Orchid Thief author Susan Orlean reveals her musical obsessions

As part of our ongoing q playlist series, New Yorker journalist and author Susan Orlean (The Orchid Thief, Rin Tin Tin) shares the music that's been significant in her life and career. 

Orlean's playlist is a trip through her past. She says the tracks conjure up memories of college, love lost, and the experience of hearing a new song, which she likens to trying a new flavour and wondering, "Where has this been all my life?"

Here's her tracklist:

• Grateful Dead, Box of Rain

• Earth, Wind & Fire, That's the Way of the World

• The Clash, London Calling

• Eels, Climbing to the Moon

• Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, Kazet​