I like to put on Lord of the Rings while I paint. Other times I'll find youtube battle reports or random youtube videos heavy on the commentary. Another thing I like to do is put on a tv series that I've seen many times, that way I can just listen and follow along.
Fending of swords!!! Last night i sat down for a little painting (first time in weeks), when my two daughters decided it would be funny to attack me with their plastic swords (and my wife who promised me an hour of peace, did not intervene because she just made herself a cappucino ) Painting and fending off two vicious snotlings doesn't work.