You are what you hear : how music and territory make us who we are

Have you ever wondered why music makes you feel so good? Why did we evolve to have music, and what does music do to us? You Are What You Hear is a bit of a romp compared to the usual science book. Dr. Witchel, a specialist in music, pleasure and the brain, explains how the body and the brain are influenced by different kinds of music, why some music makes us joyous, while other music makes us sad, or angry, or anxious, and how the brain interprets this music. He also shows how music plays with your mind - what you think, how you decide what to buy, and even how smart you are. Dr. Witchel's interests run the gamut from music and laughter to the body language of the British Prime Minister, which he has analyzed on the BBC. In this book he brings together amusing historical anecdotes and engaging scientific evidence to explore how and why different groups use different music to claim their space and their identities. Preface and Warning 13 Chapter 1. Why do we listen to music? 17 Chapter 2. Why does music make sex better? 35 Chapter 3. Why do some people love Beethoven and others rap music? 51 Chapter 4. Is musical taste 100% nurture, or is there a role for nature? 77 Chapter 5. Why do aggressive young men blare out booming music from their cars? 99 Chapter 6. Why do we listen to sad music? 115 Chapter 7. Does violent music lead to violent behavior? 129 Chapter 8. Does listening to Mozart make you smarter or just happier? 137 Chapter 9. Does music make the brain grow larger? 145 Chapter 10. Can music surreptitiously influence what we decide to buy in shops? 161 Chapter 11. Can music cure? 175 Afterword: The Power of Music 193 Bibliography 199 Index 223 Why Do We Listen To Music? -- Why Does Music Make Sex Better? -- Why Do Some People Love Beethoven And Others Rap Music? -- Is Musical Taste 100% Nurture, Or Is There A Role For Nature? -- Why Do Aggressive Young Men Blare Out Booming Music From Their Cars? -- Why Do We Listen To Sad Music? -- Does Violent Music Lead To Violent Behavior? -- Does Listening To Mozart Make You Smarter Or Just Happier? -- Does Music Make The Brain Grow Larger? -- Can Music Surreptitiously Influence What We Decide To Buy In Shops? -- Can Music Cure? -- Afterword : The Power Of Music. Harry Witchel. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.