Blue, Blue 'lectric Blue

Time for a diversion as I continue to explore the basic colors, their symbolism and provide an associated playlist using the excellent web site Finetune. Previously, I have explored red and yellow. This time around, it’s blue. I believe that most people spend very little time really thinking about color, except maybe when painting a room, buying a car or some clothing. In reality, color has a profound impact on our moods, attitudes and perceptions. For some interesting information, visit the Color Matters web site, and take the Color Survey to heighten your awareness.

"Melancholy Woman", 1902, Pablo Picasso, from his 'Blue Period"(1901-04)

Some true blue facts:

Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also lower the pulse rate and body temperature. Of course, blue is also associated with sadness and depression.

Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. In marketing, many corporate logos use blue to signify they are trustworthy, stable, pure and healing. Think about the extensive use of blue in health care advertising.

Blue conveys importance and confidence, hence the blue power suit of the corporate world and the blue uniforms of police officers. Long considered a corporate color, blue, especially darker blue, is associated with intelligence, stability and conservatism.

Research has shown that people are more productive in blue rooms, and work environments are often in blue tones. Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms.

Blue is described as a favorite color by many people and is the color most preferred by men. Women tend to buy blue clothing for men because they believe men prefer it.

Blue is one of the least appetizing colors. Some weight loss plans even recommend eating your food off of a blue plate. Blue rarely occurs naturally in food aside from blueberries and some plums. Humans are geared to avoid foods that are poisonous and blue coloring in food is often a sign of spoilage or poison.

So there you have it. In terms of this playlist, every song includes the word blue in the title. I’ve made a conscious effort not to include ‘Blues’, as that would have been way too easy.