In the vast, often overwhelming landscape of modern music streaming, finding a sound that resonates on a personal level can feel like a Herculean task. Rolling Stone UK’s Playlist Picks seeks to bridge that gap by inviting noted tastemakers to share the tracks that define their current headspace. This week, the spotlight falls on comedian, podcaster, and author John Robins, whose new memoir, Thirst: Twelve Drinks That Changed My Life, offers a raw and insightful look at his journey through alcoholism and into sobriety.
For Robins, the transition to a life without alcohol has fundamentally altered his relationship with sound. “I have to be very careful with music now,” he explains, noting that his previous listening habits were often intertwined with the act of drinking. “So much of what I listened to when I drank was so melancholic. That would be one of my activities—to sit where I am right now, listening to music and getting hammered. I have to really limit the amount of melancholy in the music I listen to.”
This newfound awareness has led to a structured approach to his evening soundtrack, often eschewing lyrics after 8 p.m. in favor of ambient textures and jazz. Below, Robins explores the specific tracks that have soundtracked his evolution.
The Archival Brilliance of Frank Zappa
Robins’ appreciation for Frank Zappa is rooted in both the artist’s technical prowess and the sheer volume of his recorded legacy. Recently, he has been immersed in the deluxe box set re-releases, specifically the 1976 live recordings featured in the Bongo Fury era. “Every time I listen to Frank Zappa, I get so sad that he died so young, and then I’m just grateful for how much he recorded every single thing he ever did,” Robins says.
He highlights ‘Carolina Hard-Core Ecstasy’ as a pivotal track that first drew him to Zappa’s work as a teenager. Unlike many legacy acts that struggle to repackage their history, Zappa’s estate continues to unearth high-quality material that feels vital rather than redundant.
Jazz as a Mirror for the Present Moment
In Thirst, Robins dedicates a chapter to the improvisational genius of Keith Jarrett, using the pianist’s work as a metaphor for the addictive pull of alcohol. He describes Jarrett’s music as “remembering the present,” where the listener is constantly anticipating notes that aren’t quite there, creating a heightened sense of presence. “In some ways, alcohol does the same thing,” Robins observes. “It allows you access to memories in a very present way.”
While Jarrett provided the inspiration, Robins points to Okonski’s ‘Vista’ from the album Entrance Music as a contemporary masterpiece that captures a similar spirit. He praises the jazz musician for suggesting notes through his playing rather than explicitly stating them, creating a sophisticated listening experience that Robins ranks above even the most acclaimed releases of the past year.
Mindfulness and the ‘Little Dog Mind’
Robins’ exploration of sobriety has also led him toward Buddhist principles and mindfulness practice, themes that resonate deeply in the work of the artist Twain. The track ‘Little Dog Mind (New Miami v.)’ serves as a sonic representation of these concepts. Robins interprets the lyrics as a perfect description of the wandering mind—a “little dog” that constantly runs toward the next ridge in search of satisfaction.
“That’s how I try to treat my thoughts,” Robins says. “To see your thoughts as a dog that keeps running away thinking, ‘There’s some satisfaction over here, there’s something exciting over there.’ And just to keep going, ‘Yeah, what do you think you’re going to find over there?’ in a gentle and caring way.”
The Human Experience and Technology
A conversation with Will Oldham, better known as Bonnie “Prince” Billy, for Robins’ podcast How Do You Cope? sparked a deeper reflection on the role of technology in our emotional lives. Robins draws a parallel between the convenience of streaming and the “technology” of alcohol, both of which can be used to bypass inconvenient feelings like anxiety or shame.
Having followed Oldham’s career for nearly three decades, Robins found a recent performance of ‘Werner’s Last Blues to Blokbuster’ at St Giles’ Church particularly moving. The track, which he first encountered during his university years, remains a cornerstone of his musical identity, representing a raw, unvarnished human experience that technology cannot replicate.
Finding Stillness in Ambient Drones
Post-sobriety, Robins found that music with lyrics could often feel overwhelming. This led him to the world of ambient and drone music, discovering artists like 36 and zakè. Their collaborative track, ‘Stasis Sounds for Long-Distance Space Travel (Stage 1),’ has become a staple of his evening routine. “It’s the most relaxing thing I have ever heard—it’s like being in a friendly spaceship,” he remarks. This shift toward Malian kora music, classical, and the “disintegration loops” of William Basinski has provided a necessary sanctuary from the noise of the world.
The Vulnerable Power of Neko Case
Finally, Robins returns to the enduring influence of Neko Case. He finds a unique resonance in the contrast between her vocal power and the inherent vulnerability of her songwriting. Tracks like ‘Star Witness’ offer a form of American escapism, grounded in exceptional lyrical storytelling. “I live a little American escapism when I listen to [her] singing about the landscape there,” Robins says, noting that Case remains one of the few personal heroes he has yet to meet.
John Robins’ memoir, ‘Thirst: Twelve Drinks That Changed My Life,’ is scheduled for release on May 7.