Now, without any further ado, my list of ten must-haves on a road-trip play list (current to this very moment in time at least):
1.) Nice Day – Salteens This one has always been a favourite of mine, especially for mix-tapes of all shapes and flavours. Although I loved it long before it was featured in the film One Week, its placement and Joshua Jackson’s ridiculous dancing add even more to my need to hear this song while on the road. Perfect for starting a road trip with a positive outlook.
2.) California – Joni Mitchell This one is perhaps a little obvious, but also a lot awesome. While the lyrics speak of a different time and yes, are in fact about going home and not leaving it, the emphasis put on the journey makes this a must-have for your in-car playlist.
3.) Fred – Skyscrapers This one is an icebreaker. Not sure about the people with whom you’re travelling? Perhaps you have a carload full of folks from the office as you travel to the faraway land where the annual sales conference is taking place? Those introverts won’t be able to stop themselves from bopping their heads to this infectious tune and with any luck will be dancing Muppets by the end of the track. Music heals the soul (and, with any luck, keeps the conversation of TPS reports to a minimum.)
4.) Meligrove Band – Really Really Really (Near the bottom of the list of tracks) This song has a special place in my heart (it happens to be the song to which I walked down the aisle on my wedding day) but I’m pretty sure that you also won’t be able to get enough of this track from the band’s sophomore album (2002’s Let It Grow). A song about an idyllic future with one’s love filled with “sleeping in and traveling” is a natural fit for a road trip.
5.) Old Man Ludecke – I quit my job If you happen to have just given notice right before you take your road trip then this song is especially perfect for you. If not, you’re still taking a break from work (unless your job is taking road trips while playing mix-tapes, in which case I need to know more) so we’ll let it slide and the song can still apply. Besides, any road trip must have banjo. It’s an official requirement.
6.) Jason Collett – I’ll Bring the Sun Here’s a tip right from the book of Jason Collett – if it’s raining, play this song and somehow appear as though you have willed the sun to come out from behind the clouds to dry up all the rain. It was a wicked trick this July at Hillside, and I’m guessing it will be equally rad if executed perfectly while on the highway of your choice.
7.) Bahamas – Whole Wide World (First track) I mentioned how charmed I am by this Wreckless Eric cover in the Buzz column recently and couldn’t well get away without including it here. Thematically, the song itself is a delightful fit, and Bahamas’ take on it is perfectly sweet and honest. Plus, I can’t help but think of that moment in Stranger than Fiction when Harold Crick cautiously rocks it on the guitar.
8.) Sarah Harmer – Captive This song is so darned catchy and in the best possible way. Its sugary-sweet chorus is meant for in-car sing-alongs and you won’t be able to stop yourself. As you’re singing about being held captive (which you are, in fact, by the very nature of being in your car) take in the world around you, Sarah Harmer would want you to appreciate the natural beauty alongside the rural roads you’re travelling.
9.) The Beatles – Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da An oldie but a goodie – you and your passengers will know all the lyrics because by now you’re all pro-stars at Rock Band. With everybody’s varying musical tastes crowded into your hatchback, what better way to keep the peace than with the Beatles?
10.) Joel Plaskett – Nowhere With You No mix-tape of mine is complete without a little Joel Plaskett content. This one is a fitting choice for a road trip-themed mix and is fantastically upbeat – a good one to play when you’ve been woken up by your mate for a turn at the wheel. This track doesn’t get nearly enough play on my regular ipod rotation as it’s not from an album proper (it was included as a bonus disc for his DVD Make a Little Noise,) so this is the perfect occasion to crank it.
What’s on your playlist?
Stefania Paterak is Programming Coordinator at Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall
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