There are days when the plethora of information that constantly revolves around my addled brain seems to require one of those futuristic virtual computers where gesticulating in the air induces some sort of pseudo-psychic interface that manages to translate the verbal maze in your brain into a neat typewritten sheet.
Unfortunately, reality tends to dictate otherwise.

Consider this. Your behaviour is a result of your immediate musical environment, and your iPod is indirectly responsible for the bizarre discourse that confronts you when you least expect it.

For example, let's say your initial intention is to perhaps write a paragraph or two about your friend's new partner, or why you decided to get a tattoo on the weekend (and why you're going to cut back on drinking Tequila with strangers), or maybe how anyone could ever enjoy eating those black jellybeans that taste suspiciously like roll-on deodorant.
However, despite all best intentions, what usually results is 15 paragraphs about the girl you met in Bali that fateful summer, or alternatively, a heartfelt confessional about the ongoing destruction of our planet or the epic futility of existence.

Here's why. Don't listen to emotive music while you write.

Don't believe me? Here's a simple experiment. Try writing anything that's intended to be light and humourous whilst listening to 'The Scientist'.
Finished?
Ok, now kill the iPod for a sec and re-read what you just wrote.

Staring back at you will be a tear-stained diatribe on why your last relationship should never have ended (Oh God, it was so wrong but it was so right..), all those wonderful things you used to do together (that thing we used to do at that cafe we both loved), and why you ever let them go in the first place (they cheated on you with your flatmate, dumb ass).
Congratulations, you've just been emotionally hijacked by Chris Martin.

Oh, and while you're at it, quit staring at your mobile. You know they stopped returning your calls months ago.

You get a similar result listening to Marilyn Manson. Ten seconds into the opening strains "If I Was Your Vampire", and your writing has probably stopped altogether because you're now Googling 'Euthanasia for Young Adults', or possibly carving the words 'kill me' into your forearm with a letter opener.
Interestingly enough, research has shown that a similar 'Google' search response occurs when listening to Frente, but this appears to be motivated more by the extreme desire to never have to listen to that shit again.

However, on the flipside (to use the vernacular), there are tracks out there that consistently uplift the soul, cause light to shine through the darkest of moods, and conjure images worthy of a hastily-scribbled letter to Penthouse Forum.

From a DJ's perspective, here are my own personal selections.

If you've never heard them, go buy them.

Sunworshipper - Milo
You..a sun-drenched beach, glistening bodies recline on the white sand...the sun reflecting off the the waves of the limpid, turquoise water. A salt encrusted cocktail in your hand...

Lovin' You More (Mosquito Chill Remix) - Steve Mac
Lazy Sundays in bed on a warm summer day, french doors open to the ocean, white sheets, croissants, coffee....

Blue Monday - Nouvelle Vague
A dimly lit secluded club, a glance across a room, eyes communicating more than words could ever express.
A mental snapshot that will never ever fade.

Boogie 2Nite (Big Love Remix) - Bootyluv
Don't think.
Don't talk.
Take their hand.
Never look back.

Fly Away - Jean Claude Ades
It's 2AM. Everyone looks incredible...hands are raised to the ceiling...you are transported.
This track always gives me goosebumps.
Listen to it loud.

At Night (Afterlife Remix) - Shakedown
Recumbent on a couch in a dark corner. There is no one else in the world at this moment. A single touch takes my breath away...
Latin atmosphere perfected.