Science is behind everything, this we know. There is psychology behind the whys and wherefores of listening to music. It too has an effect on the dopamine system. The big brains in the pleasure/desire research world have analysed music and suggest there may be a song with an exact balance of syncopation and length to satiate the pleasure of listening with the desire for more. The funk equivalent of a pint, in the snug, in Neachtains, on a Friday afternoon. ‘Good Old Music’ (1970) by Funkadelic is allegedly said song. Download it, listen to it, move to it, run or walk to it. Trust me, it’s a spotless, funky tune.
What is also interesting, is that sometimes the anticipation of the pleasure is as powerful as the action – the pop of a wine cork, getting ready to go out, booking a holiday. If you’re lucky enough to be heading off to somewhere nice, as you stock up on flip flops & bikinis, shorts & maxis and all the accoutrement that you don’t wear, perish the thought, but could this be the best part of the holiday? The anticipation, the craving, the desire to go. Is this why when we come back we feel like we could do with another one, the pleasure unappeased, already thinking about next year. Or perhaps the weather was just shite and you were transformed into the Elephant Man by mutant mozzies. Next time will be better…