I gave up on that playlist a long time ago. On shuffle, “A Horse With No Name,” by America might skip to “Changes,” by 2pac. I used to have a go-to playlist on my iTunes, cleverly titled “For Writing” that was more than 125 songs long and spanned a bizarre combination of genres. Though, really, my struggle to write while listening to music has been an ongoing one. It’s also my go-to for music to listen to while writing, which can be as much of a detriment as it is a pleasure. It’s a well shot, intimate and charming series, with nearly 200 videos dating back to 2008. With its so-called “Tiny Desk Concerts,” the music office of National Public Radio has created what is simultaneously my favorite vessel for listening to music online and the most common diversion keeping me from doing work.įor those who are unaware of the tiny desk, the concept is simple: NPR invites bands – new and old – to come into its office and perform a 3-to-4 song set that is recorded and put online.

It involves public radio, live music and a tiny desk. I have a great way to distract myself from being productive.

Tiny desk concert macklemore song list