'I've Been Thinkin',' Handsome Boy Modeling School feat. Cat Power
From 2004's 'White People'

Have you ever had a perfect day? A day where the world floats past you and you are enveloped in a constant and singular sensation of comfort?

My hopes for that perfect day were dashed years ago, on the day when I naively ventured to a chocolate festival -- lured to the long train ride by promises of swimming in a chocolate lake. I obviously did not think it through (in hindsight, it sounds disgusting) but I leapt onto the train, swimsuit on and towel in my hand, followed by two friends decked only in swimshorts. All of our Willy Wonka dreams were dashed upon arrival -- there would be no chocolate lake. Rather, a tub of hot cocoa as a paltry replacement. At that moment I was convinced perfect days didn't exist, that they resided in the same place as Never Never Land, the Hollywood Storybook Ending and whatever dreams Hallmark is selling this year.

My faith was only recently restored, when I unexpectedly happened across that mythical day. It was a gorgeous Southern California spring day, sun-kissed and radiant, with the scorched Indio desert giving way to the cool breeze of the Pacific. 'I've Been Thinkin'' was wafting in the air, providing the picture perfect soundtrack.

I was returning from Coachella, drained by days of endless music, hipster cowboy boots and Muumuus constantly assaulting my eyes. My sympathetic friend saw my eyes glassed over and quietly slipped on the album 'White People' by Handsome Boy Modeling School. At first I was resistant, my ears rebelling. But it was futile once Cat Power's voice seeped through the airwaves.

I was slow to join the Cat Power party, but Chan Marshall's voice, heavy like maple syrup, slowly seduces on this track. She snakes around every syllable, hypnotizing the listener into a lulled sense of comfort. This song reminds me of lazy summer days, so hot that the sidewalk sizzles and heat rises off the ground and clouds your eyes. The tempo purposely strolls along, giving you a sensation that you have nothing else to do, nowhere else to go -- your only purpose in life is just to be. Something about this song is so effortless, so natural, that is impossible not to be entranced: "I was hypnotized, by your fairy eyes." Every time I hear this song, I am brought back to that moment and to that day, the taste of contentment still lingering on my palate. Now if only I could hear it while swimming in a chocolate lake.

What song do you freakin' love? Write our next IFLTS. Send it to us at spinnereditor@aim.com