Breakin’ up is hard to do

Local musician Jennifer Bihun prescribes a five-song playlist for getting over a breakup

Jennifer Bihun, bottom right, with her Feng Shui bandmates. Feng Shui

Feng Shui is a smoky blues-rock band formed by a jumble of Winnipeg musicians in late 2009.

Siblings Jennifer and Erin Bihun joined friends Jesse Millar, Alex Guerin and Brian Yeo through an organic jam of “good vibes,” and began production on their album in September 2010.

Working with John Paul Peters at Private Ear Studios, they emerged four days later with the six-song EP Under My Sweater

Musing that she’s perhaps never truly been in love – “except with my Les Paul” – lead singer and rhythm guitarist Jennifer Bihun has written many a breakup song.

“I seem to write a song each time a breakup occurs, even if it’s not my own,” Bihun said.

On the advent of Under My Sweater’s release, Bihun proffers her top five breakup songs of all time.

The songs, when played in order, are conducive to fully experiencing the rollercoaster ride of breaking up.

“They are all songs I truly love because I can honestly say that I have felt that same way before.”

5. Think
Aretha Franklin
The Blues Brothers (1980)

“This is anxious anticipation of the fight that puts out the fire of the relationship and ends it once and for all. She’s trying to get him to think about what he’s doing, she ain’t gonna stand for no man leavin’ on the road again, and he’s leaving anyways, so it’s over.
“I love this song mostly because of Aretha’s free, honest voice, but also just because The Blues Brothers is the best movie of all time.”

4. So Sorry
Feist
The Reminder (2007)

“Once he’s gone, this song serves as a reflection on the relationship and the fight. At this particular time you may feel guilty for what you said when you were mad, or feel bad for acting the way you did, and there’s regret – lots of regret. When you are in the heat of the moment you can lose control, say things you don’t mean, but if you walk away from that situation (and) take a look at the big picture, you lose focus on why you were fighting in the first place. Then it all seems so pointless. ‘We don’t need to say goodbye, we don’t need to fight and cry.’”

3. Piece of My Heart
Janis Joplin
Cheap Thrills (1968)

“Once you are over those feelings of regret and longing, the sentiments conveyed in this song start playing in your head and you wonder why you even bothered. This is when you are not sad anymore, you are just plain mad.
“It can actually feel like a part of you is gone. If you have the chance, play this song when you feel angry and hurt by someone, or sing it at karaoke. It’s a great way to release feelings of frustration, especially when Janis screams ... before the last chorus with that harsh, abused and powerful voice.”

2. Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around
Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty
Bella Donna (1981)

“Just when you start to forget about The Ex, he comes a callin’ once more, comin’ back for more. It’s about the frustrations of wanting to fall back into a relationship, but knowing how bad it can be, and not really wanting to take the risk. This song really helped Stevie Nicks’s solo career take off. It feels like a strength song to me. It’s a realization song – though you may relapse anyways, you accept the change and begin to move on.”

1. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right
Bob Dylan
The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (1962)

“Then, finally, even if you have relapsed, you are ready to move on, and you don’t associate that person as a part of you anymore. This is probably the best break up song of all time. Also the best part of the break up stage, when you know it’s the best thing and you are at least fine with it.
“If anyone can write a song to make you feel something, it’s Bob Dylan. While I listen to this song, I feel sad, but at peace with my present situation. Much like my love life at the moment – I like to call it ‘N/A,’ but I’m happy with it.”

Published in Volume 65, Number 17 of The Uniter (January 27, 2011)

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