Do you listen to music when writing sermons?

I have throughout my preaching career, but it started in Bible college and Seminary. I like the "background noise." It helps me focus. I mostly listen to Christian hardcore music, which has had recent 'reformation' of sorts, beginning to focus on content again, rather than just vaguely Christian lyrics. The energetic presentation of Gospel messages stirs my soul. I find, though, as the Spirit begins to move in my prep, that I am less aware of the music and more aware of His presence (and I mean this in a deeper way than the triteness of the phrasing allows). I feel a real connection to God, through His word, which is partially facilitated by the music, just like worship in church.

I discovered a few years ago that Handel has 20+ oratorios besides the Messiah, which I used to listen to (religiously?), many on such biblical characters as Saul, Nabal, Gideon, Sampson, Athalia, as well as ones on Judas Maccabeus and Israel in Egypt.   I find them very helpful in getting my head in the right place when writing.