If it makes you happy...

I've been listening to the new Jack Johnson cd (thanks Dan!) all day. Literally. I find it's one of those cd's that just makes me happy, mainly because it allows for some serious escapist fantasy while listening to it. For instance, I picture myself on a beach with an umbrella in my drink with Jack himself strumming away and singing to me. Grr. Then, Melvin yells, "Ms. Gray, I want to TELL you sumpin" and I'm pulled harshly back into reality. Thanks Mel. Actually the kids are enjoying the cd, too. Yes, I play music for the kids. I like to think it makes them more well-rounded. I usually play NPT, but when I know the news is on and don't feel like explaining what decapitation means, I pop in a cd. Usually it's Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's (and yes I totally looked that up) song of Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World. Possibly the best song ever written. Or combined. Whatever. Anyways, I usually put that song on repeat because there are some other songs on the cd that are a little bizarre. Well, Adrijan noticed one day that we had listened to it about 10 times and called me on it so I've been trying to vary it up a little. Hence playing JJ (not to be confused with Amanda's jankety janked guitar) today. So back to why it makes me happy. I think it's just because it's mellow and does make for such good outside music. The kind of music you would listen to at the beach or even just on your porch. Spring is my favorite time for this kind of music because it's not sweltering so you can actually enjoy spending prolonged periods outside and driving with windows down. I got to thinking about other music that makes me happy in the Spring and the following is what I came up with (feel free to add your own two cents):
1. 10,000 Maniacs Our Time in Eden--possibly the first cd I actually fell in love with
2. U2 The Joshua Tree--or Achtung Baby or All That You Can't Leave Behind or The Unforgettable Fire or Boy (the only one where Bono is actually listed as Paul "Bono Vox" Hewson) or, well, you get the idea...
3. They Might Be Giants Flood--I, too, would oftentimes rather be whistling in the dark
4. Rusted Root When I Woke--simply for Send Me on My Way and Beautiful People
5. The Cure Wish or Disintegration--depending on if I want to be happy happy or melancholy happy-ish
6. Barenaked Ladies Rock Spectacle--Break Your Heart and What a Good Boy are my faves
7. Guster Lost and Gone Forever--I want to marry the bongo player
8. Matthew Sweet 100% Fun--I love this man, but don't tell the bongo guy.
9. Poi Dog Pondering Wishing Like a Mountain and Thinking Like the Sea (don't worry, no one's heard of them...you're not alone, though you are missing out)
10. Pixies Doolittle--Takes me back to 10th grade every time
11.Toadies Rubberneck--I think I listened to Possum Kingdom, Tyler and I Burn about a kadrillion times when I first got this cd
12. New Radicals Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too--You Get What You Give is one of those songs that you never really realized you knew every word to
13. Anything by Bebo Norman--If I don't marry the bongo player from Guster or Matthew Sweet, and if Bebo gets a divorce, I'm so there...
14. Otis Redding The Very Best of is quite good, indeed!
Anyways, those are my picks for Spring. In fact, that's what I have upstairs right now to choose from whilst getting ready or winding down. I'm sure I'm overlooking some, but I'm too lazy to go down and look through my collection. And, now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go to my ginormous bathroom, kick back in the tub, and listen to some tunes...