Most people, if they’re lucky, fall in love at least once in their lifetime. I, for better or worse, have fallen head over heels for a city. It was surely love at first sight but I played hard to get, waiting nearly 25 years after our first meeting to move in and commit. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t keenly feel our quarter-century separation. How did I cope? With a crap load of distracting television, film and music, that’s how. But I went about it all wrong, immersing myself in London-related television, news, films and tunes. Naturally. And so the flame of love grew…possibly out of control, if I’m honest.

I’ve talked about the various television programmes and films that kept me going in various posts before now, so let’s spend some time with the music, shall we? There were songs that reminded me of London, because they were featured in a pivotal scene in a TV show or movie (i.e. Layer Cake, Four Weddings and a Funeral, etc), and songs about London (Mornington Crescent, Hometown Glory, etc.) There were songs from London musicians (Amy Winehouse, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, etc.) because…of course. There was wartime London (Vera Lynn), ’60s London (The Kinks), ’80s London (Bronski Beat), and contemporary London (Jessie J). And yes, Mary Poppins AND My Fair Lady featured heavily but so did Jungle, Muse and Ed Sheeran. The constant playlists were eclectic – just like the city they represented. And, not to put too fine a point on it, like the person listening to them. Eclectic and unique sounds so much better than weird, don’t you think?

So open up your earholes and behold, I’ve cobbled together MY ultimate London playlist from all of the above. You may not fall in love with the city through the music, but hopefully you’ll appreciate it one way or another. Listen to the extensive playlist all at once or pick a song or two to suit your mood. Whatever strikes your auditory fancy…