Can you help me compile a playlist?

[PosiePootlePerkins]

Hello. Firstly can I say that I am clueless about current music. I know what kind of stuff I like listening to but it is somewhat cheesy or dated, to give you an idea on my Ipod I have the following: Annie Lennox, Phil Collins, Adele, Catatonia, Elton John - have I embarrassed myself enough?
So to get to the point, I am having a BBQ here soon for a few friends, and I would like to have a playlist which doesn't show me up completely! I guess I'm looking for good background music, reasonably up to date, stuff I may even recognise ha ha! I am happy to buy individual songs and put them into a playlist, I just need ideas!
Thanks in advance!

Have you tried Spotify? You can get a ready made playlist based on music genres, moods, occasions? I've discovered quite a few new artists through there. You can also play all your favourites too

Thank you for that I will take a look!

Maybe start listening to BBC6 music and Chill - they both have excellent selections of interesting stuff - chill out / indie / funk/ pop etc. Also consider getting an iTunes subscription account where you just pay a small monthly but can access an amazing library of music. You can then experiment a bit to find and download stuff you like without spending a fortune.

I second Spotify! You can even find playlists based on your mood or the occasion. There are bound to be a few 'Summer BBQ' playlists on there!

On of my favourites is called 'Happy Hits' - great music for a summer occasion :)