Diana Swain is CBC TV’s senior investigative correspondent. The Gemini award-winning journalist can be seen on CBC’s The National and The Fifth Estate.
We asked Swain, if she could choose anyone, what musician she would interview today. Her first choice was Adele. “I realize she's the hottest thing in music right now,” says Swain “but some of us loved her voice the first time we heard it when she released 19 a few years back.” Swain was most intrigued by Adele’s recent recovery from voice surgery: “As a broadcaster I can only imagine how terrifying the prospect of the surgery might have been. I'd like to talk with her about that experience.”
We asked Swain to put her iPod on shuffle, and tell us about the first 10 tracks that showed up. Turns out, all that love for Adele wasn’t just talk.
1. “Lonely Boy,” The Black Keys.
“This is my new favourite band. There isn't a song on their latest album I don't like.”
2. “I Don't Know,” the Sheepdogs.
“I downloaded their album – short as it is – after they won a contest to appear on the cover of the Rolling Stone. The studio production elements are pretty rough in spots, but they're Canadian – what's not to love?”
3. “Chasing Pavements,” Adele.
"I heard Adele sing for the first time a few years ago, just after she put out her album 19 and instantly fell in love with her voice. She's an original. I've played both 19 and 21 countless times. No wonder she's breaking sales records all over the world."
4. “Candyman,” Christina Aguilera.
“OK, say what you will about her fashion choices, but the girl can sing!”
5. “Son of a Preacher Man,” Aretha Franklin.
“This is from a greatest hits album that makes you marvel at what a force she's been. Hit after hit. She's the queen. ’Nuff said.”
6. “What's Love Got to do With it,” Tina Turner.
“I was just moving into my first apartment when Tina Turner was making this a hit. It instantly takes me back to that time.”
7. “Party Rock Anthem,” LMFAO.
“My son was the first to play an LMFAO song for me. They're hilarious. I crank the volume whenever their songs are playing. It’s the ultimate workout music!”
8. “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” Lenny Kravitz.
“I had a crush on Kravitz for years. When I need to get pumped up for a long day ahead, this is my song of choice.”
9. “He Won't Go,” Adele.
“One of many Adele songs on my iPhone. But do not listen to this in a bad mood. It won't help.”
10. “It's Not Unusual,” Tom Jones.
“Ok – so maybe it's an ‘unusual’ choice. But I guarantee if you put on a Tom Jones album at a party, the place goes crazy! Everybody loves it, no one expects it and you'll be shocked at how many people know the words!”
What do you think of Diana Swain’s playlist? Let us know in the comments.