My bizarre selection of driving music

Since changing jobs a few weeks back, I'm now spending around two hours a day in the car. Most people think this will be torture, but I actually quite enjoy the time. On my journey into work, I listen to the local radio station, telling me what crisis is currently befalling the Bristol area. On my way home, I tend to switch over to the music on my phone and listen to that.

It was on a journey home last week when I realised what a bizarre selection of music my phone must contain. I'd gone from the classic rock of 'The Chain' by Fleetwood Mac, to 'Fantastic Day' by Haircut 100. I'm not even sure how that made it onto my phone! I decided I'd see what the next ten tracks were that it came up with. These are unedited and so please don't judge me!

The tracks that my phone decided I should admit to listening to are:

•  Starlight - The Supermen Lovers (the baseline actually made my car shake)
• Like a Star - Corinne Bailey Rae (beautiful, just beautiful)
• 7 Nation Army - Marcus Collins (not sure where this came from, but it's pleasant enough)
• Fire - Kasabian (I'm not much of a Kasabian fan, but quite like this track)
• Weekend in New England - Barry Manilow (honestly, I don't remember this coming on, if my phone was going to give me Barry Manilow, why not Copacabana??)
• Somebody to Love - Queen (I had a proper singalong to this)
• Can't Fight the Moonlight - LeAnn Rimes (must watch Coyote Ugly again!)
• Love Shack - The B-52s (bit of a summer song, it didn't really suit the M4 in the rain)
• Bodies - Robbie Williams (again, I don't remember this coming on, but given the amount of Robbie Williams and Take That on my phone, it's almost inevitable that something would be in the list)
• Lust for Life - Iggy Pop (good bit of rock to finish off my journey)

I've added a video playlist of these tracks below, just in case you want to listen to them yourself.

Now, let's see what music my phone has for me this week...

Blog Every Day in May - Blog 26 - Fantasy Dinner Party

Image courtesy of  -Marcus- / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

I've read plenty of these posts in the past, but have never really given any thought until now, as to who my fantasy dinner party guests would be. I've set myself some rules, that no fictional characters are allowed (no Harry Potter or Doctor Who), and everyone must be alive (no Pharaohs or Shakespeare, I'm afraid). On that basis, I think my five guests would be:

David Mitchell

David Mitchell never fails to make me laugh when I catch him on the television. Although I'd not expect him to be in full stand up mode, hopefully my other guests should give him enough ammunition for a few well-placed comments.

Robbie Williams

This could either go really well, and he'd be incredibly entertaining and on top form, or make the whole thing car crash entertainment. Either way, I'm willing to give it a go, just to see what he's really like when the spotlight's not on him.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry seems to make a lot of these lists, so it's no wonder he's looking so well fed! Stephen's intelligent and knowledgeable and would, I'm sure, ensure there wouldn't be any awkward silences at the table. We'd no doubt all come away from the table having learned something.

Sarah Millican

Sarah Millican really makes me laugh, I love her observational humour and northern references. I also didn't want an entirely male table of guests, although I am a little concerned I seem to be hosting an episode of QI!

Terry Wogan

I liked the idea of having a member of the older generation present, I'm sure Terry could keep the youngsters under control with his deep Irish voice. Having listened to a Janet and John episode in the dentist one day that was so thick with double entendre that it almost made me blush, I tend to think he's got a wicked sense of humour and would fit right in.

If anyone could call round their agents and set this up for me, it would be much appreciated. Just give me enough warning so I can organise the catering!

 

Blog Every Day in May - Blog 25 - Music Love

Although I'm aware I'm supposed to blog about my five favourite albums, I don't really listen to albums nowadays. I tend just to listen to playlists on my phone. Back in the good old days of vinyl, I used to love putting on an album and listening to it, being disturbed only to turn it over. Back then I'd have easily been able to come up with five, but I'll save you from a delve through my vinyl collection in the spare bedroom.

Instead, I've tried to come up with my five favourite tracks. I can't promise these are my definitive top five, they might change if you were to ask me tomorrow, but they'll at least give an insight into my music tastes.

The Day I Died by Just Jack is simply beautiful, full of emotion. The video with James Nesbitt makes it even more poignant for anyone who doesn't listen to lyrics.

 I love Stevie Wonder, I love his voice, the base in his tracks and the feel good nature of his music. Although the lyrics don't quite fit, I had Signed, Sealed, Delivered as part of my wedding playlist. I had to find a way of sneaking in some of his music!

Not the best video in the world, but I love this track, You Do Something to Me, by Paul Weller. Again, I love his voice, it's got real soul in it. I could listen to this over and over.

I used to listen to a lot of early Springsteen when I was younger. I remember borrowing the 'Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ' tape from the library and almost wearing it through from continuous play. Ain't Good Enough for You, is one of Bruce Springsteen's more recent releases. It makes me smile and I love the rhythm. A good feel good piece of music.

Robbie Williams is unashamedly my guilty pleasure. He's a fantastic entertainer and can really capture an audience. Although something like Angels would be a more obvious choice, I love Me and My Monkey, it's such a random track, but at the same time showcases Robbie's vocal talents. It never fails to make me smile. I'm just gutted Robbie's not coming to Cardiff in this year's arena tour.