I really think that music has the ability to heal and inspire, and it's amazing the impact that hearing our favorite tunes can have on our energy, mood, productivity, and general happiness on any given day.
Usually I work in silence, but first thing this morning I came across this site called BlogMuzik, and I quickly got absorbed in making my own mixes.
It's free (just register with an email address), and you can create playlists of your favorite songs, then post them on your blog.
For me, the usefulness of this (besides being able to share the mixes with friends) is that when I start my workday I can just pull up my blog page that has the mix on it, and press play.
Presto--instant audio ambiance!
As I said, I usually work in silence, but today I've been listening to the music mix I created, and I've noticed a big difference in my energy. I've totally had my A-game all day (you know, just really pumped up and focused on the task at hand), and I credit this being "in the zone" to hearing my favorite tunes all day.
Join The Audio Anti-Depressant Club!
I'm going to share my mix with you here, and it would be cool if you would also create and share your own workday music mix with us. This is kinda experimental, so the instructions below are how I'm imagining it will work, barring any technical challenges on my part 
:
- Create your workday playlist at BlogMuzik (again,it's completely free and easy to do) Try to make it at least 5-10 songs long (or more!).
- Post it on your blog. Try to spread the word by telling your readers what the deal is with the "club"
we're forming. Feel free to invite your friends to join. If your mix has a theme, then please mention it in your post, cuz that will help folks decide if they're in the mood for it. (The theme of my mix is "Upbeat Angst".) - Link to this post. This is how you'll let me know that you've created an Audio Anti-Depressant workday playlist.
- Receive a link. I'm going to create a page that has all of our workday mixes so that we'll have sort of a catalog of music mix options each day. There will be a link going back to your blog post that has the mix posted on it as well. (I'm sharing the link love here!)
- Experience nirvana. Sit back and let the waves of audio bliss wash over you as you work in happiness each and every day!
As promised, here's my mix of about 21 of my fave songs. We've got Damien Rice, Jeff Buckley, Lou Reed, Portishead, Aimee Mann, Violent Femmes, Dido, Radiohead, and a bunch of other old and new stuff.
Warning for those who have delicate ears--in a few songs there might be words sailors would use . Just a heads up on that.
To listen, click the number next to the song. It'll automatically play the entire playlist if you click the #1 and just let it be. Hope you enjoy (and that the darn thing plays! )
Sharon's "Upbeat Angst" Workday Re-Mix
Photo Rockin' Walt San Francisco
Originally uploaded by Dizzy Atmosphere
Hey Sharon ... I am in. Now, just need to come up with a playlist. Hmmm
Posted by: Gavin Heaton | July 04, 2007 at 08:55 PM
Sharon,
Me too! I'll put together my playlist over the weekend. What a cool idea!
Drew
Posted by: Drew McLellan | July 04, 2007 at 10:53 PM
Hey Sharon!
I'm (already) in --- we're having a huge case of B.S.P. right now. (To those of you who don't know, B.S.P. is "blogger sensory perception." People post about the same things at the same time without pre-planning...)
Check this out --- my playlist is up, and I'll convert it to a BlogMusik format and add it as an update to my post.
This is a GREAT idea. :)
Posted by: KG | July 04, 2007 at 10:53 PM
Hey guys--glad you like it the idea! I had so much fun putting together my list. I can't wait to hear your mixes! :-)
KG--yeah, it's a little freaky how this B.S.P is working! I see you've got a sort of mix already developed on the post you just put up tonight. You've got a head start on this...I'm imagining a kick-ass 80's playlist from you (and possibly Gavin too!)
Posted by: Sharon Sarmiento | July 05, 2007 at 12:15 AM
http://www.krug.tv/music/ <--- my playlist.
Way to much fun. Sorry folks my music is an acquired taste.
Posted by: David Krug | July 05, 2007 at 04:45 AM
Um, David...Nick Lachey? Really?
I do like pretty much everything else on your playlist. :-) In fact, you've introduced me to some artists I wasn't familiar with who I find that I'm liking a lot.
Excellent work!
Posted by: Sharon Sarmiento | July 05, 2007 at 11:41 AM
I know its horrible that I actually listen to him.... Don't know what to say.
Posted by: David Krug | July 05, 2007 at 07:45 PM
Impressive stuff. I see we don't need a dirty interview on David. We got his play list....
Posted by: Wilma | July 09, 2007 at 12:59 AM
Haha yeah Wilma--I think we've got that much sought after dirt on David. :-) He likes Nick Lachey! Totally shocking :-)
Posted by: Sharon Sarmiento | July 09, 2007 at 10:50 AM
You guys are making me feel old. Who the heck is Nick Lachey?! Guess I'll have to go listen to Dave's list.
I love this idea and plan to set up my own. I'll let you know when I do, Sharon. Get ready for some REALLY oldies (the 80s? hah!).
I love your list, Sharon. I hadn't heard Lou Reed's version of Sweet Jane for a long time, and the first time I heard it, I remember thinking that he has a lousy voice. I still think so, but love the guitar, love the quirkiness of it.
Posted by: Verna Wilder | July 09, 2007 at 01:49 PM
Hey Verna,
Oh, I can't wait to hear yours. I bet you've got great musical taste (despite the aversion to Lou Reed--I can forgive that ;-)).
It's so fun to take a stroll down memory lane with these "oldies" ;-).
Posted by: Sharon Sarmiento | July 09, 2007 at 09:17 PM
Thanks for your information. Most of the posts in the blog is really valuable. Regards
Posted by: Custom Essays | February 04, 2009 at 03:49 AM
WOW, this'll keep me busy for years. I've been subscribing to your RSS feed for months, but somehow I missed this great list.
Posted by: custom essays | August 06, 2009 at 02:13 AM