An extended car ride is always a good excuse to make a mix cd. Extended car trips are a crucible of human relationships; when you are trapped in a car for several hours with no exits and a limited number of people to interact with, music can either supplant or, in the best case scenario, enhance the company. Putting the correct mix together is key; what you listen to is going to affect the way you drive, the way you act, the way you refuse to put up with that jackass in the Jetta trying to totally cut you off, man. She Who Must Not Be Named complained frequently that my road mixes were too strummy and depressing. I think they embrace the breezy, laid back and frequently optimistic attitude that is the right mind to have while behind the wheel. Because road trips are for breezy, laid back diversions. Like giant Paul Bunyan statues. Or mysterious castles. Abandoned amusement parks. Ghost towns. Chance encounters with the Harlem Globetrotters and/or Phyllis Diller.
A road trip where I listened to nothing but, say, Priestess, The Sword and Dragonforce would not have that vibe. A road trip where the mix had lots of Abba and Santa Esmeralda (as someone might have suggested to me in the past) would make me crash into a telephone pole.
I firmly believe that any good trip has to begin with “Thunder Road.” I know that I’m all about the cover songs, but for this purpose, it has always got to be Bruce. If you don’t like “Thunder Road,” never go on a road trip with me.
I made two mixes for last weekend’s Aquarian Expedition to Bethel Woods, NY. One is entirely 60s-themed and features mostly songs from artists that were at the festival, plus a few others (and the Folksmen’s cover of “Start Me Up,” for no real reason that I can discern). The other, which kicks off with “Thunder Road,” is a more modern mix that runs the gamut from Springsteen to Little Boots. I had the interesting experience of being really ridiculously tired when I burned the mixes and was actually a little unsure on first listen what was going to be on them.
What’s your favorite road trip song?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I cannot long-term drive without a lil Led Zeppelin. Neil Young. “The Wonder Boys” and “Almost Famous” soundtracks. Dylan. Pink Floyd if there’s traffic congestion. And I’d NEVER ever turn down a lil metal, especially if I’m feeling saucy. Devil horns and the long and winding road go together like Sonic tots and a coconut cream pie shake!
Is that photo of US 15 between Gettysburg and Frederick?
Yes it is, actually.
I only recognized it because that’s the way home for me. I have driven by that hay shell thingy for six years now.
In college, I felt that any good road trip had to begin with “Road to Nowhere” by Talking Heads. Haven’t been on a road trip is so long, have no idea what I’d throw on. May have to give this some thought.
“Crane Wife 3″ by the Decemberists and “Hard to Explain” and/or “Last Night” by The Strokes. Caution: sustained Strokes play inevitably leads to speeding tickets.