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MUSIC

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When it comes to music, just like art, beauty or in this case, the auditory emotions, are in the ear of the beholder. Everyone has their favorites. The songs that get you amped for the gym, the ones you listen to when working, the ones that just make you smile. Music can take us places. Sometimes it takes us to the past. It reminds us of better times. Music truly is transformative. In this section I want to share with you some of my favorites. The ones that have changed my musical palette. Besides the usual artists we all know and love here are some others to get you started. Keep in mind, I was "Led Zeppelin and Rush rule!" Which is true. But here you go...

Let's start with one song that blew my mind. The Phantom of the Opera theme. My first experience outside of my normal world. Friends took us to NY and I went begrudgingly. See above comment :) Something about a deformed man and a beautiful woman who can sing that strikes a chord. No pun intended. 

I won't be able to comment on all of them so I've created this list...

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• Classical

Stick with the classics to get started. You can't go wrong with Vivaldi, Beethoven and Mozart. Are you someone who likes Metallica? You like it loud and fast? Check out Vivaldi Summer Presto. Want something a little more chill so you can sleep? How about Clair de lune by Debussy. Or one that everyone knows but maybe doesn't know the title, Mozart's Eine Kleine nachtmusik ( German for a little night music). There are dozens of great composers waiting to be discovered. Find yours from this partial list...

Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Handel, Grieg and Strauss

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• Jazz

 Check out the roots of jazz with Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Etta James all the way through Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck and John Coltrane to more contemporary artists like Diana Krall and Norah Jones. I recommend seeing live music, no matter which genre of music we're talking about. In New York my two favorite places are Dizzy's Jazz Club at Lincoln Center. It's right near the southwest corner of Central Park at 10 Columbus Circle. My other one is The Flatiron Room. Just north of the famous Flatiron building you'll find it at 37 W 26th St. Both are excellent but they are different from each other. Dizzy's is a little more polished where I find TFR to be a bit more private. Perfect for a late night date. 

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• EDM

This one can be a head scratcher. EDM? How is that Top Shelf? Because the overall vibe is upbeat and happy. If you're having a low energy day, put some on and you are instantly ready to go. Top Shelf is all about enjoying life and sometimes you need a boost. Watch a video of Tomorrowland and you'll see what I mean. A few of the ones that get it going: Deadmau5, Kaskade, Above and Beyond, Knife Party...I could go on and on. Just give it a try.

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• Office music (yes, office music!)

Now here's one that most people would say " that's elevator music" or " that's what old people listen to". But the music I'm talking about is something you can put on that's a cross between jazz and chill. Let me explain. If you've ever worked at an office you've heard the easy listening station the manager put on. Boring! Do you want the entire office to fall asleep and fall out of their chairs? No, the stuff I'm referring to is from new artists that I found online that combine low key jazz and upbeat melodies. You may or may not like it but I find that when I'm working on a project it's nice background music. Without a doubt my favorite is Heartful Cafe. I found them on YouTube. 

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• Chill

Admittedly this can cover a broad spectrum. What helps you chill vs what works for someone else can vary. So I'll just offer my Top Shelf ideas that work for a relaxing poolside party, enjoying cocktails and getting some vitamin D.

Late Night Alumni, Zero 7 ( Sia was in this band), Samantha James and Bitter:Sweet

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• Modern "classical"

This includes soundtracks and composers from the last decade or two. The most famous and certainly the best is the Maestro John Williams. Seriously, Star Wars, E.T., Indiana Jones, Jaws, Superman, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter and so many more would not be what they were without him adding his touch to the films. 

Hans Zimmer, Jerry Goldsmith, Danny Elfman and James Horner need to be included as well as many others. 

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• Bond, James Bond

The amount of music on all of the soundtracks is amazing. From movie themes to entire films, it puts you right there. Monte Carlo, Istanbul, Bahamas, Rome. As soon as it starts playing you want to put on your tux, grab a martini and play a hand of poker. Or jump in your Aston Martin and drive along the Amalfi coast, gorgeous woman by your side. The city of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra has an excellent collection of Bond music. I'm also a fan of the recent soundtracks in their entirety. John Barry and David Arnold are Masters of capturing the Bond spirit. 

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• Cocktail music

Speaking of martinis, you'll need some happy hour music to set the tone. Whether you're hosting a party at home or attending a business happy hour, class and sophistication go hand in hand at these events so allow the music to create the atmosphere. Grab several of your favorites from the above artists and cultivate your own lists. Just remember, when in doubt, put on some Sinatra.