I have talked about the importance of music in my life. Like most folks I can relate specific significant events in my life to certain music. As a result of that, listening to the radio is always a treat because you can never be sure when a song with a really happy memory attached will be played. Of course, sometimes it is a song attached to a sad memory too.
When I was picking out my last car, I actually made a disc of songs and put them on a CD specifically geared toward inspiring the perfect test drive. It was a blend of blood racing and heart pumping rock that was to inspire me to press the car to the limits that I truly expected out of it.
So, as I prepare to start riding a bike; I started thinking about the types of music and specific songs that would heighten the enjoyment. Of course I first thought of songs that were about motorcycles, but there are not that many of them and not all of them are about the joys of road freedom. When I went through all of my music I found a lot of songs that made me feel like I do when I am riding and that would augment the feeling of joy that it brings me.
In the end, I picked 50 songs that were perfect for escaping into while hitting the road. To listen to all of them takes 3 hours and 45 minutes -- -- which is good enough for about a 120 mile round trip. I will eventually post the titles of all 50 songs here on the blog but I thought I would bring them out 10 at a time with a few words explaining why I picked each one. I think you'll be surprised by many of the choices and the variety of genres that the music comes from.
As always I solicit your feedback but please wait until all 50 songs are listed before saying that I left a song you felt was perfect off of the list. As with any favorites list, this is a living being and from time to time I may choose to add to it but I think I will limited to 50 total so if I had one I will also have to take off one which will lead to more thoughtful choices. Also, the list is posted in no particular order to include alphabetical. Without further ado here are the first 10
Running on Empty by Jackson Browne - I got turned onto this album while a freshman in college, and wore it out listening to it over and over again. This song in particular was the best for capturing the feel of cruising down the road. The lyrics are great.
Stuck In The Middle With You by Stealer's Wheel - Some songs I picked were based on what I can only describe as having "road rhythm". From the handclaps in the opening bars the song captures that spirit and makes you just want to go.
Roll Me Away by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band - It just doesn't get any better. A perfect road song and it's even got a motorcycle. The lyrics talk about that longing about having to get away from your own voice to find out who you are -- -- wow.
Higher Ground by Red Hot Chili Peppers - Another of those songs with great road rhythm. This remake of Stevie Wonder's song is great because of the heavy bass line in it that just makes you want to move.
Call Me the Breeze by Lynyrd Skynyrd - One of my favorite bands with a happy song about going down the road. I know some folks consider this bubble gum – but listen it is deeper than that.
Click Click Boom by Saliva - I actually got turned on to this song at work. Somebody had used it as a soundtrack for a slideshow. Driving rhythm and out of control vocals. Click click boom -- -- indeed.
This Life by Curtis Stigers & The Forest Rangers - Even though this is the theme from Sons of Anarchy it doesn't relate directly to motorcycles but it does have a great beat and driving force behind it. The lyrics also give you things to ponder.
La Grange by ZZ Top - As far as I know this is the only top 40 song Leon Redbone was ever part of. I hear this song and I can just picture myself straddling my bike rolling throttle forward and hitting it.
We Gotta Get Out of This Place by The Animals - I think it is because I see riding as such an escape that this song made my list. Even though my life is very good there times when I just got to get out of this place -- for a little while.
Toccata - Carpimus Noctem by Trans-Siberian Orchestra -This entry is one of those that will probably surprise. Listen to the first few notes and you will know why. As the song goes from the pipe organ to heavy metal guitar I can see the road rushing by on either side of me and feel the wind. By the way, TSO did do a mean version of Carmina Burana on their Night Castle album, but it still ain't the right soundtrack for losing your virginity.
Well, that is the first 10, only 40 more to go.
801
No comments:
Post a Comment