A well-groomed monthly playlist to start your morning right. May’s Theme: May Flowers…

We’re big advocates of long, hot showers. A good steam will soothe your muscles, clear your head and soften your stubble before that all-important shave. A great soundtrack will make the whole process a faster and more enjoyable experience.

Morning people are not born. They’re made. Sleep, after all, is a natural thing. Getting up from a comfortable bed: not so much. But there’s a whole world out there that needs to be explored and enjoyed and a whole lot of beauty that needs to be seen and appreciated. This playlist will guide you where you need to be. The theme is “May Flowers.”

May Shower Sessions: May Flowers

 
Start by slipping into your morning groove gracefully, taking a cue from the delicate touch Basie and Sinatra bring to “I Like the Sunrise.” Take also a lesson from the words “I like the sunrise ‘cause it brings a new day. I like a new day because it brings new hope they say.” And it’s true. With each morning comes new opportunity and at this time of year—far from the cold evil clutches of January—the cards are stacked in your favor. It’s more than likely you’ll be starting with mild temperatures and glorious sunshine.

That being the case, you can go ahead and kick things up a notch excitement-wise with the help for Mr. Marvin Gaye, bringing uncharacteristic pizazz to the old standard “On a Wonderful Day Like Today.” This is music to greet a May morning properly, a time of year when you should take more than a moment to stop and smell the roses. As you step into the shower your mind will focus on all things that bud, blossom and bloom.

The San Francisco-based dream pop band The Bilinda Butchers will populate your metaphorical garden with “Tulips,” before the Growlers circle around with a “Daisy Chain.” And because no garden would be complete without roses, we’ve planted several varieties for your listening pleasure, including a “Palmetto Rose,” a “Black Rose,” and some “Cold Roses.” Just remember, as we beg your pardon, we never promised you a “Rose Garden,” and that “along with the sunshine there’s gotta be a little rain sometime.” Heed the wisdom of Lynn Anderson and then soak up some “Lavender” courtesy of Ray LaMontagne.

“Flowers” make for a great a symbol. You can “Forget the Flowers,” entirely. Or split the difference and say “It Ain’t All Flowers,” or you can fill your life with “[Nothing But] Flowers” However you choose to do it, the “Flower” is you. We get but one season to bud, blossom and bloom before we are “Pushing Up Daisies.”

So open your arms, show your brightest vibrant colors and soak up that sunshine.

Today, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.”

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