Music:
Keren Ann, Beck, Neko Case, Belle and Sebastian, The Decemberists, Bebel Gilberto, Massive Attack, Nellie McKay, Dolly Parton, Jill Scott, Mindy Smith, Scott Walker.
Books:
A Confederacy of Dunces, East of Eden, House of Leaves, The Secret History, To Kill A Mockingbird, anything written by the fabulous Sedaris siblings.