Sad Songs Say So Much

The writer Adam Brent Houghtaling's new book, "This Will End in Tears: The Miserabilist's Guide to Music," explores the appeal of sad music, from English composer John Dowland's Elizabethan-era weepers to American songwriter Elliott Smith's 1990s confessionals. Houghtaling joins us to turn on the waterworks. Later, musicologist David Huron of Ohio State University talks about the human physical response to sad music.

Bonus: Listen to a Spotify playlist compiled by Adam for "This Will End in Tears." Hanky alert!