Whether it is because you’re on your own and need some musical company, or because you are with your family and need a little musical decompression, we’re going to need some listening content over the next few weeks. Personally, I cannot be home alone without something playing in the background, so I’ve put together a playlist of music and podcasts for indoor joy.
When building this playlist I didn’t aim to choose deliberately positive selections (although there are some in the list of course). Instead I’ve focused on excellent tunes that I hope will give you a few minutes of distraction, make you dance around your kitchen, or just take your mind off things for a while.
I’ll keep adding some tunes over the next few weeks. You can find the playlist by clicking here.
Music
Oh What A Beautiful Morning - Trijntje Oosterhuis
What an inspirational and positive jazzy version of this classic song from the musical Oklahoma. Even if you don’t think you know it, you definitely do know it so it’s an instant sing-a-long classic.
Vision of Love - Mariah Carey
My favourite Mariah song. My poor neighbours when I try and hit her high notes.
Knocks Me Off My Feet - Stevie Wonder
I first heard this song in August of last year, and by the end of 2019 it was my most played song of the year. I think that tells you how much I love it.
Rosanna - Toto
There is no way you won’t drum along to this.
Precious Lord, Take My Hand/You’ve Got A Friend - Aretha Franklin (Live)
This might be my favourite track of all time. It’s taken from Aretha Franklin’s live album Amazing Grace, which was recorded at her church in 1972. There was a lot of documentary footage taken at the time and it has recently been released as a film; there’s no dialogue or interviews with anyone, just an hour and a half of pure music. I can’t recommend it enough.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Whitney Houston
WITH SOMEBODY WHO LOVEEEES MEEEEEE.
Midnight Train To Georgia - Gladys Knight and the Pips
This is my family’s favourite song collectively - and what better time to learn all the different harmony parts and the dance routine?
Polaris - Zero 7
This song - and this whole album actually, it’s called Simple Things and I can’t recommend it enough - is perfect for sitting and reflecting, meditating or just taking a few deep breaths. It really does wash over you.
Sussudio - Phil Collins Big Band
Huge sounds. I like to listen to this and mime a different instrument each time. Because I am cool.
Overture - Mack & Mabel
This will take you on a journey. Like all good overtures, it’s a real excellent summary of the entire show. Bonus content: watch Torvill & Dean’s 1982 ice skating routine to this on youtube.
Never Ever - All Saints
If you have two or more people in your household currently, get the harmonies going. It could totally count as a school music lesson right?
I’ve Got You Under My Skin - Frank Sinatra (Live at the Sands)
This whole album is incredible, so it was hard to pick one song. Half way through this show Sinatra does what is basically a ten minute stand up set, because he’s Frank Sinatra so could do anything. I can’t recommend the album enough.
The Heart Asks Pleasure First - Michael Nyman
This is a gorgeous piece of music. It’s not the most joyful piece of music, but I find it extremely soothing.
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole
You’ll need to do a vocal warm up before you hit those high notes.
Good Luck - Basement Jaxx
Another dance around your kitchen song. This is a good ‘get the anger out’ track; we all need one of those every so often.
Podcasts - (WARNING: none of these are suitable for children...)
Mission To Zyxx
This is an improvised sci-fi comedy that is hilarious and extremely strange. An excellent distraction and a very different portrayal of ‘the future’...
Off Menu with Ed Gamble & James Acaster
This podcast makes me hungry and laugh at the same time.
Work in Progress with Sophia Bush
Sophia always has really interesting guests on and approaches them with thoughtful and inspired questions.
The Hippy Dippy Podcast
I love Mike & Beth - they are hilarious together, but their approach to the topics they have chosen is always thought provoking.
Serial Season One
This has been out for ages but if you haven’t listened to this yet, you must. It’s about a muder case in Baltimore in 1999 - obviously not a cheerful topic, but this is excellent journalism and hugely engaging.
My Dad Wrote A Porno
Pure filth. I love it.
The Spitfire Sisters Podcast
I am very aware this is a shameless plug but we would LOVE it if you listened to our podcast. We’ll be recording a remote podcast next week so do have a listen - you can find it on all podcast platforms, and we always let people know when a new episode is up on our instagram @thespitfiresisters.