Musing in the rain

In preparation for moving to Portland, I compiled a list of must-have items that I deemed essential to my happiness in my new Oregonian home.  Among these items--including but not limited to a good rain jacket, hiking boots, and some new reading material--was the ultimate rainy day music compilation.  With all the time I planned to spend on the bus and explore the city under a grey and rainy sky, a good playlist was about as important as having an oversized mug of coffee (heavy on the cream please!) after a night of drinking debauchery.  Even though your head is pounding mercilessly, that first sip of burns-your-tongue-it's-so-hot coffee takes the edge off, allowing your mind to wander to all the fun that was had the night before (if you remember it--but that's what friends are for anyway).  In the same way, a solid playlist can turn a cold, wet, and seemingly miserable day into one of reflection and warmth in the coziness of your thoughts.  That is until your feet are so cold and wet from unexpected puddles and car sprays that even a playlist from the gods themselves won't keep you from bitching and moaning about the rain--not that I have any remote idea of what this feels like.  


So then, for your listening pleasure, I've compiled a list of songs and albums that I think you'll enjoy, especially on those days when the weather is not being very cooperative.  And if you have any suggestions, don't hesitate to leave them!

Rainy Day Lovin'

"Windshield Wipers" by Jackpot

"The One I Love" by Greg Laswell

The entire "Parachutes" album by Coldplay

"Absinthe Party at the Fly Honey Warehouse" by Minus the Bear

"Northern Lights" by Cafe del Mar

"The World Spins Madly On" by The Weepies

"By Your Side" by Sade

"Alone in Kyoto" by AIR

"Sweet Disposition" by the Temper Trap

"Heartbeats" by José González

"Flake" by Jack Johnson

"Go Places" by The New Pornographers

"Walk Away" (Live at Mars version) by Ben Harper

"The Road" by Matt Costa

"Let It Be Sung" by Jack Johnson

"Home" by Jack Johnson

"Blood Bank" by Bon Iver

"Will You Please Be There For Me" by the Reindeer Section

"He Lays in the Reins" by Calexico/Iron & Wine

"Skinny Love" by Bon Iver

"Pachura Sunrise" by Minus the Bear

"3 Rounds and a Sound" by Blind Pilot

Anything Alexi Murdoch
"Down the Line" by José González

"Peaches & Cream" by The John Bulter Trio

Pete Yorn's classic album titled "Music for the Morning After" 

"Place to Be" by Nick Drake

"Your Ex-Lover Is Dead" by Stars

"Sexual Healing" (Live at Mars version) by Ben Harper

"On the Bus Mall" by The Decemberists

"Stay or Leave" by Dave Matthews Band

"Unplayed Piano" by Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan

"Grazed Knees" by Snow Patrol

"Dice" by Finley Quaye and William Orbit

"If You Ever Did Believe" by Stevie Nicks

"Delicate" by Damien Rice

"Small Change" by Dispatch

"Over the Rainbow" by IZ

"Let Go" Frou Frou

"Moon River" by Henry Mancini

"Dreams" by The Cranberries

"Free" by Donavon Frankenreiter

"Paint the Silence" by South

"Her Morning Elegance" by Oren Lavie

"The Great Salt Lake" by Band of Horses

"Mrs. Cold" by Kings of Convenience

"Wonder" by Colin Meloy
"Calender Girl" by Stars

"A Comet Appears" by The Shins

"Resolution" by Thievery Corporation

"Wish I Stayed" by Ellie Goulding

"Another Lonely Day" by Ben Harper


Happy Listening!