What's on Liz Taylor's Creative Playlist?

Industry insiders reveal the tracks & albums that pick them up, inspire them… or collapse them into hysterics.

Beastie Boys, Shake Your Rump

One of the greatest booty-shaking, get-ready-for-the-day commuting songs. Their second studio album, Paul’s Boutique, cures commuting crankiness. It’s the musical version of Starbucks for the not-quite-awake, morning creative brain.

José González, Heartbeats

He can serenade his way into my soul. Heart-wrenching, soulful, complex, breathtakingly beautiful. One of the prettiest songs of all time.

Santigold, Girls

This is just good ol’ cheeky, sassy, infectious, anthemic fun.

Amy Winehouse, Back To Black

It’s like soul, jazz and blues met up at a bar for a cocktail. Amy was one of the world’s most authentic, provocative storytellers. When I sit down to write, I need to listen to expressive, heartbreakingly beautiful music that speaks to my heart. Rich, comforting, earnest, often bittersweet, sad songs filled with longing and lingering pain. Songs about unanswered questions. Somehow this fuels my writing. Sometimes that’s Death Cab for Cutie. Or Iron & Wine. Or Michael Kiwanuka. Or Damien Jurado. Lately, it’s Amy.

Missy Elliott, Get Ur Freak On

When I’m in a creative slump or need to get ready for a big presentation, I need music that I can’t sit still to. There’s nothing quite like a lip-synching, funky, nutty dance break with Missy Misdemeanor.