My recent purchase of an iPod has forced me to listen to music a lot more. Now I have mood music for every imaginable activity. Writing is still the hardest one to pin down. I think I probably work better in complete silence, but motivation is a real issue for me. I need music that's going to make me sit down and get to work.
In the past I've compared writing to jogging, and there are definitely songs that make me want to leap to my feet and start running or working out. I'm still searching for the right mix to make me tap away at the keyboard...
All this to say that I found a cute site that will compile a list of songs for you for every imaginable mood. Here are some examples of the playlist titles:
Songs to listen to when you have a writer's block and can't think of anything interesting.
Lyrically powerful songs that will move and inspire you while sitting in an urban, bohemian coffee shop writing poetry or the Great American Novel, and dreaming of being published.
or
Songs to promote tolerance and peace among those who can't seem to stop making racist comments
Music to listen to after the baby has cried ALL day, and has puked on all your clean t-shirts. Now all I want is a BIG glass of red wine and peace!
I have to admit, most of the songs on these playlist I've never even heard of, but if you're looking for a good way to kill time when you should be writing, definitely check out the Automatic Mix Tape Generator at tinymixtapes.com.