A few weeks ago I asked my Instagram followers for their favourite songs/albums to listen to while they work. Their suggestions were so good I thought I would share some of their recommendations here as well as a few of my favourites songs and what I have on repeat at the moment. We’ve been listening to a lot of music recently as we have started making a few playlists for our wedding! My music taste is fairly varied so I would say there's hopefully something for everyone! Listen to the song by clicking on the title and I’ve named the album it’s on if I know it.
No One Does It Like You by Department of Eagles (In Ear Park) This is one of my all time favourite songs and music videos! I discovered this while I was researching artist Marcel Dzama’s work at uni - he directed the music video. Like all of Dzama’s work, it’s sweet and eerie in equal measures and works alongside the song perfectly. Listen if you like - Grizzly Bear, Wild Beasts.
The Mammas and the Pappas by Wet Mut (Nightlight) This was a suggestion from one of my lovely Instagram followers as it’s her son’s band! I really enjoyed the quirky, original lyrics in this song especially but I would recommend listening to the whole album (it’s on spotifiy) - it’s been on repeat at home! Listen if you like - The Moldy Peaches, The Walkman.
17 by Youth Lagoon (Year of Hibernation) Ollie (my fiancé) and I watch a lot of films so much of the music I listen to I found through soundtracks. We discovered this thanks to the Kings of Summer soundtrack which is a brilliant film if you haven’t seen it, especially if you’re a fan of coming of age movies. Listen if you like - Beach House, Alabama Shakes.
Fig in Leather by Devendra Banhart (Ape in Pink Marble) Absolutely love this single off his latest album - it’s so fun and always puts me in a good mood! Listen if you like - Alex Cameron, Beirut.
Sutphin Boulevard by Blood Orange (Coastal Grooves) Ollie and I were big fans of Dev Hynes back in the day! We went to see him play in his then band Lightspeed Champion when they played at Benicassim Festival in 2008! He told everyone sit on the floor as he filmed us all with his camera phone so he could show his mum when he got home (aw!) Still one of the best gigs I’ve ever been to and one of my happiest memories! Despite loving both his previous bands, I only recently got into Blood Orange. This whole album is brilliant but this song particularly stood out to me. Listen if you like - The Horrors, Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
In the Fall by Future Islands It was so hard to choose just one Future Island song as there are so many I love but this is what I have on my playlist at the moment and seems appropriate now that summer is at an end. I’ve linked a live version as I’m slightly obsessed with Samuel T. Herring and his really intense dancing! Listen if you like - Little Dragon, New Order.
Bellbottoms by the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion (Baby Driver soundtrack) This song is in the epic opening sequence of Baby Driver. One of the coolest songs ever (in my opinion) and is currently on my running playlist. Listen if you like - The Cramps, Iggy and the Stooges.
Let my Baby Ride by R.L.Burnside (Come on in) A really simple but very catchy song with an excellent guitar riff! Listen if you like Johnny Cash, Seasick Steve.
Oino by LA Priest (Inji) This is on our wedding playlist to get everyone up on the dance floor! Listen if you like - Late of the Pier and Glass Animals.
Bird Gehl by Antony and the Johnsons (I am a Bird Now) The last two songs I’m suggesting in this list are a little more subdued. I’ve been playing this album solidly for the last week while I’m painting. Her voice is so beautiful and each song is so emotional. Listen if you like - Kate Bush, Rufus Wainwright.
Blue Crystal Fire by Robbie Basho Want to know an interesting fact? Robbie Basho died at 45 in a freak accident at his chiropractors office, which burst blood vessels in his neck causing him to have a fatal stroke. This is one of my favourite songs ever, he has such an unusual haunting voice. Listen if you like - Bonnie Prince Billy, Leonard Cohen.