Life's Soundtrack: Summer Mix

Photo by Paige

Inspired by Paige's amazing photo - which for me illustrates the freedom and joy of summer - I've decided not to give you any homework this week.  Instead, I've put together a Summer Mix just for you.  I've filled it with songs I know you'll hear all over the airwaves this summer, some I hope you'll hear, and some you probably won't hear on the radio - but should!

There is something about summer music that always makes me happy - I hope this list is one you can turn on while you do housework, on a road trip, while you enjoy a BBQ with friends and family - all the things that make summer great.

Life's Soundtrack: Light the Music

Photo by Lucia and Mapp

As I write this post and put together the playlist I'm in the middle of a lightening storm with plenty of dark clouds and rain - so listening to songs full of light is such a fun contrast.  I also love that we are getting this list just after summer solstice (or winter solstice if you live in the Southern Hemisphere!)  Either way the amount of light we get each day is changing - so take full advantage of it while you can.

There are some incredible songs on this list - I can't wait to hear what you think about them.  Thanks as always for your amazing suggestions, I feel like I add to my personal playlist each week.  I'm always discovering new music thanks to you.

Life's Soundtrack: Light

Photo by Paige 23

As I've watched your gorgeous "white" photos streaming into the Flickr group the past couple of weeks, I've started to notice something else they all have in common - they are full of gorgeous light.  I thought we use that light as the inspiration for our playlist this week.  Let's fill it with songs about light.  It can be the gorgeous morning light or the magical light of the moon.

I'll kick us off:

Priscilla Ahn - Leave the Light On

David Nail - Red Light

Mary Chapin Carpenter - Twilight

Sara Bareillies - Light

Owl City - Vanilla Twilight

Alexi Murdoch - The Light (Her Hands Were Leaves)

Faith Hill - When the Lights Go Down

Ellie Goulding - Lights

Allison Moorer - Light of a Clear Blue Morning (I have been searching for a youtube clip of this version of the Dolly Parton song for years and someone finally posted it.  This is probably the most played song on my iPod, if you listen to nothing else today, listen to it, the lyrics are so inspiring and her voice and the arrangement are perfection.) 

I had a hard time stopping - there are some GREAT songs out there on this theme and I can't wait to see what you come up with.  Take a minute and share some of your favorite "light" songs in the comments section and I'll put together a playlist with all of our songs on next week.

Life's Soundtrack: White the Music

Photo by R Joanne

When I posted last week's theme - I imagined we'd have a playlist that looked a bit like the gorgeous white photos filling our Flickr Group - all soft, mellow and dreamy.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered a playlist that is much more diverse - there are some songs in this one that will make you want to get up and MOVE!  

There are also a ton of songs in this list that are new to me - so I'm hoping you'll also discover something fun and new as well.  On to the music:

To listen to the playlist, click on the sideways triangle in the middle of the embedded player.  To skip to a song or go back, click on the < or > on either side of the triangle.

Note:  I put the playlist together on Monday evening because I'm traveling both Tuesday and Wednesday, I'll add the songs that were suggested as soon as I get on solid ground again and have an internet connection, please forgive me if your song takes a day or so to go up.  

Happy Listening!

Life's Soundtrack: White

Photo by Monica de Moss Photography

Have you heard the news?  We are celebrating WHITE here at Inspiration Studio in June.  I can't wait to see the Flickr group filling up with your interpretation of the theme - it is going to be so much fun and so beautiful!

We are going to stay on theme in this week's playlist - our songs are going to be all about white.  Share your favorite songs about white, that have white in the title, or white in the artist/group name.  This is one of those totally random themes, which I love because they always end up so diverse.  Here are my picks:

The Moody Blues - Nights in White Satin (thanks for the perfect kick off song Denise!)

Barry White - Can't Get Enough of Your Love

Dido - White Flag

White Lies - Bigger Than Us

U2 - White as Snow

Jack White & Loretta Lynn - Portland, Oregon

Mumford & Sons - White Blank Page

I'm still on a bit of high over our last playlist, Wishing and Dreaming, your song picks were just so amazing I can't stop listening, so I really can't wait to see what your suggestions will be this week.  Take a minute and share your "white" songs with us in the comments section.

Life's Soundtrack: Wishing & Dreaming the Music

Photo by Lucy Loomis

Do I have a treat for you!  This may just be my all-time favorite playlist we've put together.  It is full of amazing songs and guaranteed to make your dreams grow!

I dare you to watch the Susan Boyle clip without crying - it doesn't matter how many times I see it, I still get teary - talk about a lesson in chasing your dreams.

The line Elissa quoted from Fleetwood Mac's Dreams, "Does thunder only happen when it's raining?"  stayed in my mind for days - proof that the best songs are better that philosophy classes (at least for me!)

There is also plenty in this list for the Disney lover - seems they've kept us in dreamy songs for generations.

Thanks again for playing along and suggesting such amazing songs - I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I have.

To listen to the playlist, click on the triangle in the middle of the embedded player above.  To skip to the next song or to go backwards, click on the < or > on either side of the player.

Life's Soundtrack: Wishing & Dreaming

Photo by Whimsey

When I saw Suki's suggestion for our last playlist, Dave Thomas Junior's "3 Wishes" I knew what our next theme would be: Wishing & Dreaming.

Isn't every day just a little bit better when you take a minute to dream and let your imagination run wild?  Dreaming fills me with inspiration and gives me the motivation to find a way to turn those wishes into goals.

For our playlist, your song suggestions can be songs that encourage or remind us to wish, dream or look for miracles (see the first half of my list.)  Or the songs can be about things you are currently dreaming and wishing for in your own life (the second half of my list.)  Let me get us going:

Dave Thomas Junior - 3 Wishes (the song that started it all)
The Corrs - Dreams
Mary Chapin Carpenter - The Age of Miracles
The Airborne Toxic Event - Wishing Well
Rachael Yamagata - I Wish You Love
Plumb - Sleep (I get up at 5:30, I'm always dreaming of more sleep!)
Amos Lee - Learned A Lot
Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance

I can't wait to hear some of your favorite Wishing & Dreaming songs - take a minute and share them with us in the comments section.  Next week I'll pull them together into a playlist of dreamy songs for all of us.

Life's Soundtrack: By the Numbers Music

Photo by Kim Kath

Note:  I'm reposting this after it was dropped when Blogger went offline.

I suspected this theme, By The Numbers, would produce a fun eclectic playlist - and I was right.  It contains everything from the current darling of pop: Taylor Swift, to the legends: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queen, and my personal favorite, Johnny Cash.  There's a little of something for everyone in this one.

To listen to the playlist, click on the triangle in the middle of the player.  To skip to the next song, or to go back, click on the < or > to either side of the embedded player.

I tend to get the credit for our playlists, but let's face it - what makes them amazing is the diversity that comes from all of you who take the time to comment and share your song picks.  I think it is time to share the the credit.  If you are looking to connect with another inspiring blogger, take a minute and check out the people behind this week's playlist:  Edie, Elissa, Kelly, Kim (Kim is also responsible for the gorgeous photo at the top of this post), ELK, PG, Terrie, Suki, and Karen.  Thanks ladies, for helping to create what may be our most eclectic playlist to date.

Happy Listening

Life's Soundtrack: By the Numbers

Photo by Tammy Gilley

Happy Cinco de Mayo!  I've sometimes lived in cities that had amazing Cinco de Mayo celebrations - so full of color, beautiful music and amazing food.  I'm sad I won't be celebrating this year since I'm on the road, but I may just stop in for some yummy Mexican food so I don't feel totally left out.   This year Cinco de Mayo has me thinking of numbers (cinco = five = numbers) and with all the serious news in our world, I think it is time for a little easy fun in our playlist.

This week we are going to put together a playlist based on numbers - there can be a number in the title of the song, in the lyrics or in the name of the artist.  This one should be fun and easy, so I expect lots and lots of comments and suggestions (hint, hint!)  Let me get us going:

3 Doors Down - Here without You (for my sister since this is one of her favorite bands)
Adele - One and Only
Feist - 1,2,3,4
Holly Williams - Three Days in Bed
U2 - One
The Swell Season - Two Tongues
10,000 Maniacs - These are Days

Take a minute and share your song suggestions in the comments section below - I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Life's Soundtrack: Flower Music

Cathie Taylor

Are you ready for a musical bouquet?  This week we've managed to put together a completely unique playlist - we have new artists and new genre's that we've never had before.  As I was putting it together I felt my boundaries expanding - so much FUN!

I can't believe it but Kelly took me up on my challenge and found a song related to ranunculus - I thought it was one of those challenges no one would take me up on, let alone be successful at - I'm sending a little something of to her for finding a totally awesome band with ranunculus in their name.  Enough talking, on to the music:

To hear the playlist, click on the triangle in the middle of the embedded player.  To skip forward or back in the playlist click on the < or > on either side of the player.

Happy listening!

Life's Soundtrack - Flowers

Photo by Jessica Maleski 

I've spent some time this week browsing all the beautiful photos you've been sharing in the Inspiration Studio Flickr Group for our our celebration of everyday gifts. As I browsed I started to notice a theme:  lots and lots of flowers.  I'm sure it has something to with the coming of Spring, but I also think we all recognize flowers are a gift from nature.

This week we're going to create a playlist based on the flower theme you created through your photos.  Please comment sharing your favorite flower songs.  There are very few limits on this theme, so be creative:

• the song title could contain the word flower or the name of an actual flower like rose or lily
• the song could talk about flowers in the lyrics
• or, if you love songs by Brandon Flowers, Lily Allen or any other artist with a flower theme in their name, feel free to send those in too.

After last week's difficult theme, this one you should be able to do without too much thought.  I'll get us started:

Cotton Mather - Lily Dreams On

The Avett Brothers - Famous Flower of Manhattan

Priscillia Ahn - Wallflower

Garbage - So Like a Rose

Ray LaMontagne - You Can Bring Me Flowers

The Weepies - Red Red Rose

Mandy Moore - Gardenia

Sophie Milman - La Vie En Rose

I'll send a little something to anyone who can come up with a song related to ranunculus!

I can't wait to see what you come up with - and please, keep those photos coming into the flickr group, you are such a talented group, we love seeing your work.

Happy Listening

Life's Soundtrack - Everyday Gifts Playlist

By Tamar Haytayan posted to the Inspiration Studio Flickr Group

This week I watched my cousin bury her six week old baby and nearly had to serve on a jury for the kind of case I don't want to believe exists let alone hear about in detail, which is why I'm so grateful for this playlist.  As I put it together and started listening to the songs you suggested, I began to remember all the reasons this life is beautiful, your songs brought me a sense of peace and a reminder that even in days that feel ugly, there is beauty to be found if you seek it.

Thank you all of your beautiful suggestions, I hope this playlist brightens your day and reminds you there is beauty all around us.

To listen to the playlist, click on the sideways triangle in the middle of the embedded player.  To skip to the next song or to go back click on the < or > to either side of the player.

Happy Listening

Life's Soundtrack - Everyday Gifts

Photo by Graceoverus from the i-Studio Flickr Group

Are you loving April's theme, Celebrating Everyday Gifts, as much as I am?  I've found myself focusing on the little things that make my life beautiful and full of light.  Whether it is the grass trying to peek through the snow, the sun rising over the mountains, a taste of dark rich chocolate or a hug from my niece or nephew, these everyday gifts make my life more beautiful.  The lovely photos filling the i-Studio Flickr group help remind me to focus on those gifts when the stress of life starts to creep in.

For our playlist this week we are going to put together a collection of songs that celebrate the gifts we receive each day when we take the time to open our eyes to them.  The songs could be about a walk along the beach, the beauty of a sunny day, the joy of a child's laughter, anything really that brings you to you.  Let me get us started:

• Skyline - The Court Yard Hounds - it doesn't matter if your skyline is full of skyscrapers, or, like me, full of mountains, the beauty of looking out and seeing earth meet the sky always brings a sense of peace and wonder
• Flower - Amos Lee - what beauty a simple bloom can bring to any room
• The Treehouse Song - Ane Brun - nothing brings joy to a child like having a treehouse to play in and spur their imagination
• Signs in the Leaves - Azure Ray - the leaves signal the beginning of spring as they start blooming and signal the coming of fall as they start changing color
• Neighbor - Band of Horses - I don't know about you, but I have amazing neighbors who make my life so much better
• Sand & Water - Beth Nielsen Chapman - is there anything better than a walk along the ocean?
• It Won't Be Like this for Long - Darius Rucker - a song that celebrates the little milestones in life

Now it is your turn, take a minute to share in the comments your favorite songs that celebrate the everyday gifts in life.  I'll combine all of our favorite songs into a Everyday Gifts playlist which I'll share with you next week.  I can't wait to see what you'll come up with.

To get you started, and so you don't have to click each of the songs individually, here is a link to a playlist with my picks.

Happy Listening

Life's Soundtrack: Rainy Days

Photo by Mom Photographer from the i-Studio Flickr Group

I have missed you all, going a couple of weeks without your great song suggestions has left me craving new music, but wasn't it amazing to see i-Studio full of color and your photos?  Each day was like a little gift as I opened my computer to see another one of your colorful photos.  We have another special month planned for you in April, so keep your eyes open for the announcement, get your camera ready and warm up your creative muscles - it is going to be so much fun.

In addition to all the flowers starting to bloom, one of my favorite things this time of year are spring showers.  I love the rain - I love it when it is just a mist or when it is a massive thunderstorm.  There is just something about the rain, it makes everything look, smell and feel fresh and new.  Since we've gone a couple of weeks without music, I've decided to share one of my very favorite playlists with you: Rainy Days.  I hope you love it as much as I do and that it will bring you a bit of inspiration, because next week we are going to work on a playlist together that will help kick off a new theme for April here at i-Studio, I can't wait!

Life's Soundtrack - The List (and Color)

Photo by chantalhuijbregts and the I-Studio Flickr Group

The songs you suggested last week are some true classics and so full of beauty.  This is a playlist that can stand the test of time, the kind of list that could be passed down to those we love as part of their musical education.  I'll say it again - you amaze me every single with the songs you suggest.  I always discover something new, or see a song in your list that I can't believe I missed it is so perfect.  I love being a part of this diverse, supportive i-Studio community.  Let's get right to the music:

The List Playlist


Have you heard?  Here at I-Studio we are all about color, so pull your cameras out, find some color in your world and share it with us the Flickr group.  To get you in the mood I thought I'd share a playlist we created together last fall that was dedicated to color, here it is again - give it a listen to put yourself in a colorful mood.

Explosion of Color Playlist


I'm not giving you a musical assignment this week - just asking you to put on your favorite tunes and start looking for a little more color in your world and sharing it with all of us on the Flickr Group!  I can't wait to see your what you discover.

Happy Listening

Life's Soundtrack - The List

Photo by Sally Nelson and the i-Studio Flickr Group

I recently picked up an album by Roseanne Cash called "The List."  The album consisted of songs that were on a list of essential songs from her father, the great Johnny Cash.  Here's how she described it:

When I was 18, I was on the road with my dad. One day, we were sitting in the tour bus, talking about songs, and he mentioned a song, and I said, “I don’t know that one.” He mentioned another one, and I said, “I don’t know that one, either.” Then he started to get alarmed, so he spent the rest of the day making a list on a legal pad, and at the top he put “100 Essential Country Songs.” And he handed it to me and he said, “This is your education.” Source Roseanne Cash's bio at amazon.com


I love this concept of passing down the songs that were essential to your life - so I thought we'd dedicate this week's playlist to defining those essential songs we'd like to pass on to those we love as part of their musical education.  Now, I'm not asking you to list 100 song - let's limit it to no more than 5 songs.  But take a minute and think about the songs that for some reason are important to you, here's my list:

• You Are My Sunshine (my mom and grandma used this as a lullaby)
• Bach - Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring (pure beauty)
• U2 - One (I saw them perform this in concert shortly after 9/11, they projected the names of all those who died, an incredibly healing moment for me.)
• Jeff Buckley/kd lang - Hallelujah (if I had to listen to only one song for the rest of my life, it would be this one)
• Louis Armstrong - What a Wonderful World (because we all need a reminder once in a while)

My advice - don't second guess yourself - just jot down the first songs that come to mind, I could have debated the list all day - but these were the first 5 songs that popped into my head so I went with them.

You are going to love last week's list "Those Were the Days" it's like a little group of time capsules.   I found myself drifting back to high school, my college grunge years and my later-college years where I discovered some of the most amazing music came out before I did.  It is hard not to get caught up in wonderful memories listening to this set of songs!

Those Were the Days Playlist

To listen to the play list, click on the sideways triangle in the middle of the embedded player above.  To skip to the next song or to go backward click on the < or > on either side of the player.

Don't forget to list your essential songs in the comments section - I'm so excited to see what songs should become a part of my own musical education.


Happy Listening
Jamie

Life's Soundtrack - Those Were the Days

Photo by aia*c from the i-Studio Flickr Group

Last week the lovely Anna passed on some suggestions for playlist themes.  (Have you seen her gorgeous new blog?)  One of her suggestions was so fun, I just had to share it today - songs from our teenage years.  It's been a while since I pulled some of my favorite hair bands out for a little listen and thought it might be fun for all of us to dig through our memory banks to find some of the songs that take us back.

Best of all, because we have all ages represented here - we'll get a great diverse mix of songs!  And, don't worry, we'll all assume that the songs you suggest were your favorites when you were 19 - even if they were your favorites when you were 13!  Take a mental walk back through time and share some of your teenage favorites in the comments.  Let me get us started (I really did have a thing for guys with long hair, which has been transfered to a thing for bearded guys as an adult!):

Bon Jovi - Livin' on a Prayer
INXS - Need You Tonight
Ah-ha - Take On Me
Janet Jackson - That's the Way Love Goes
Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up (yes, I just Rickrolled you, but I loved him as a teen)
Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls
U2 - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

I literally cannot wait for you to hear our Whistle While You Work Playlist.  It is incredible!  A group of song guaranteed to make you dance around the room and sing at the top of your lungs.  This list is so amazing you may just go looking for housework that needs done just so you have an excuse to listen.   A couple of you share my love for working to No Doubt/Gwen Stefani (anytime I paint walls I pull their music out along with a little Kylie Minoque.)   I discovered an awesome song called "Nut Rocker" and that Weezer has a song named "Jamie"  how cool is that?  Trust me, if you have a job you've been putting off, put this list on, turn it up loud and get to work.  You'll be done before you know it.

Whistle While You Work Playlist

To hear the playlist, click on the sideways triangle in the middle of the embedded player above.  To skip to the next song or go back click on the < or > on either side of the player.

You'll have to let me know if this helps you with your spring cleaning.  I'm planning to use it again this weekend when I do a little cleaning and packing (a story for another day.)

If you are looking for a playlist, Kim has created a link to all of our playlists on the top left corner of the blog.  (A reminder, because I post a theme and then the next week share all of our songs, look for the theme you want to hear and then look for the embedded player in the post above it.)

If you have a theme you'd like to see thrown out to the group let me know, I'll do my best to work it in.  Don't forget to share the songs that take you back to your teenage years in the comments section below.

Happy Listening

Life's Soundtrack - Whistle While You Work

Photo by Cheryl at the I-Studio Flickr Group

Last weekend the weather in my neck of the woods was glorious, with just a hint of spring in the air.  So I decided to do a little early spring cleaning.  I turned on our Valentines Playlist and got to work.  As I washed windows (not one of my favorite tasks) I realized what I really needed was a more appropriate playlist.  Love songs are great - but they just weren't meant for housework.   Luckily, I have all of you to help me put together a kick-butt, Whistle While you Work playlist that will help us all power through those housework tasks that are hated but necessary.

The songs I like to listen to while I'm cleaning have to do at least one of two things - make me move fast thanks to a strong beat or are so great that I want to sing along, because even the most dreaded task seems a bit easier when you are belting out an awesome song at the top of your lungs.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Taio Cruz - Dynamite
No Doubt - It's My Life
Kevin Rudolph - Let it Rock
Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
Muse - Resistance
Tina Turner - Proud Mary
Jason Derulo - Whatcha Say
Cee Lo - Forget You

What songs do you put on when you get serious about cleaning?  Please take a minute and share them in the comments, I'll compile them all and post them next week in our Whistle While You Work playlist.

Your suggestions for last week's Musical Journey playlist were wonderful!  After listening to this list a few times I'm quite content to stay at home for a bit longer and do my traveling via music.  There are some great new-to-me songs on this list and some old favorites.  I have a feeling you will love it as much as I do.

Musical Journey's Playlist

To listen to the playlist click on the sideways triangle in the middle of the embedded player.  To repeat a song or skip to the next click on the < or > to either side of the player.

In addition to coming up with this weeks theme while I was scrubbing windows I had a second idea (two ideas in a single day, maybe I should clean more often!)  I am very lucky to have all of you help me put together playlists to go with my every mood.  I realized that some of you may have an idea/need for a playlist that you would love to see opened up to the group - if so, feel free to leave it in the comments or send me an email (auroraforever (at) gmail (dot) com) I'll work it in so you can put the power of the amazing i-Studio community to work for you too.

Don't forget to share your Whistle While You Work songs (aka music to help us clean) in the comments below.

Happy Listening

Life's Soundtrack - Musical Journey

Photo by Going a Little Coastal and the I-Studio Flickr Group

I have been home for over 3 months.  Which, thanks to my crazy work/travel schedule, is the longest period I've had at home in 5 years.  It's been nice to have so much time with friends and family, but, the wanderer in me is starting to wonder where I'm headed next.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not ready to pack my bags for a few weeks (at least) but I can feel that need for an adventure getting stronger.  To hold me over for a while, I thought I'd get you to help me put together a playlist of songs to take all of us on a journey.

Artists and performers have been recording songs forever about home, places they love and places they dream of going.  Let's put together a list of songs that can take us on a journey even when we don't have the time or cash to plan a trip.  Here are a few of my favorites (and yes, one of the places I want to go include Mr Darcy's estate - I blame my romantic dreams on the love songs you suggested last week.)

Ryan Adams - Oh Sweet Carolina
Duffy - Rockferry
Grace Potter - Paris (Ohh la la)
David Gray - Babylon II
Griffin House - Amsterdam
Jean-Yves Thibaudet - Leaving Netherfield
Band of Horses - Laredo
Death Cab for Cutie - Meet Me at the Equinox

Please take a few minutes and share the songs that take you away in the comments so we can all fly off on a musical journey.  I have a feeling at least a few of you are snowed in today - thinking about these songs may just help you avoid cabin fever.

I was feeling very anti-Valentine's and anti-love last week when I kicked off the Love Songs playlist.  But after listening to your suggestions, I'm swooning and thinking love may just be the most glorious thing ever.  This playlist is now one of my very favorite that we've put together.  I love how diverse it is - songs from the last 50 years, songs from multiple genres and all guaranteed to put you in the mood for love.  Bee completely won me over when she suggested a song (Ion Square) that uses one of my favorite poems as part of the lyrics - e.e. cummings' "I Carry Your Heart with Me."  How can you hear this poem and not fall a little bit in love with love.



Thanks again for your help in putting these playlists together - each week I discover a new song or artist to add to my favorites, and this week you reminded me how gorgeous love can be.  Don't forget to share the songs that take you on a journey in the comments for next week's playlist.

Life's Soundtrack - Love Songs

Photo by Amarie and the i-Studio Flickr group

I had today's post written and ready to go, then I remembered Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  As a person facing yet another solo Valentine's, I'm looking for a reason to get in the spirit of the holiday.  Let's put together a Love Song playlist.  This one should be easy - love seems to be the most popular topic in music.  Let's try and include all kinds of love: new love, sweet love, sultry love, love found and even that elusive love eternal.

Our goal - a playlist so full of love that even a Valentine-Scrooge like me can get into the holiday.   For those of you not celebrating Valentines Day - I'm guessing even without a holiday there are always reasons to want a great playlist full of love songs.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Peter Gabriel - In Your Eyes

Bill Wither's - Ain't No Sunshine

Ray LaMontagne - Let it Be Me

Elvis Costello - She

Sarah McLachlan - I Love You

Band of Horses - No One's Gonna Love You

Dixie Chick's - Cowboy Take Me Away

I am so grateful to you all for your help with last week's list - Little Ones.  You came up with some amazing songs and I can't wait to share it with my niece.  I've loved listening to it and I'm sure she will too.  I'm excited to see which of the songs she picks up on and can't wait to see your musical tastes develop.  

To hear the playlist click on the sideways triangle in the middle of the embedded player above.  To skip to the next song or go back to the previous one click on the < or > on either side of the player.

Thanks to all of you for your comments and suggestions - every week I walk away having heard a new song or artist and adding them to my every growing list of favorites.  Don't forget to share your favorite love songs in the comments.