Song: “Your Hand in Mine” - Explosions in the Sky

Mood: Serenity

Involuntary Reaction: Just breathe

This is perfection.  If you needed a soundtrack while you meditated, this would be it.

Song: “One More Chance (Remix)” - Notorious B.I.G.

Mood: Nostalgic, Smug

Involuntary Reaction: Rapping, word for word

I was always more of a Tupac fan, but it was hard to ignore the hit machine Bad Boy had made of its star player at the time.  On the radio, on TV, at any party…there was always a Biggie joint on.  The man had a lot of hits, but this one has always been my favorite by far.  Biggie’s mellow flow backed perfectly with the sample from DeBarge’s Stay With Me.  Anytime it comes on, I turn it up, and start rapping along.  Can’t help but be a little smug while I spout my favorite line: “I’m not only the client, I’m the player president”.

Song: “Your Woman” - White Town

Mood: Melancholy 

Involuntary Response: Serious high school flashbacks, with some serious head bopping

This song stands the test of time.  Distinct sound, beat, vocals.  Not even your high brow Marxist ways could get me to hit the forward button on this one.  

Song: “Kreuzberg” - Bloc Party

Mood: Mellow, Introspective

Involuntary Reaction: A lot of reminiscing 

Bloc Party has its share of great songs.  But this, this one gets me every time. 

Song: “A Little Respect” - Erasure

Mood: Super Happy

Involuntary Reaction: Spontaneous Dancing

Put this song on, and try not smiling.  Go ahead.  I dare you. 

Song: “Too Funky” - George Michael

Mood: Ego boost, Sexy, Confident

Involuntary Reaction: Runway walk

90’s George Michael made any woman feel like one of the supermodels in his videos, this song is no exception. It promptly gives you a sexy confidence perfect for getting ready for a night out.

Song: “You Know I’m No Good” - Amy Winehouse

Mood: Smug

Involuntary Reaction: Smirking, lots of smirking

This song made me fall in love with her.  The music, her voice.  Gives you a sense of being bad.  And it helps that they used it as the theme for Secret Diary of a Call Girl. 

Song: “Call It Off” - Tegan and Sara

Mood: Emo

Involuntary Reaction: Dissecting past relationships; What-if scenarios start playing out in my head

This song speaks for itself. 

Song: “Spanish Sahara” - Foals

Mood: Mellow/Emo

Involuntary Reaction: Severe emoting

This song. There are not enough words. The quiet start and continued buildup. Takes your mind places.

Song: “P.Y.T.” - Michael Jackson

Mood: Dancey, Flirty

Involuntary Reaction: Attempts at smooth footwork

I love Michael Jackson (and I doubt this will be his last appearance on here).  It’s rare that any of his songs don’t have some kind of effect on me.  But PYT never fails to make me smile and want to bust out.

I realize the video is not a video for the song, but who am I to deny you a montage of one the greatest dancers that ever lived?