I’ve had 3 days off this week and some relatively short shifts, so plenty time to be listening to some music whilst chilling or even gardening. I hate gardening!

I have an account with Spotify and speakers all over the house and I love that I can listen to whatever, whenever. Long gone are the days of hunting for the cassette tape that’s gone missing from it’s box.

There are quite a few tunes that have been played more than once. Some were new to me and required another listen. Some were old favourites. Others just fitted the time and place, I guess.

I thought I’d share them with you in case, like me, you’re on the lookout for playlist ideas.

Pendulum – The Island Pt. 1 (Dawn)

Been played 4 times this week, 3 of them on the drive to work. I find it so uplifting and motivational.

Caravan Palace – Black Betty

I absolutely love the original. I also love electro swing. This is the perfect marriage of the two.

Stevie Wonder – Superstition

A tune that perfectly straddles chill out and makes you want to get up and dance. Another great example of feel good music.

M.I.A. – Paper Planes

Another regular on many of my playlists. Paper Planes features in the movies Pineapple Express and Slumdog Millionaire. Fun fact… the sample from The Clash tune saw them officially listed as co-writers.

The Stone Roses – I Wanna Ba Adored

I got into this band around 30 years too late. I’ve always avoided stuff that ‘cool’ at the time as I always think the hype will cloud my judgement. Bonafide great song.

Scritti Politti – The Word Girl

Listened to the album, Cupid & Psyche 85, on the way home from work the other night. Another ‘late to the party by a few decades’ moment for me. Stunning album from a local (Leeds) band.

Kosheen – Hide U

A travesty that this only reached No. 73 in the charts. Gentle drum & bass beats and the voice of an angel. One of those songs that everyone’s forgotten about and goes down a storm at parties.

Soul II Soul – Our Time Has Now Come

This album, Club Classics Vol. II, has been a favourite of mine forever. There’s not a bad track on this album.

Simple Minds – Blindfolded

My favourite band with a track from their appropriately named Big Music album. As with the first entry on this list, it’s a ‘going to work’ song.

Kylie Minogue – Confide In Me

I always thought the original release of this was Kylie’s best song. Then I discovered the version on The Abbey Road Sessions. Haunting and powerful, it shows off her voice perfectly over the top of a stunning musical arrangement. I’ll link it below. Enjoy.