In my last post, I talked about my return to Corporate America. It’s been an interesting transition for me to say the least, and after almost 3 months, I still believe that I’m not 100% back in the motions of “the daily grind”.

On a positive note, one aspect of my current project that I’m thoroughly enjoying is that it provides plenty of opportunities for me to listen to a wide variety of music, podcasts, and audio books while I work. It’s not uncommon for someone to walk by my office and see me rocking out with my Sennheisers on. As such, I’ve become quite familiar with a variety of online streaming services like last.fm and pandora and love the new tunes that they’ve introduced to me.

Truebluetitan Recommends

I’ve listened to so much music lately that I could make a playlist several hours long for you to listen to, but for the purpose of this post, I just want to point of some of the best things that I’ve been listening to while in the office.

Yesterday, Coldplay released their long awaited album, Viva La Vida, and it couldn’t have come sooner. After waiting almost 2 years for a new album from my favorite band, I was practically frothing at the mouth while waiting for iTunes to finish downloading. This album reasserts exactly why Coldplay is my favorite band. Viva La Vida is new, refreshing, and chock full of excitement. Coldplay’s music feels familiar, but more evolved since the release of their last album, X&Y. If you haven’t added this album to your collection yet, then I strongly urge you to pick it up today; it’s the #1 album on iTunes and has rightfully earned that place.

I absolutely love it when you stumble upon a group that makes you want to get up out of your chair and jam the first time you hear them. Vampire Weekend does just that for me . Their afro-pop beats are fresh and playful; screaming “it’s summer” in an 80’s new-wave kind of way. I smile every time they shuffle through on my iPhone, and can’t recommend the songs “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” and “A-punk” enough.

Because of a link on twitter I discovered the mother of all podcasts, You Look Nice Today, earlier this week, and let me tell you, it’s pure gold. I’m hooked. They’re intelligent witty (sometimes graphic) banter about topics ranging from poop jokes to Nicaraguan hate mail have me laughing out loud daily, and I’m not the only one doing so. My co-worker, Paul, is just as hooked as I am. Both of us can be found giggling out loud throughout the day and we owe it all to these guys. Sign up for their podcast. It’s guaranteed to turn your bad day into one of uncontrollable laughter.

What Do You Recommend?

Now you know what I like to listen to, but what do you recommend? I’m growing sick of the songs on my current playlists and am seeking your advice on new groups, podcasts, and audio books that will make my days in the office more enjoyable. So what’s on your iPod? Who cares if your tastes differ from mine and what’s listed above. Throw some suggestions out. You never know what might stick. Also, let me know what you think about my recommendations. Love ‘em? Hate ‘em? I’d like to know.