playlist.

Hola April!

Although it doesn't feel like spring quite yet in Toronto (we woke up to freezing temperatures and a wild wind this morning), it's a'coming, I can feel it.

I'm planning to spend April cleansing my home, closet and refreshing my iTunes with some new music.

Since being back from Mexico, I've been listening to Spanish music non-stop. Everything from Paco de Lucia to Carlos Santana has been on repeat. Even Columbian singer Shakira has shook her way back into my music library.

I love how Latin music transcends genres, especially throughout the 2000's.

A perfect example is on Justin Timberlake's latest album, "The 20/20 Experience" which was released last week. His Latin-inspired track, "Let the Groove In"is a standout. Looking back at Nelly Furtado's album "Whoa Nelly!" from 2000,  she echoes Latin rhythms within her pop vocals and melodies throughout it.

There are some critics against music making crossovers, but I for one am all for it. Why not? Exposing ourselves to other cultures, rhythms and music is an incredible feat. I'm all for it.

This playlist is a hodge podge of my favourite music for spring - some Latin, some electronic, some folk. The works.

Happy April!

furtado.

playlist8.

There's something really fun about listening to other people's iPods. You never know exactly what they're into until a few songs in, and something totally hits you that you didn't expect at all. So this time, instead of my personal preferences for a playlist, I'm trying to put myself in someone else's shoes (and ears) in what they might play.

If you know me, I'm obsessed with Audrey Hepburn. I can quote Breakfast at Tiffany's by heart, have an affection for too-big sunglasses and could love to have her super-cropped coiffure. She's the picture of clas, and such a beautiful role model for her acting and philanthropy work. She believed in living life simply, surrounded by the ones you love and taking each day as a gift.

So if Audrey had an iPod, what would have been on it?

I read somewhere that she loved jazz music, and always had it playing throughout her home. It totally reminds me of red wine - smooth, velvety and sophsicated without trying too hard. I've put together a collection of songs that she might have on her playlist if she was hosting a wine night in 2011.

The Playlist: Audrey Style.

"All Blues" - Miles Davis
"Lovers in Japan" - Coldplay
"Rolling in the Deep" - Adele
"After Midnight" - Danny Elfman
"Waiting on the World to Change" - John Mayer
"Stormy Blues" - Billy Holiday
"Samson"- Regina Spektor
"For Emma" - Bon Iver
"I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" - Ella Fitzgerald
"Restoration (Four Tet Remix) - The Acorn
"New Soul" - Yael Naïm

This was surprisingly fun challenge - totally out of my box in what I normally turn to for music, but I really enjoyed mixing these pieces into my daily soundtrack. Let me know what you think!