Oct 10

What's on My List – Pt. 1

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If you scroll through my iPod Lists, you’ll come across one called “Flight Plan”. When I queue this one up I’m usually either waiting at the gate for my row to be called or I’m in serious need of a trip and my only immediate “fix” is through music. I started the list about 4 or 5 years ago, so the songs are not the latest things to drop, but they do say “Travel” for one reason or another. Here’s the first 10 songs from my list – others to come in future posts.

1. American Boy by Estelle – love Estelle’s British accent and the dance beat always reminds me of clubbing in London.

2. Paper Planes by M.I.A. –the song’s rhythm makes me feel like I’m flying…ascending and soaring. And the occasional gun shots in the background – well a little reminder that the world may not be a perfect place, but I still want to get out there and experience it.

3. Matadjem Yinmaxan by Tinariwen – I usually love to sing along to songs, but I’ll make an exception for this one. I can’t understand a word of what this Tuareg group sings, but the melodic guitars and undertones of the tindé drum make me want to buy a ticket for the Festival au Desert in Mali.

4. Paris, Tokyo by Lupe Fiasco – this song has been the ring tone on my phone since 2008 and I don’t’ see it changing anytime soon. A song of jetsetting and romance. Love it.

5. Ever After [Christian Alvearez Dreamscape mix] by Rasmus Faber Feat. Emily McEwan – Uplifting dance-y beat that adds a little spring to my step as I wander around a new city.

6. Cerca de Mi (Kenny Dope Remix) by Louie Vega Feat. Raul Midon – this song is a little church, a little house, a little chill out and a whole lot of beautiful. (Still looking for the MP3 link to this exact version)

7. Peace Pipe by Nickodemus – If I’m on a plane, by the time I get to this song on my mix, I’m usually just starting into my first glass of wine and imagining what this trip will bring. But more than the wine, it’s this song that makes me smile and settle in for the adventure.

8. Back from Africa by Nickodemus – this DJ gets two back to back entries on my list. Within the first few notes of this song, I’m instantly back in the open top Range Rover on safari in Swaziland.

9. All of Me (Vs Mark De Clive-Lowe) by Swell Session – I love the slow build up of this song and then it just settles into a rhythmic, head-bobbing groove. Great for losing yourself on a long flight.

10. A Origem da Felicidade by Celso Fonseca – I love all of this album, but had to pick out this song that never fails to get me doing a little samba hip shake in my seat.