On a contemporary note, there are the songs on the first album of folk singer-songwriter Dory Previn, circa 1969 or 1970. She had been the wife of Andre Previn, and when he dumped her for Mia Farrow, she had a "nervous breakdown." The songs she wrote as part of her therapy, including "Mr. Whisper," are some of the most amazing first-hand depictions of a descent into madness I've ever heard.

--Charlie Baum