im sure im the exception to the rule here, but I find it harder to work with music on. it turns into a distraction because I constantly fiddle with the playlist, etc.<p>but if you have to choose, sample a little john legend
Stuff from Dwelling of Duels[1] (Video game covers), artists that mix classical instruments with rock/electonic (like Sarina Suno or Yoshida Brothers), or movie/show soundtracks (Hisaishi Joe) - anything with lyrics is too distracting. And that's only if I know what I'm going to write, if I need to sit and think about something, I need silence.<p>[1] <a href="http://dwellingofduels.net/" rel="nofollow">http://dwellingofduels.net/</a>
I use <a href="http://www.stereomood.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.stereomood.com/</a> and click for a random mood until it suits me - however I'm hearing impaired so as long as the tone is nice, I enjoy it. (i.e. I cannot pick up on the 'words')
Any song listed in my music-bookmarks.txt. I love listening to music when my work has a steady progress. By that I mean the tasks are being done without having to pause and think for too long. Otherwise I find it easier to think in silence.
For me, the "coding music" must be simple and not distracting - something that doesn't make me concentrate on the music instead of the code. Or no music at all.