Gay old Paris

"She's gonna step outside / Uncover her eyes / Who knew she could feel so
alive / Her M.O.'s changed / She don't wanna behave / Ain't it good to be a brave girl tonight?" — Britney Spears, "Brave New Girl"

Listen to upbeat music you like. Avoid depressing, moody lyrics, rhythms or melodies.

I have a confession to make: I bought Paris Hilton's debut album.

In my opinion, it's not the awful atrocity people claim it is. But that's mostly because she had the money to buy some of the best producers in the music industry to mix and fix her average (not bad but not good) singing.

Her album is a mix of pop and R&B. Think Hilary Duff and Jennifer Lopez songs on the same album. And yeah, yeah, even through in some Puerto Rican Fat Joe.

While people would mock me for such an atrocious purchase (it was under $10 — I wasn't willing to pay more), it made me happy. Paris' music, while focusing on how sexy she is and how all the guys want her, make me kinda happy. The melodies and rhythm lift my spirts and make my less than happy moods a little bit brighter. Not to say that's true of everyone — the music would provide sheer annoyance for my husband.

On the contrary, however, I choose my music to match my mood. Aimee Mann's songs and lyrics tend to be a staple for my depression. When I'm depressed, the last thing I want to hear is about hope, joy, fun and how everything is so bright.

But these are the very words I need to hear during my dark days. Instead of having lyrics like "You don't look like anyone that anyone would care about," I should be listening to something more like "It's all gonna be OK" or "Spread your wings and soar."

This makes me wonder if pop music is my cure-all... or at least part of my experimental therapy... But I can't get rid of my Nirvana Unplugged CD. It's more nostalgia than holding onto depressing music. (I succeeded in giving away my very much coveted Nine Inch Nails Downward Spiral CD. That album DROVE me to pure suicide.)

P.S. I don't particularly like most pop stars themselves — Paris Hilton included — but as an honest person, I'll pay my dues to listen to something I like.