Well actually I'm too cheap to buy an ipod. I just have a little mp3 player that I listen to constantly to get me through my chores, etc.

I always have at at least one audiobook on it. Right now I have a really good book called Paradise Alley by Kevin Baker that I'm enjoying immensely. HIstorical fiction is probably my favorite genre and this one captures the tumult of the time perfectly.

Here's Publisher's Weekly review: In his second New York novel (after Dreamland), Baker takes a grisly event-the 1863 Civil War draft riots-and crafts a terrifying, human story bursting with all the calamity, brutality and power of the riots themselves, which may have been the worst civic disturbance in U.S. history. Baker, an American Heritage writer, bases his work largely on historic events-Lincoln's announcement of the draft law did in fact propel thousands of New Yorkers, mainly Irish, to burn and loot the city and murder hundreds of innocents. The book follows the difficult lives of Ruth, Deirdre and Maddy, three women living on Paradise Alley, a dingy Lower East Side passageway, during the five days of riots. Each chapter alternates among many voices, however; in addition to the women, Baker speaks through a New York Tribune reporter, an escaped slave, an immigrant boxer turned criminal, an army private, a volunteer fireman and other characters. The formula works brilliantly, giving Baker the opportunity to flash back to Ruth's survival of the Irish potato famine; the voyage she and so many Irish made from their ravaged country to America; and her future husband's journey from slavery in Charleston, S.C., to freedom in New Jersey. The combination of momentous events, tellingly real aspects of lower-class 19th-century life, and raw emotions like fear and pride make this a viscerally affecting story. Baker intertwines love, violence, history, adventure and social commentary to give readers an invigorating, heartbreaking tale of the immigrant experience. Amazon link here.

I also have an excellent lecture on Surah al Fatiha which I link to on my previoius post.

And now for the music. If you're one who has a moral or religious objection to music, then the rest of this post isn't for you.

But for all of you music lovers out there, I'd love to hear what you're listening to right now. Here's what's currently playing on my mp3 player:

Ani Difranco-- Probably my favorite singer songrwriter of all times. Listening to her music is like a soundtrack from my life and indeed she did accompany me through some very tough periods in my life. I love her so much I downloaded two of her songs for you to listen to if you feel so inclined.

A Tribe Called Quest-- Hip Hop from the nineties, what some call the golden age of hip hop. My fav "conscious" hip hop rappers. I love that they use a lot of old jazz and soul samples, giving nods to those who came before them.

Choir of Young Believers-- I just recently became aware of this band from a morning talk show I listen to, Kidd Kraddick in the morning. He has a segment called "Music that Makes You Cooler" that this band was featured on.

The Fray-- This is the band that probably has gotten the most air time on my current play list. I really enjoy their music. It's very accessible, like you can totally bob your head and sing along...

Imogen Heap-- How to describe her? Creative, European, unique. Her voice is beautiful over a plethora of different electronic melodies. You can listen to a song a hundred times and always hear something different.

Spoon-- Another band I just recently ran across on emusic. Can't help but like this song.

Ingrid Michaelson-- If you watch Grey's Anatomy you know that they feature really cool music from unknown indie type artists. Well, she's one. This particular song is a little more upbeat than alot of her others. A good morning song.

I also listen to a lot of classical: Mozart's Requiem, Tchaikovsky, Beetoven, Shostakovitch, Chopin, anything really.

So what are you listening to? I'd love some recommendations!