I have this friend Dawn. She’s smart, super funny, totally hot, and in general - awesome. However there are some things we need to work on to enhance the package. For starters, her taste in music.
A quick glance through her Twitter timeline will tell you she’s got issues. There is far more Miley Cyrus and Nickelback than any self-respecting 29-year-old woman should have. Also, holy hell did I create a Twitter monster.
So last night, Dawn tweeted that she needed new songs for her work day. Happy, cheery, peppy songs. I immediately drew a blank. While my taste is eclectic, I’ve always leaned more to the hard-rockin’ side of things. Still, I have my go-to songs; the ones that always make me smile and sing along. I sent her a few suggestions and then promised to follow up with a proper mix.
Here then is what went in to it. Posted for anyone else who might be interested in it, and because it takes way more than 140 characters to explain why I picked these.
The Blues Are Still Blue - Belle & Sebastian
Try to not have it in your head when you do laundry. Try it.
Catch My Disease - Ben Lee
If this doesn’t make you happy you may be dead.
Chuy - Bunky
One of my favorite songs ever. Quirky, random (band never did much else) but oh so awesome. Opens with one of my top five song lyrics of all time. When you’re dealing with stupid boys you will thank me for this one.
Luchini - Camp Lo
I absolutely cannot take credit for this one. This is allll the BoyGenius. For bonus points, I’ve included the DJ Troublemaker remix.
Classified - 5th Element
One of my favorite rappers. [Yes, the white girl knows more than one.]
Trashcan & People C’mon - Delta Spirit
This was my immediate gut response to your request. I adore this band so so much. They are amazing live.
Heart it Races - Dr. Dog
I love this song. It is pure joy.
Gay Bar - Electric Six
I picked this one because I knew it would make you think of F-Train and laugh. Really though; grab everything they have. It’s the musical version of a good trashy novel.
Cadillac Dust - Elliott Brood
Speaking of bands I adore… these guys. Yes. If they are *ever* in New York you drop everything and you go to a show.
American Boy - Estelle
Surely you have this, right? And the million or so remixes?
Seven One Eight - FannyPack
I feel like you should be in this band.
Thankful - Glen Phillips
Cause we all need a reminder now and then.
Get Your Way - Jamie Cullum
Now this one is alllll Falstaff. Man has good taste.
Take The Cash - Jetplanes of Abraham
Also in the top five song lyrics of all time, for “You’re the one I want now, you’re the one I swear”
Can I Get Get Get & Itch U Can’t Skratch - Junior Senior
My second thought in the “happy” category. Love these guys and sad they’re not making music anymore.
Big Boat - M. Ward
As a bonus, it’s almost poker-related
Myriad Harbour - The New Pornographers
By far one of the most lyrically beautiful songs ever written. Bonus for you, NY-themed. Top lyric of all time comes from this one - “All I ever wanted help with was you”. Kills me every time.
Get Over It - OK Go
You will need this song. Probably at work.
Let’s Get Ready To Crumble - The Russian Futurists
Two years now I’ve missed these guys at SXSW. This is as close to pop as I will allow (unless it’s French).
Big Mistake - Tim Fite
Completely unlike everything else this man has done. This one always makes me smile.
Beverly Hills - Weezer
Not everything needs a reason. I’m tired.
Casino Queen - Wilco
Ask why and I will SMACK YOU.
woo…my favorite part of this post is where you call me 29.
I clicked on everything this morning to make sure it works, and it does — but cant listen on computer at work, so will listen when I get home! thanks bunches. Doubly hating the BCS and Louisiana now. 
Who created the twitter monster? Hmmmm. I see how it is.
Shots all around in December.