New York State of Mind: A NYC Playlist

If you're in a New York state of mind, I have the perfect playlist for you! This is what I listened to during my last trip to the Big Apple:

Note: I feel this post is especially pertinent after Sandy's destruction. Even after a hurricane battered the city, it's still one of the most magnificent the world over. While you're listening to this playlist, if you have any time or money to spare, check out these post-Sandy volunteer opportunities or where to donate to help those affected by Sandy. Thanks!


♫ Around the World - Buddy Greco (featured on the Pan Am soundtrack)

Around the world / I've searched for you / I traveled on when hope was gone / To keep a rendezvous.

♫ Sherry - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Technically, I suppose this is more of a New Jersey song than a New York song, but to each her own, right? Besides, it's so dance-y!

♫ Manhattan - Ella Fitzgerald

How can you go to Manhattan and not listen to this song?! I already sang its praises here.

♫ Downtown - Petula Clark

Classic!

♫ New York State of Mind - Barbra Streisand

Another classic!

♫ Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z & Alicia Keys

A new classic?

♫ Rent - Anthony Rapp & Adam Pascal (Rent Official Broadway Cast Recording)

The title song from the NYC musical.

♫ New York, New York - Frank Sinatra

It's up to you, New York, New York!

♫ The Edge of Glory - Lady Gaga

This song is epic, just like the city. Plus, it's by a native New Yorker.

Thoughts on New York City

I might have judged New York City too harshly.

I was there for less than 24 hours, on layover on my way home from Orlando, Florida. It was midnight when I arrived. The streets were packed with iconic yellow cabs and their drivers, ordering me to get in their taxis as well as rather creepy drunken-looking people, one of whom yelled "nice tits" as I walked past. The occasional tourist wandered past as well, but that was all.

Not a great first impression to give me, NYC.

Maybe I'd enjoy the city more if I weren't so easily stressed. It's GO GO GO! which I like sometimes, but with an anxiety disorder, that unrelentless pace can be overwhelming rather than exciting.

On the other hand... I like that the streets are numbered. I like that it's the Broadway show capital of the world. I like that famous artists, writers and bohemians hail from NYC-- Jonathan Larson, Gala Darling, Lady Gaga. I like that same-sex marriage was finally (!!) legalized just before I arrived.

Maybe holding hands with my boyfriend, wandering the streets with Starbucks in my free hand and a camera around my neck, I'll learn to love this city that I'm so desperate to adore.

Have you ever been to New York City? What was your experience?