Hello and happy Monday to y'all. Today we have a post adapted from one that music lover and all-round awesome babe Liv published on her blog last month. Read the original here. Some of you mightn't know that music is one of my greatest loves. I am always singing, albeit for a private audience of myself and the odd friend who happens to find themselves in the passenger seat of my car/on a long walk with me. Music and songs are another form of storytelling, both through their lyrics and the memories and associations we have with them. They transport us back to a time, conjure up emotions and thoughts from days gone by and give us something to listen and resonate with. It's certainly one powerful medium. Anyway, without further ado, here's the soundtrack of my life. All 24 years (and counting) of it...

My first album: Spice World x The Spice Girls. I have a feeling this was released around the same time as the Spice World movie which I used to have on VHS, as well as a well-loved Spice World t-shirt. Heck, I think we even had a Spice World poster up in our garage at one point, much to my family's dismay no doubt(!). I've just turned to Wikipedia for the track listing because I can only remember two songs off the top of my head that are definitely on this album: Spice Up Your Life (a call to arms) and Stop (the one we all practised the dance to in our bedrooms). Saturday Night Divas stands out because I remember loving that song, as do Viva Forever and The Lady Is A Vamp. Viva Forever had that amazing video too with The Spice Girls as fairies which childhood me loved. I could talk about The Spice Girls all day but let's move on shall we?

Long term relationship album: Blue by Joni Mitchell. I thought long and hard about this one but when I think about albums I always come back to, this one tops the list. Blue reminds me of the first year of Uni because that's when I bought it. It also reminds me of plane trips to Australia because I deliberately played This Flight Tonight whilst in the air. I'm sappy like that. Carey also reminds me of one of my good friends. I love the whole album though and while it can be a bit melancholy to listen to all the time, I do reach for it when I'm in the mood.

Song that makes me happy: Secondhand News by Fleetwood Mac. The starting track on their well-loved Rumours album. Despite being a song about breakups, it has a hopefulness and uplifting quality. I'm not a music reviewer, forgive me. I like to listen to this when I'm driving. It makes me inexplicably happy.

Song/album that makes me want to dance: Delilah by Florence and the Machine. That beat, those lyrics. They make me want to move scattily and let loose. 

First gig: Kings of Leon, I can't remember what tour but it was in 2009 with my Dad and some of his younger work colleagues, who were probably about the age I am currently now that I think of it. I was a fan of their music but it was pretty short lived. Nonetheless I remember enjoying my first 'grown up' concert.

Song I wish I'd written: Gold Dust Woman by Fleetwood Mac, sung by Stevie Nicks. I freakin' love this song. Imagine the royalties too. 

Song that reminds me of being a teen: Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus. This was my going out song and also general happiness booster.  I'm sure I was playing this via my iPod in my school blazer pockets before classes or tests, in fact I can guarantee I was. I hopped off the plane at LAX with a dream and my cardigan is an iconic piece of prose. Don't discount it.

Sweatiest gig: The Monster Ball Tour, Lady Gaga 2010. My first 'mosh' experience although due to my anxiety in crowds I wasn't right in the thick of it. Nonetheless it's where the most energetic, enthusiastic fans were. This of course made for a sweaty, glittery, dance fest. What a show. I remember even my hair was dripping when I left the venue. 

Karaoke song: When I think karaoke I think Singstar on PS2. The essential for any sleepover/birthday party in the 00's. My go-to songs were What You Waiting For by Gwen Stefani and Wannabe by the Spice Girls. I'm sure Complicated by Avril Lavigne was a go to as well.

Best gig: I can't choose just one here, there's too many choices. However if I was forced to choose two at a glance they'd be Adele's 25 Tour and Florence and the Machine's How Big How Blue How Beautiful tour. To me the best gigs are the ones that feel intimate, no matter how many people are in the crowd or how big the venue is. Both these artists achieved that. Florence has a particular ability to take you to an almost isolated, fantastical space and with her encouraging everyone to put their phones away, it became all the more special. Adele as well as being brilliant was so entertaining and wonderful. She was well worth the wait. 

Songs that remind me of home: Paradise by Coldplay. Not of home so much but journeys around my city. More specifically going on the train past crystal blue waters in Summer after a long/undoubtedly stressful day at Uni. The best. Another is Another Brick In The Wall by Pink Floyd which reminds me of my Dad. As does anything by U2, Bruce Springsteen and Pink Floyd really. 

Least favourite song: Love Story by Taylor Swift. I have a well established loathing. It's possibly because it was stuck in my recently played list for months because of friends borrowing my iPod. Moreover I just think it's cheesy and sickly and ugh. Not a fan. 

Ultimate desert island disc: Cheating again, With The Beatles and Let It Be, also by The Beatles. I could be on the most isolated of islands but so long as I had The Beatles, water, a book and perfume (idk I can't live without that) I'd be happy. 

-I hope you enjoyed this little insight into my music tastes! It was something a bit different for me. I'd love to know if you do this post too so be sure to tag me on social media if you do it.