MIXTAPE: 1000 Rainy Days

We are experiencing what I like to call “event weather” in Austin today: Tropical Storm Hermine is pounding us with torrential rains. After a hot, dry August, we are happy to have Hermine come for a visit. (Although we do have a flash flood warning…I’m hoping she doesn’t overstay her welcome.)

After an entire day of downpour, with no end in sight, I thought this would be a great opportunity to share another rain-related mixtape.

Last spring I posted “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” a playlist of songs about rain.

But this mix isn’t so much topical, as it is mood-appropriate. Some songs are just meant to be played on a rainy day.

Several years ago I created an entire list of such songs, all performed by Sting (some with his former band, The Police.) His “Soul Cages” is great as an entire album of rainy day songs. But he also has several other selections that perfectly set the mood for a day like today.

Many of you will know the title of the mix comes from an “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” lyric:

“Do I have to tell the story

Of a thousand rainy days

Since we first met?

It’s a big enough umbrella,

But it’s always me that ends up getting wet.”**

(I briefly flirted with the idea of calling this mix, “Stinging in the Rain”…but then thought the better of it.)

So this mix may not be fitting for those of you soaking up some sunny skies. But just tuck it away until that next line of storms heads your way…

1000 Rainy Days

A Thousand Years

Wrapped Around Your Finger

Be Still My Beating Heart

When We Dance

The Bed’s Too Big Without You

Mad About You

Seven Days

Sister Moon

I Burn for You

Fields of Gold

Moon Over Bourbon Street

Why Should I Cry For You?

The Hounds of Winter

Shape of My Heart

Fragile

Any other Sting fans out there? What songs would you add to this mix?

**Bonus points for anyone who can tell me later Sting/Police songs in which this lyric reappears.