OK. You should know better than to think I really have anything scientific to say to you.
When a gal is sick, without her lively roommate for three days, is a daytime-TV-hater and an e-mail addict trying her hardest to stay away - she really has no choice but to plant her laptop where it belongs (yep, her lap) and go through her entire music library. Believe it or not, my music library could play for almost 19 straight days - and yet I've hardly added anything for almost two years. I used to be obsessed and in the loop and now I'm so out of it. Help!!!
Below you'll find a list of random mostly older songs with detailed tidbits as to why I chose them. Perhaps it will inspire you to seek them out or simply leave a few suggestions/playlists of your own below.
*Artist - Song:
Beulah- Hello Resolven: This song is a perfect teaser/intro for any mix. Its slow, repetitive piano leaves you strangely wanting more. And, ya, I know the singing sounds like a bored choir - but their other songs prove differently. Also - this band broke up a while back - so do them a favor and pay some homage to their adorably, uplifting efforts.
120 Days - Come Out: I was first introduced to this song while interning at BUST. It was played pretty much once a day. If you ever need a little extra "umph" in getting to a task you've been putting off, this is the song to put on. It never gets old. All 8 min. and 51 sec. of it. I promise.
Voxtrot - The Start Of Something: Hmm ... this song makes me happy. Sometimes you just don't need any more explanation why.
Kanye West - Flashing Lights: This is the first mix I've ever slapped Kanye onto - but something about this song is so addicting. It's one of those close-the-blinds-and-dance-while-you-clean songs. (Not like I've done that. Repeatedly. This weekend. Nope.)
TV on the Radio - Wolf Like Me: Whether you're a fan of these guys or not, this is perhaps the only song of theirs I can't get sick of. It used to be my morning-drive-to-work song. No matter how tired you may be, it gets you going. (This song and a Starbucks is a perfect combo.)
Britt Daniel and Bright Eyes - Let The Distance Keep Us Together: Ya, that's right. Britt Daniel of Spoon and Bright Eyes made a little ditty of a four-song CD that didn't get the attention it deserved.
Diamond Nights - The Girl's Attractive: OK. These guys/this song/their tight pants/long, greasy hair = my guilty pleasure. Aside from the fact that the first line of the song really is
She looks good swiss cheese put your head from the hose - um ... it's still undeniably catchy. Plus, I have fond memories of the lead singer jumping off the stage to dance with my friend and proceed to stop traffic later that night as he stood in the middle of the street attempting to get her to go back to the hotel with him. Hmm ... Mr. Rock N Roll wasn't so successful that evening.
Fats Domino - Blueberry Hill: OK, so it's not that random of a song. And it's an oldie. But I might be one of the few gals to be able to hit every low note in this song. Is that something I should be proud of? Probably not. Am I? Obviously!
R. Kelly - I'm A Flirt: Yes, R. Kelly. I know, I know, I know. I don't even need to go there. HOWEVER - this is, ahem,
Troy Tulowitski's batting song from last season. TULO - does that help my chances with you? *wink*
Longwave - Wave Me When It's Over: The alarming, chilling beginning of this song sometimes makes for a successful choice on my alarm clock, sometimes not. All in all - it's a great song for when you need something to match that melancholy mood.
Devotchka - Queen Of The Surface Streets: If you kind of know Devotchka, then you may have never heard this song - and it's a sin if you haven't. I've included this song on almost 90% of the mixes I've ever made for others. It makes me want to start a twirling, stomping, clapping parade.
Elmer Bernstein - Baby The Rain Must Fall: Because no mix from me would be complete without a brassy, piano-prancing, burlesque song.
The Anniversary - Sweet Marie: I find it ironic that a band named The Anniversary broke up. HA! But nevertheless, I ripped this song off a mix from an ex-boyfriend. Kind of a mix-CD-rule-breaker, but hey, it's a great song.
Pinback - Prog: If you're one who has music ADD and can't stay away from the skip button for more than 20 seconds, test yourself with this one. Its swirling sound and transitions keep you a little longer than usual.
Feist - Tout Decoucement: Who doesn't want to hear
Leslie Feist sing in French?
The National - Ada: Simply amazing. Let this band grow on you. That's all you get.
Sondre Lerche - You Know So Well: This Norwegian boy is the type of super young, talented artist you hope will stick around. Regardless, I'll have no problem listening to this exact song 30 years from now.
Sound Team - (????): This band from Austin is the band I referred to when I met Britt Daniel of Spoon. Not only did I foolishly say, "Hey Britt, my name's Brit," but I knew he attended a lot of their shows. How? Let's just say I was a big fan.
KT Tunstall - Someday Soon: This is the perfect song to play while you cook a big meal. Weird, I know. But if you have cooking anxiety like me, it will calm your nerves and enrich the mood.