Omaha Picks: Quarantine Music from Freegal

Did you know that you can download music for free with your Omaha Public Library card? Through Freegal, download four songs each week; check it out under the eBooks & Downloads or Music section of omahalibrary.org. Here are some suggested albums, all available in Freegal, to match your quarantine mood. 

If you’re looking for music to soothe, consider “Lover’s Rock,” by Sade. There are also quite a few strong jazz albums available, including “Straight Ahead,” by Abbey Lincoln, “Nina Simone Sings the Blues,” by Nina Simone, and “The Jazz Collection” (volumes one and two), by Red Garland. If country piques your interest, “Open Fire, Two Guitars,” by Johnny Mathis, and “The Weight of These Wings,” by Miranda Lambert, are great choices. For some experimental sounds, “Inner Space, Out of Reach,” by Can, or Deltron 3030’s self-titled album fit the bill. 

Throw yourself a dance party! Albums by Chic, Rick James, or Teena Marie might get you moving. Freegal offers access to the “Now That’s What I Call Music” series, for all of your pop music needs. Additional upbeat options include “We Got it From Here,” by A Tribe Called Quest, “Image of Africa,” by The Congos, and “See You Later, Alligator,” by Bobby Charles. Metal fans should check out “Portals Into Futility” by Usnea, aside from the many other artists available in this genre. 

Remember being able to go to concerts? If you’re missing the live music experience, Freegal offers live albums such as “A Night in San Francisco,” by Van Morrison, “The Concert in Hyde Park,” by Paul Simon, and “Emergency Ward,” by Nina Simone. And what about artists working in isolation? “Nebraska,” by Bruce Springsteen, and “At Folsom Prison,” by Johnny Cash, were both recorded in isolated environments. Blues legend Robert Johnson recorded almost all of his music alone in a hotel room. 

Several artists have been lost to coronavirus. Honor their legacies by listening to those whose work is available through Freegal, including Ellis Marsalis, Bucky Pizzarelli, Manu Dibango, and John Prine.

Freegal also offers playlists for every mood. They are currently offering one labeled “Work from Home: The Social Distancing Playlist,” and regularly provide motivational playlists. Check out selections from the artists mentioned in this Freegal playlist: Omaha Picks: Quarantine Music. 

Take advantage of additional digital resources such as Flipster (OPL’s digital magazine service) to catch up on music news via Rolling Stone or Billboard. The eBook collection also boasts many music-related titles; we have recommendations in this list. Music can be a wonderful source of self-care... Rediscover an old favorite or find something new with Freegal and your library card!