What I listened to May 20-26

Uhh, yeah. I listened to John Mayer a lot. I expect him to be that high this week as well. Every song that man creates is pure gold. I don't know how he does it. I did get into a brief NFG kick and listened to two of their albums. Might revisit them again in the near future. I know I listened to this other stuff but when I think about last week all I think about is Mayer's new album Born and Raised, though I did listen to his Battle Studies, Heavier Things, and Continuum albums this week, too. Jack Johnson and The Boss rounded out my top 3. Jack and Bruce are always in my top 5, so that isn't surprising. I've been in kind of a rut lately. But add Mayer into the mix and it's an even more perfect rut that I'm not ashamed of.

My top 5 played albums of 2012

So I use last.fm to track what I listen to on my iPod, iPhone and Spotify. I have had several accounts; my recent one was created in April of 2010. So far in 2012, here are my top five most played albums:

1. Bruce Springsteen's Wrecking Ball - 254 plays
This album was released in March and it's already my top played album. I just fell in love with the entire thing. I hesitate to admit I didn't listen to Springsteen much prior to the music website I read daily going crazy over Wrecking Ball. Songs like "Jack of All Trades", "We Take Care Of Our Own", and "Land of Hopes and Dreams" are so beautifully written. I like his old man raspy voice he uses on this album almost more than on his earlier albums. So much raw emotion in this album.

2. John Mayer's Born And Raised - 163 plays

I can top Wrecking Ball. John Mayer's album came out on TUESDAY and it's already my second highest played album of the year. I have been listening to it nonstop since its release. I will also say I listened to even less of John Mayer prior to the same website going crazy with anticipation over this release. This album is perfect to me. Seriously. In Spotify, I "starred" every single song on it. I listen to it to fall asleep now. I always have sleep music at the end of the day to help me relax. I will soon switch to another album because I do not want to get sick of it. But it is really soft, folksy, honest, and perfect.

3. Jack Johnson's In Between Dreams - 139 plays

Jack also has very soft, relaxing stuff. I listen to him when I'm trying to relax and I often play him at the end of my school day when I'm grading. His music really fits any mood. His voice is super beautiful too. This is obviously my favorite album by him; this and Brushfire Fairytales are close competitors with Sleep Through The Static coming in a semi distant third.

4. Bruce Springsteen's The Essential Bruce Springsteen - 83 plays

Before I got his entire catalog, I listened to this a lot. Also, my favorite song is on it (and not on a regular album) which I listen to very frequently. Obviously, a greatest hits album of Bruce's is rock solid. He's The Boss, after all.

5. Jack Johnson's Brushfire Fairytales - 75 plays

Yeah, I listen to Jack Johnson a lot. His albums are just perfect to fall asleep to. Every single one is soft and relaxing. He's also great to drive to... so yeah. This is my second favorite album of his and I've been listening to it a lot lately.

My first run.

So, this was my first run since December. My parents canceled their gym membership and I've been up to my ears in student teaching. But I just bought Saucony running shoes which are the first pair of running shoes I've ever owned (my other ones were "athletic shoes"). They're Saucony brand. What a difference. They fit like a dream. Wide enough for my feet plus very lightweight with an awesome cushiony sole. Thank you, Roadiez Running Store. I also wanted to try my Nike+ iPhone app as well as my Spotify Running Mix on my iPhone. Unfortunately, my iPhone case is en route so I had to carry my phone in its pouch which kind of sucked. It was also super hot tonight. It was a scorcher, but I know running in this weather will make me a better runner and more prepared for the Packers 5k this year. I haven't been feeling well so I just wanted to get out there just to get out there. I hope within the next few days I get a 5 mile walk in and a few days after that I will run the same distance and try to beat my time. Such an awesome app.