Playlist of the Week-The Café
Perhaps it’s because I work in a bakery/restaurant, but I’m highly attuned to the music playing while I’m eating or shopping (or driving…but I have complete control over that…). Music deeply changes the atmosphere and mood of a venue, and a coffee shop or café is a particular sort of place, as people come to relax and sip on their dark roast (and perhaps nibble on a cookie or brioche). So, I’ve compiled a list of music that I would enjoy preparing lattes and mochas too, but would also appreciate as a consumer of said goods.
1. A Gal in Calico-Ahmad Jamal
I’m not sure if I’ve accurately shown what a huge jazz fan I am in my recent playlists, but suffice to say, I really love jazz. Ahmad Jamal’s “Ahmad’s Blues” is a favorite of mine, but unfortunately the version available on youtube isn’t from that album…but enjoy it anyway, its wonderful and perfect for coffee and rainy days.
2. 007 Shanty Town-Desmond Dekker
This song, which I first heard right after graduating from high school, has stuck with me since. It’s got a great beat and it’ll put you in a good mood AND if you can decode what he says starting from “i’ma loot i’ma shoot [what does he say here?] at Shaaantytown”, you deserve a prize.
3. If I Needed Someone-The Beatles
The incredible versatility of the Beatles ensures that their wonderful music can be played anywhere. This song, off Rubber Soul, is a great one, and perfect for some cappucino foam slurping.
4. Samba de Bençao-Bebel Gilberto
This song is perfect for relaxing, and we actually played it at my bakery the other day. Its soothing and in Portuguese—what more do you need?
5. The Man I Love-Billie Holiday
Really one of my favorite all time songs. Romantic, delightful and with Billie’s delicious voice combined with the background music you’re sure to be drifting into a cloud of wistfulness.
6. El Viento-Manu Chao
Unfortunately I can’t find any youtube videos that do this amazing song (and artist) justice, but in any case you should own the album Clandestino whether you like it or not. I really love Manu Chao and this song is incredible.
7. Dos Gardenias-Buena Vista Social Club
I’m not sure why there’s so much Latin music on this playlist, but I guess I just find it soothing and enjoy sippin on my caw-fee to it. Anyway, Buena Vista Social Club were one of my first CDs and have remained a favorite over a decade later. This song’s a gem.
8. True Affection-The Blow
For some reason I couldn’t get this song out of my head recently but I didn’t know where I’d heard it. Anyway, I googled the lyrics and have been loyally listening for a few weeks now. I find it really calming and the baseline is cool. It’s really hipster too.
9. Coffee and TV-Blur
This is another song from the old-school Leah vaults, but it remains a favorite. And how could I have a coffee shop playlist without a song mentioning coffee? But this song really is great and the video is CRAY-CRAY!
10. To Zion-Lauryn Hill
Before I talk about the incredibleness of this song THIS WAS MY ANTHEM. Okay there we go, that’s out of the way. This is one of the most beautiful songs in my opinion, and the thought of listening to it while sipping on a mocha with a lil pastry in my mouf makes me really happy.
ENJOY and DRINK YO CAFFEINE KIDS!
Leah
