Jeff Davis | Vent Section Manager

The holidays are never easy for anyone. They're fun for most people, but that enjoyment comes in a package with stress and fatigue. The world events of late have us in a different frame of mind than usual. This new atmosphere compounded with the holiday rush can get even the most optimistic of us down. But cheer up! I've got a cure-all (well, a cure-most-of-it). I've compiled a list of songs that can brighten anyone's day, any time of the year.

U2, "Where The Streets Have No Name." Paul Hewson, known to his fans as Bono, was doing relief work with his wife Ali in Ethiopia in the mid-80s. One morning he looked up and was overpowered by the gorgeous sunrise peeking out over the monochrome village below him.

Allman Brothers, "Rambling Man." In my opinion, this is the best Southern-rock band of all time. This song is a testament to the survival of the most unlikely man. Great inspiration for anyone.

Spin Doctors, "Two Princes." The lyrics are more difficult than meets the eye. For example: "Marry him, marry me/I'm the one that loves you baby can't you see/I ain't got no future or family tree/But I know what a prince and lover ought to be." But the music itself is just so freakin' happy. Makes me jump around.

Cream, "Sunshine of Your Love." When Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton recorded this song, God had to have been in the room. The bassline makes your head pigeon-dance like nothing else and the guitar will unearth the closet air-guitarist within you.

Van Halen, "Jump." Yeah, they were kind of a hair band then, but do you know any guitar player who was more influential in the mid-80s than Eddie Van Halen? I can't think of any. The song's not about suicide like some people think. You'll just have to listen to the song, now won't you? And for the record, Sammy was much better than Dave.

Sting, "Fill Her Up." One of the best story/gospel songs to come about in the past few years. This song comes equipped with a very smart pedal steel guitar.

The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends." That's right, it's not a Joe Cocker song! This track came out in '67 on the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album. It makes you remember who's great in your life and suddenly loneliness isn't an option.

Little Texas feat. Jeff Foxworthy, "Party All Night." Why does Jeff Foxworthy always come with country music? Oh well, I guess he's sticking with what works? "Hey Officer Mitchell, I'm glad you came back, I've got a crime to report! Larry puked in the aquarium!"

Aquabats, "Lobster Bucket." Katie Tandler introduced me to this group. It's like a jazz-ska-polka-blues car crash. "Lobster Bucket" is just...without any form of sense whatsoever, but it's funny as anything.

Mozart, overture from "Le nozze di Figaro." Beautiful. Achingly perfect, sweet, and beautiful.

Got any to contribute? Use the feedback form below. Now get happy!