It's just struck me that I'm listening to lots of music right now. I think for a while when I was in Canada and just after comming back my music consumption seemed to drop from its normal levels. But it's got right back up there, the green shoots of recovery, endogenous growth (that's right - never a frown with Gordon Brown).

So what's rocking my world this summer? Well it's certainly a motley crew - but without any Mötley Crüe.

Shapeshifters "Lola's Theme". Yes I know, I know. But I'm sucker for massive summer dance anthems and those strings and muted trumpets are just the touch you need for something truly epic and grin inducing (if you can't crow-bar in any bells). Unfortunately the only place I get to throw any shapes while listening to it is at my desk at work. So I'd like to apologise to my colleagues: that fluorescent builders jacket and white glove must be off-putting. Not to mention the gurning and the shouts of "Come on you nutters". I like to kick it old skool.

John Prine "In Spite of Ourselves". This is an album of country songs and it convinced me the country music is fantastic and it's all Mark Radcliffe's fault. The songs are so simple and just so honest. They are almost entirely devoid of ANY metaphor or imagery. They just tell it like it is. Some are sad, some are funny and one makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time. On that particular track John Prine's voice is amazing. He sounds like he's experienced every emotion there is and he's going to tell exactly how he feels. And you can't but love songs with lines like "We're not the jet set - we're the old Chevro-let set". Viva America.

A Girl Called Eddy "A Girl Called Eddy". Not my usual cup of tea. Got Mark Radcliffe again to blame for this. She's an American singer and she makes, to quote one reviewer, "pop music for grown ups, by grown ups". And that's a good thing - right? And hats off to whoever it was designed the CD sleeve. It looks all faded and worn in such a way that you can see the impression of an LP inside. Cool.

Peter, Paul and Mary "If I had a hammer". Eh! What the hell am I doing listening to this on almost a perpetual loop? I've no idea what's going on. But I've been desperate to get hold of it since seeing Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. So all together now.. "It's a hammer of Justice! It's a bell of Freedom!"

Rock. Or should I saw Rawk!! I'm listening to loads of rock at the moment and the question is why haven't I always? I think I foolishly related rock to metal in my giddy youth. A few things slipped through but I have clearly seen the error of my ways. I think thats thanks to my mate Dave and his band The Electric Shocks. Also I reckon the Darkness and School of Rock may have helped along the way. Long time rockers will I'm sure be shaking their heads (and doubtless their ample manes) and writting me off as a n'er-do-well Johnny-Come-Lately. But what's done is done, ask yourself "What Would Satan Do?". And of course the wonder that is Hayseed Dixie has helped me rediscover the wonder of AC/DC by playing their hits in a Bluegrass style. Why don't all songs start like "Highway to Hell"? Along with all that I've been enjoying high energy thrills courtesy of the Ramones and a little Joan Jett. Good Times

Belle and Sebastian "Asleep on a Sunbeam". Summer :)

I'm also giving The Fugees "Ready or Not" heavy rotation. Some dreadfull RnB crooner uses the same haunting sample. But the Fugees did it best.