By Stephanie O'Neill

WE all know that listening to upbeat music can improve our mood, but now its official.

Researchers have found that tuning into happy music will make you happier - and make you think that those around you are in a better mood too.

But there's bad news for fans of 1980s bands such as Joy Division and The Smiths.

Their doom-laden anthems have been shown to put listeners into a black mood.

According to the study, carried out by scientists at Goldsmiths College in London, other happy' sounds such as birdsong, waves crashing against the shore and a crackling fire will also improve your mood.

The study also showed that the opposite is true and that sounds such as machine gun fire and industrial machinery will bring listeners' moods down.

Dr Joydeep Bhattacharya played volunteers 15 second samples of music, then they were shown a selection of faces and asked to judge if they were happy, sad or neutral.

After listening to the upbeat tracks, including Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield and Mark Knopfler's Theme To Local Hero along with classical pieces, the faces appeared to be happier.

But after listening to downbeat tracks including jazz numbers by Charlie Parker and songs by Deep Purple, the faces looked to be sad.

Sensors attached to the volunteers showed that music triggers a response in the brain.

Dr Bhattacharya believes that these effects could be more pronounced when people deliberately choose music they know will lift or lower their mood.

We went out onto the streets of Glasgow to find out if you have a favourite feelgood tune... Turn on, tune in, and smile - what music puts you in a good mood? ANGUS GRAY, 24, pub manager, Pollokshields: I listen to music when I'm getting ready to go out. It improves my mood. Crystal Castles is my favourite band. BEN RUSSELL, 18, student, Kirkintilloch: It definitely improves my mood. Music always gets you going. I like Hit Or Miss by New Found Glory. MANPREET GILL, 29, call centre worker, Paisley: I like Hindi music as well as the Pussycat Dolls' Don't Cha. I listen to upbeat music any time really. It helps when I'm not feeling great. MAXINE TILLOCH, 28, actress, Glasgow: I like to listen to upbeat music when I'm driving. I like Calvin Harris' new song with Dizzee Rascal and unsigned band the Applescruffs. MARCO LIZZURRI, 30, pub manager, Pollokshields: I listen at work, getting ready to go out and when I'm out. I like the Killers and dance track Day And Night. SEAN MYRES, 18, student, Moodiesburn: My favourite band is the Strokes, but I like dance music too. It improves my mood when I'm out. MARK MUNRO, 23, student, Rutherglen: I like Basket Case by Green Day. It usually makes me feel better when I'm studying or driving. FIONA CLARK, 22, receptionist, Bishopbriggs: I like Chelsea Dagger, by the Fratellis, and the Stereophonics. I listen when I'm getting ready to go out and have earphones in when I'm walking.