Activities: Reading In A Coffee Shop

Accessible indie tunes that should be the soundtrack for your favorite local coffee shop.

Ever find yourself gently swaying in your booth at your favorite neighborhood coffee shop? One of these easygoing, acoustic-centered tunes may have been why.

Songs about books, songs inspired by authors, songs about reading, and even a few songs about putting words to paper yourself. Indulge your inner bookworm with these songs about the literary life.

Light, upbeat indie pop to help you start your day.

Everyone with a soft spot for singer/songwriters knows their Troubadour History 101, filled with songsmiths from previous generations, but here's where you'll find the best of the current crop of artists committed to the crafting of thoughtful tunes.

Many of the solo artists that emerged in the 1970s became widely referred to as "singer-songwriters." These artists wrote and performed songs that were personal, sincere, introspective, and, most importantly, timeless.

One of rock journalism's favorite buzzwords comes to life in songs that echo Dylan's various phases lyrically and/or vocally. Explore Bob's influence on his generations of disciples, from the folk-rock era to today's modern troubadours.

Whether they're redefining their own songs or taking a cheeky crack at a popular favorite, artists love to perform without the aid of electricity. Check out some acoustic covers of popular rock songs throughout the years.

This playlist features mellow indie tunes that provide the perfect soundtrack for working, studying, or just plain old relaxing.

With credible indie bands like Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, and The Black Keys licensing their songs for TV commercials, it's not selling out anymore.

Whether it's an artist redefining their own song or someone taking a cheeky crack at a popular favorite, artists love to perform without the aid of electricity. Check out these stripped-down and unplugged renditions of pop songs.

Your mornings need a soundtrack. This is music for taking it easy with a newspaper and a big cup of coffee.

The hit TV show Grey's Anatomy is known for featuring great songs and breaking new artists. These are songs from all seven seasons.

This playlist features comforting folk songs from the '60s to today, replete with warm acoustic guitars and soothing vocal harmonies.

Acoustic folk-pop by male singer-songwriters with breathy vocals.

Some of the most influential, memorable and legendary folk songs of all time.

Songs by some of the best female indie pop singers.

Folk rock was born when bands started using rock instrumentation to play traditional folk music in the 1960s. These are the songs that defined this important development in popular music history.

Drawing on influences from traditional folk, psychedelia, and elsewhere, freak folk was born out of the "New Weird America" cultural movement in the mid-2000s. Listen to the sounds inspiring a new generation of hippies and expanding the definition of folk music.

Eclectic sounds from the African continent, from afrobeat, highlife and juju to desert blues and Ethio-jazz.

In the '50s and '60s, NYC's Greenwich Village was home to America's folk music revival. With Odetta and Pete Seeger guiding newcomers like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, the Village proved fertile ground (once again) for seminal bohemian developments.

Elliott Smith is one of indie rock's most celebrated singer-songwriters. Listen to songs by Smith as well as his greatest influences, closest contemporaries, and indebted followers.

Self-help and life lessons from the pop-rock charts.

A sophisticated, earthy soundtrack of classical music inspired by autumn. Listen closely and you'll hear leaves changing color.

Tired? Angry? Need some peace of mind? Put down whatever you're doing and enjoy some relaxing and inspiring musical moments at a nice slow tempo.

Artists get inspiration from many sources, and literary figures are no exception. Enjoy these songs based on famous lines, poems and characters from your favorite authors. See how many you can identify!

Go deeper into the chilly beauty, imagination and melancholy that's at the heart of Justin Vernon's music. Explore his influences, contemporaries and several of the artists Vernon (aka Bon Iver) has collaborated with.