Another of the things I have learned from being so ill is that even listening to music requires some  unexpected bodily functions.  For instance, my adrenal responses are very erratic atm, and my natural cortisol production virtually nil. (I have to take steroids to do the job). As a result, the fine tuning of arousal hormones needed for normal moment-to-moment emotional responses is shot to hell. I veer between smiling blankly when "Paper Bag" plays, and weeping for hours over the theme music to Countryfile.  

Here's an interesting paper on the subject. Some highlights:

* if you take the opioid antagonist Naloxone, you won't feel thrilled by your music (when I worked as a nurse, Naloxone was my favourite drug - you could magically bring heroin ODs back to life, with virtually no side effects. Now I realise it may have ruined their appreciation of Pink Floyd)
* hippocampus activity is inhibited when you listen to pleasurable music (the hippocampus is a key part of mobilising stress defences)
*listening to self-chosen music reduces cortisol production compared to someone else playing you New Age music

" listening to self chosen music reduces cortisol production..."
Is that why I want to scream and throw a wobbler when I go in a shop and there's bloody Christmas music on?!!!

Oh, where are all the stuffy dickheads that didn't like people chattering away?  C'mon Alan, show them how it's done!

You are absolutely right, UT.  It's very nice to find you really like a conversation.   So, where's Appy been?  I hope he's okay.

Okay, one more.  Fine song.

You have been listening to the WW and UT show. A Hands Across the Pond production!
Be seeing you !