Push play on a Michigan soundtrack to jump-start spring cleaning

METRO DETROIT — Recording artists in Michigan know cold weather. Maybe that’s why it’s easy to feature them on a playlist designed to start spring cleaning and chase away the winter blues.

Former Record Time owner Mike Himes said the best bet is to steer clear of mellower or depressing music when you’re cleaning.

“You want something that’s upbeat,” he said. “You want something that’s familiar to you, so you can sing along, make the chores a little more enjoyable to where you’re distracted enough so you’re not thinking, ‘Oh, I don’t want to clean this bathroom.’”

Amber Teunis, a clinical therapist trained in music therapy at Reset Brain and Body, said familiar music can help when trying to complete tasks like cleaning. Teunis has been involved in music therapy for nearly 16 years. She said that there is science and studies behind the idea that music has the ability to affect a person’s brain.

“If you make a playlist of your songs, stuff you can sing and dance to, that’s going to be more effective,” Teunis said. “If you play things that are more upbeat, you may complete tasks faster, for example. If you pick things with more interesting drums and melody, you might be more concentrated on the task. Music is part of our primitive culture. All cultures have always had it; everyone has a little bit of musician in them.”

Ultimately, Teunis said a playlist should make you feel good. This can vary from person to person.

“If you hate classical music and you want to get stuff done, it’s probably going to have a negative effect,” Teunis said.

Cleaning can seem like drudgery, but with the right soundtrack, it’ll fly by in no time. These songs are all widely available on streaming sites. Put them in order or pick and choose what works for your own playlist.

 

1.

The Marvelettes, “Twistin’ the Night Away”: This 1962 song from the Inkster group is the epitome of warmth. The Mickey Stevenson production gives this Sam Cooke cover the classic Motown sound. While Cooke’s version is an undeniable classic, the Marvelettes add something that’s sure to get you moving as you spruce things up.

 

2.

Honey Ltd., “Silk N’ Honey”: This unheralded Detroit-based group released this dreamy song in 1968. The song was produced by frequent Nancy Sinatra collaborator Lee Hazelwood. Unlike Sinatra, who hit it big with “These Boots are Made for Walkin’,” this group remained relatively obscure until Light in the Attic Records put its material back in print.

 

3.

Question Mark and the Mysterians, “Up Side”: Though known more for the hit “96 Tears,” the mid-Michigan band also had some worthwhile deep cuts. This groovy organ-driven track matches Question Mark’s quintessential garage rock vocals.

 

4.

White Stripes, “Hotel Yorba”: This ode to falling in love from the group’s breakout 2001 album “White Blood Cells” is almost guaranteed to put you in a good mood. No playlist using Detroit artists is complete without the White Stripes; there’s a reason for that.

 

5.

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”: This 1967 classic from the duo is sure to keep you moving. The song makes Terrell’s “winter’s cold/can’t stop me, baby” sound like a fact.

 

6.

Majesty Crush, “Penny for Love”: The single from the group’s 1993 album is a dreamy, wistful song with enough of a driving beat to keep you dusting. This overlooked Detroit band’s material was rereleased in 2024 by the Numero Group, making it easier to find on streaming sites.

 

7.

Rodriguez, “Can’t Get Away”: Sixto Rodriguez gained more widespread fame with the 2012 documentary “Searching for Sugar Man.” This song from his 1971 sophomore album provides a strong groove to propel Rodriguez’s poetic lyrics.

 

8.

The Bob Seger System, “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man”: This song by Bob Seger comes from his major label debut released in 1969. A signature song for Seger, it also appeared on his five-times-platinum “Live Bullet” concert album released in 1976. The hard-rocking song is sure to get you through washing the dishes stacked in the sink.

 

9.

J Dilla, “Nothing Like This”: Released on the late producer’s 2003 “Ruff Draft” EP, this dreamy cut was unique. It’s wistful and romantic yet driving, inhabiting a space all its own in Dilla’s legendary catalog.

 

10.

Aretha Franklin, “Respect”: Sometimes cleaning can feel a bit thankless. This iconic 1967 cover of Otis Redding’s “Respect” by the Queen of Soul is sure to hit home.

 

11.

The Gories, “Feral”: The opener from the Detroit garage rock legends’ 1989 album “House Rockin’” lives up to its name. This group paved the way for bands like the White Stripes years later.

 

12.

The Stooges, “No Fun”: A definite highlight from the legendary Ann Arbor group’s 1969 self-titled debut album, this song betrays its name.

 

13.

Shadow Show, “On A Cloud”: This Detroit-based psychedelic rock group put out its debut album in 2024. “On A Cloud” closes the album on an uplifting note.

 

14.

Stevie Wonder, “Higher Ground”: The single from Wonder’s 1973 album “Innervisions” is sure to pick up your spirits. This song has an additional Michigan connection: It was covered by the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1989 for the band’s “Mother’s Milk” album. Typically known as a California band, the group featured Michiganders Chad Smith and Anthony Kiedis at this stage.