the magic of iTunes

I'm listening to my new purchases from iTunes. I only discovered how wonderful it is this afternoon. Ezer gave me the cutest green mini-iPod for Christmas. I uploaded several CDs I like but have not taken the time to take advantage of utilities such as creating playlists, resulting in much song skipping at the gym. Then my old roommate, Angela, gave me an iTunes gift certificate for my birthday. For whatever reason, it was an arduous process getting everything set up. I finally got my account to work - little party. Today, I tried it for the first time with DSL - bigger party. :) It's so fun to be able to look up anything you can think of and listen to samples. They also have this section of celebrity playlists. It's interesting to see what people pick and what artists are repeats, including some I'm unfamiliar with: Wilco, Stevie Wonder, Jeff Buckley, Peter Salett, Bob Marley, Jackson 5, Nina Simone, The Clash, The Shins, OutKast, Mary J. Blige,Missy Elliott, The Beach Boys, etc. Also very interesting are when there are particular songs on multiple lists: One by U2, This Love by Maroon 5, The Scientist by Coldplay, Kiss by Prince, okay enough for today.

My purchases so far...I only have six songs left...having to get pickier!

• By Your Side - Sade: I heard this song on an episode of Sex and the City and really liked it.
  
• Island in the Sun - Weezer: I have this fetish for songs that have fun nonverbal sounds in them. My sisters will tell you I made many such sounds growing up. I also hum when I can't think of what to say. Ahh...all my secrets revealed!
  
• Take on Me - a-ha: One for my sweetie, nothing like a good '80s pump you up song.
  

When I was looking up songs to download I realized I'm really out of the music scene. I think part of it is that I never listen to the radio, especially since I no longer drive. I take that back, I went through a short radio phase my first year at Columbia. All that to say that all these songs are old.

• Come on Eileen - Dexy's Midnight Runners: Reminds me of my karaoke bachelorette party...fun one with all the gals...lyrics are a bit shocking though.
  
• I'm Like a Bird - Nelly Furtado: So sad that I lost this CD, and missed her not-very-expensive concert because I was trying to be good and stay on budget.
  
• Stellar - Incubus: A favorite radio song during my commute in L.A.
  
• Amber - 311: I like songs that incorporate reggae sounds.
  
• Only Time - Enya: Makes me think of my time working at USC Pharmacy, I somehow found the video, downloaded it and played it on repeat.
  
• I Want You Back - Jackson 5: What can I say...little Michael is classic.
  
• Baby's Got Sauce - G. Love & Special Sauce: Thanks to my sister, Joy, for introducing me to this one on a mix she made for me. Once when I went swing dancing the DJ put this on - so much fun to "play" to.
  
• You're the One - SWV: Brings back memories of Gilroy, California, garlic capital of the world. The group home boys only listened to hip-hop/R&B radio stations. This is one song I actually liked.
  
• Family Affair - Mary J. Blige: An old friend and I would sometimes get the dancing bug and go to a local bar near campus. This song always got us going.
  
• Sunday Morning - Maroon 5: The newest song on the list...heard it on the radio, asked my sister May Ling who it was - she's much more current than I. We also heard this in a wine bar in Venice.
  

Recommendations are welcome, especially for "happy" songs. :)