucky you must be to come across this recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is a twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate that’s sure to have almost anyone’s taste buds screaming “yum.” This dessert might just be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow this year. read more »
  • 3 ways parents can encourage social emotional learning in children

    Parents focus on social emotional skills, mental health, kindness and understanding differences

    Most parents would agree the quality of their children’s education plays a key role in their overall development. While parents are optimistic about the future of education, they also recognize children have educational needs beyond what is considered the standard. read more »
  • Selecting a health care provider

    Resources to guide your selection

    Getting health care for yourself or a loved one is a big responsibility, especially if you’re just getting started with Medicare or have changes in your life, such as a new diagnosis of a condition or disease. It can be overwhelming if you need services like nursing home care, have to find a new doctor or get home health care. read more »
  • 5 simple solutions for proper nasal hygiene

    Keep your nasal passages clean, clear and moisturized

    Your nose is essential for conditioning the air you breathe and serves as the first line of defense against dust, pollution, bacteria, viruses and more. The presence of these substances in your nasal passages can trigger infections, disease and illness. read more »
  • Have a bump on your foot?

    Don’t ignore it

    Have a lump or bump on your foot? Whether it’s painful or not, it could potentially signal a serious condition. Foot and ankle surgeons warn it’s important to have it checked out, no matter its size or location on your foot. read more »
  • Fun Easter 'Egg-turnatives'

    4 creative alternatives to decorating eggs this Easter

    While decorating eggs for Easter is a tradition that dates back centuries, the high cost of eggs may make it more difficult for some families this year. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find creative ways to keep the season special and create memories with loved ones. read more »