The Perks of Being a Cuban.

What if i was a famous person? Or someone important enough for itunes to ask to do one of those nifty self indulgent playlists in which a notable person assumes that their taste in music is so great that it must be shared. Well, I've always thought about what mine would consist of. Diana Ross's was all Diana Ross songs, which I found extremely funny. As if to say-- what other music is out there? You should only be listening to Endless Love, earthlings. Still I've wondered what mine would say about me. If i'd pick happy songs, sad songs... if I'd only put the indie, folksy or alt stuff I listen to in order to appear cool, or if I'd have the guts to slip in some Gloria music, because let's face it, she's a big part of my music & my life. Would I be able to represent myself properly in 15-20 songs? Or would I try and appear like something that I'm not. Well, I'm gonna try it, and I guess we'll see if i look like a douche or like Rob once it's all over.

1- Gloria Estefan "Mi Tierra" - I did it! She's here! But okay, this was the first song other than the ABCs and Twinkle TWinkle that I learned the words to. I was 3 years old, and I heard it once and was hooked. I asked my dad who was singing, he told me, and I said "Hey dad can we go to Sam Goody?" he asked why... "Because we have to buy all her cassettes."

2-Alanis Morissette "Your House"- She's a creepy crazy stalker and I love it! I love her voice on this song, it kinda feels like she actually did this crazy shit, like she recorded it in his robe, in his room, with his CDs all over the place. Intense, terrifying, but strangely pretty. I hope I never feel this way about a person.

3- The Beatles "Drive My Car"- I could pick a million, but I'm picking this one. Because it's the only Beatles song I ever admitted that I liked to my Dad until recently. He used to play it fot me as a kid and we'd sing along all loud and obnoxious in the living room, because I loved screaming "Beep Beep, Beep Beep Yeahhh!"

4- Ingrid Michaelson "Sort Of"- I'm not sure what she means, the lyrics are all over the place. Is she scared, is she in love? I guess they're the same thing, huh? "I find you stunning, but you are running me down" i love that.

5- Janet Jackson "That's The Way Love Goes"- I wasn't sure what I felt first time I heard this song. I was young. Now I know I was just turned on. This song is sexy as hell, but not gross. It's classy sexy. Her voice, that video, oh boy!

6- Juanes "Sueños"- Political, but in a nice way. It's not about America, or Cuba, but it could be. And that's why it means a lot to me. I'm not a political person, but I would like things to be as peaceful as he does in this song. He's fighting kind of, and this song always gets me riled up.

7-Kate Nash "We Get On"- I love the lyrics to this song. It's so cute, but conversational which is something I love about the way she writes. I love the throwback sound of this song. Also love how it sounds like this actually happened. She's telling a story that most of us can relate to

8- Kelly Clarkson "All I Know"- Like we weren't expecting her to show up. favorite song of her's ever, and I'm not sure why. It's stripped down, she sang it once, it's nothing special, and still i fnd it gorgeous and meaningful. i don't think her writing has ever been as thoughtful or mature as it was on this song. For God's sake, I hope it's not written about Justin!

9- Jason Mraz "Sleeping To Dream"- Gorgeous. Amazing. Who else knows how to write about such a simple sentiment with such perfection and eloquence? No one else can put that silly childish feeling of having a crush on someone and not getting them out of your head like Jason! We've all been there, trying to will ourselves to dream of someone, the person that makes us happiest at the time, just because it feels nice. One of my fave songs ever. ever ever ever

10- Jennifer Lopez "Let's Get Loud"- Before a speech or presentation in class, I put my ipod on, i crank this up, and i get psyched. This song revs me up like no other, and it still makes me happy, makes me dance, and calms me down. Jlo & a cup of coffee are my speech routine!

11- Aretha Franklin "Rocksteady"- Runner up for my get psyched song. What it is what it is!! such a fun song, with a dirty bass that gets you going. They don't make them like this anymore. Picking one aretha song was hard ass work, cause I love her.

12-Michael Jackson "Black or White"- Janet's not the only Jackson on this thing! This song, from the first guitar riff still gets me all goosebumpy. Just the beat in itself makes it a great song that superficially as a kid I loved. Then the lyrics begin to resonate and it becomes all the more powerful. Brilliant songwriting and a wonderful message for anyone whose ever felt oppressed or victimized racially. It just feels good to hear someone put it all out there and stop taking everyone's bullshit, which is what made him such a gifted writer.

13- Ray Lamontagne "Forever My Friend"- his voice breaks your heart. I couldn't tell if this was a happy or sad song at first listen until I read the lyrics just because he always sounds so shattered. I guess that's his thing, but this is a beautiful song.

14- Shakira "Inevitable"- Putting herself out there. These are all the reasons why you shouldn't be with me. There's nothing worthwhile in me other than the fact that I love you. This was back when she was brilliant, now she's a she wolf. I MISS THIS, BE AMAZING AGAIN PLEASE.

15- Sugarland "Small Town Jericho"- I don't know what a life like this is like. My town is small but urban, we don't talk to our neighbors and we don't know people's business. I just think the way this is set up is really pretty, and the way it's written is so perfect. Almost makes me wish I was from the burbs.

OK I could have put a lot more, from each artist. But i tried to use as many of the people whose music has maent a lot to me as i could. There's a million more songs from each that have moved me in one way or another over the years. But doing a second one of these is too much work. I HOPE I DIDNT END UP SOUNDING LIKE A DOUCHE. Thanks Bye.