Record you spin on a rainy Saturday w/ family gone

I live in Seattle too.

If I want to boost my personal energy to get things done on a grey day, I like something like Buddy Rich's "Swingin' New Big Band," which totally blasts away the grey and the mist. In fact, a whole lot of vintage jazz can cheer me up, such as Ella and Louis (I have vols. I & II on LP), some Gene Krupa, Stormy Monday--Lou Rawls' debut album from 1962 with Less McCann's triod--Classic!

For smaller scale that fits the day and mood better I like Moondance by Van Morrison, Bright Size Life or Question and Answer by Pat Metheny (both trio albums), or any number of things from ECM in the '70s--Gary Burton, Ralph Towner, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, etc.

Vibist Gary Burton did a collaboration album with jazz violin legend Stephane Grappelli called "Paris Encounter." It has one of the most achingly beautiful renditions of "Here's That Rainy Day" you could hope for.

John Fogerty/CCR: "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?"

Gordon Lightfoot: "Rainy Day People" Actually, the whole "Gord's Gold" double album is a great one for a rainy day.

Another Seattleite here. I've been a long-time big band fan, so when I need to energize an empty house I put on Buddy Rich Big Band, lots of it, and also some Harry James Sheffield D2D recordings, and Don Ellis Big Band. Always perks me up and helps me get some things done on an otherwise sleepy day.