Paul Oakenfold - Starry Eyed Surprise

Artist: Paul Oakenfold ft. Shifty Shellshock Track: Starry Eyed Surprise Album: Bunkka Year: 2002
Remember this song?! I distinctly remember it playing in a Diet Coke commercial that they played in theaters before the previews. It was full of bubbles and people skating around in roller skates on a rooftop. I picture that ad every time I listen to this song. It popped up on my shuffle and I just had to feature it today out of nostalgia. 
This song just fills me with bubbly energy and I dare you to say it doesn't do the same for you. Sure, it sounds rather commerical, but sometimes I need some upbeat, dance pop. The lyrics are simple, yet fun and the beat is crowd-friendly. Just a great, feel-good track dripping in early 2000's that will never leave my music collection.
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Jalan Jalan - Lotus

Artist: Jalan Jalan

Track: Lotus

Album: Bali

Year: 1993

Having trouble falling asleep? Then next time you find yourself lying in bed, staring at the ceiling and not able to go to sleep, turn on this song and drift off (actually I could say the same for the whole album). 

Jalan Jalan's music is a wonderful example of elegantly combining electronic sounds with natural, organic  instuments. The beautiful ambiance of "Lotus" is created through the use of instruments from Bali: bamboo flutes, wooden chimes, & gongs. The repetitive chimes and the echoing vocals have a lulling effective that I absolutely love.

Simply beautiful.

Also, I discovered this song in an equally beautiful animated movie called "Dragon Hunters." If you haven't seen it, go watch it. Oh, and it's in French.

Click here for videos & links!