Top 5 Albums to Write To: 2010

As we round the bend to the end of this year, I find myself thinking back to 2010's discoveries of the musical kind. I love finding new music, especially when it's music that finds its way into my writing life. Music helps me get into writing zone, to refine my characters, and to understand the essence of what it is I'm trying to write.

This was what I had on repeat while I wrote my way through 2010:

1. Radiohead - In Rainbows

If I had to pick one album that cut into my soul this year and made a home there, this would be that one. Its sharp, moody tones and intense, haunting lyrics made my work-in-progress possible. Every major character of mine has to have a theme song. Two of my current characters' songs come from this album ('All I Need' and 'Weird Fishes/ Arpeggi')

2. White Rabbits - It's Frightening

Sooo good - fast paced, choppy, but with rich sounds, addictive drum beats, and great vocals. If my current work-in-progress had a theme song, it would be ' The Salesman (Tramp Life)'.

3. Arctic Monkeys - Humbug

These guys have a fantastic, punky sound, that makes me think of chunky platforms and the London Underground. I sometimes like to give moments in scenes I'm writing theme songs that capture the general mood-of-the-moment: 'Potion Approaching' and 'Dangerous Animals' and 'Crying Lightening' all did the job nicely.

4. Florence + the Machine - Lungs

Finally, a female artist to add to the list - one with a kickass voice and a really unique sound. I love the way she mixes the soft plucking on the harp with the booming of the drums. The more haunting songs are my favorite (trend, anyone?), like 'Blinding' and 'Cosmic Love'.

5. Eclipse Movie Soundtrack

Don't judge a CD by its cover! No matter what you might think of the book series, their soundtracks has been amazing, and I think this one has been the best of all. There are so many rich, beautiful tunes to be found here. Some of the ones I've written to on repeat are 'Heavy in Your Arms', 'My Love' (by an Aussie artist, might I add: go Australia go), and 'Jonathan Low'.