This weekend I am moving my family from Greenwich, CT to Franklin, TN. I want friends (you) to help me create a new, customized playlist for the 950-mile trip by suggesting songs, symphonies, choral pieces, soundtracks, or whatever, for us to listen to en route. If you recommend it, and I don’t already have it in my Ipod, I will buy and download it.
Let me frame it this way: Try to come up with a song you couldn’t live without on a two-day car trip. I will send a free copy of my book to the person who submits a song that ends up either 1) making me cry or 2) inspires me to get out of my car and dance on I-81 with my Portuguese Water Dog, Hobbes.
I went through my Ipod and came up with this list to get us started.
When My Morning Comes Around—Iris Dement
Thank you (falettin me be mice elf)—Sly and the Family Stone
Show the Way—David Wilcox
The Ballad of Mary Magdalen-Cry, Cry, Cry
Arvo Part-Te Deum
God Only Knows—The Beach Boys (Don’t laugh, this song is to pop music what The Odyssey is to western literature)
Pacing the Cage-Bruce Cockburn
Why I Am-Dave Matthews
Midnight Train to Georgia—Gladys Knight and the Pips
Gabriel and the Vagabond-Foy Vance
Child of the Wild Blue Yonder—John Hyatt
Soundtracks to Saving Private Ryan-John Williams
Some Kind of Wonderful-Joss Stone
Nine in the Afternoon-Panic at the Disco
Tony-Patty Griffin
Musicology-Prince
Sign O’ the Times-Prince
A Few Words in Defense of Our Country- Randy Newman
My Love Will Follow You-Richard Shindell
Although It Is The Night-Rob Mathes
Showdown at Big Sky-Robbie Robertson
Tumbling Dice—Rolling Stones
Staralfur—Sigur Ros
Glosoli-Sigur Ros
Valley of Tears—Solomon Burke
Voodoo Child (Live at Montreux)-Stevie Ray Vaughan
Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own-U2
Yahweh-U2
Agnus Dei—Rufus Wainwright
October-Eric Whitacre
Start Me up—The Stones (Predictable, but great at 6am)
An Ending-Brian Eno
The High Road—Broken Bells
Lying in the Hands of God-Dave Matthews
No More I Love You’s-Annie Lennox
Hurt-Johnny Cash
Charlie Darwin-The Low Anthem
garyyonek said...
July 26, 2010
Love of the Common Man – Todd Rundgren
Lauren said...
July 26, 2010
Though there are a long list of songs I couldn’t live without on a two day road trip I’ll give you my current obsession:
1901 – Phoenix
Actually, I couldn’t live without the entire Wolfgang Amadeus album. Just sayin’.
Look forward to meeting you and the rest of your family when you arrive! Welcome to campus!
Bill Todd said...
July 26, 2010
Six Days on the Road – Dave Dudley
Running Down a Dream – Tom Petty
Into the Great Wide Open – Tom Petty
Time Has Come Today – Chambers Brothers
Couldn’t Get It Right – Climax Blues Band
East Bound and Down – Jerry Reed (every third song or so)
Convoy – C.W. McCall
I Want You Back – Jackson 5
Are You Ready For the Country – Neil Young
Get Rhythm – NRBQ (or go with the original by Johnny Cash)
That should get you through lunch, I would think…
Bill Todd said...
July 26, 2010
oh, and some Sam Cooke. no road trip is complete w/o some Sam Cooke.
Chris Rea – Auberge
Brothers Johnson – Strawberry Letter 23
Crowded House – Pour Le Monde
Buddy and Julie Miller – Gasoline and Matches
The Heavy – How You Like Me Now?
(hey, this is my superpower. mixtapes/CD’s/playlists
Melissa Greene said...
July 27, 2010
Ian – Randy E and Patsy C have both told me so much about you. I look forward to being able to meet you now that you are moving to Franklin!
3 songs you need –
Jesus and John – Lisa Gungor
Only a Man – Jonny Lang
Turn Around – Jonny Lang
I have your book on my night stand. It is next in line to read right after Sex, Lies, and Religion
Michelle said...
July 27, 2010
The Cello Suites by Yo Yo Ma
Restelss by Audrey Assad
Pontiac album by Lyle Lovett
Tonda said...
July 27, 2010
Didn’t know you were headed this way. Terrific! Love it here…
God Forbid (point of grace)
God of Justice (tim hughes)
Chicken Fried (zac brown band) – welcome to the south!
Gordon Weir said...
July 27, 2010
Firstly, great idea!
Secondly, I lovd the book. Read it 2/3 years ago and found it a really rewarding read.
I was instinctively goingto put U2 ‘Running to Stand Still’ (my favourite song) but I see you already have some U2 so I thought I’d choose some standouts from my Ipod for you to peruse.
Happy travelling (and listening).
‘Broken Things’ – Juliet Turner (I defy you not to cry)
‘I Will Worship You’ – Matthew Ward (what a voice)
‘I Could Be Happy’ – Altered Images (classic 80s pop)
‘I Only Have Eyes for You’ – Art Garfunkel
‘Country House’ – Blur
‘All My Trials’ – Cerys Matthews
‘Personal Jesus’ – Johnny Cash
‘Talking With My Father’ – Dougie MacLean
‘Allison’ – Elvis Costello
‘Pokarekare Ana’ – Hayley Westenra
‘Build’ – The Housemartins
‘No Rope As Long As Time’ – Latin Quarter
‘Soap, Soup and Salvation’ – Lone Justice
‘Don’t Turn Out Like Your Mother’ – The Proclaimers
‘The Blessing’ – Sammy Horner
‘That’s Not My Name’ – The Ting Tings
Shawn Kuhn said...
July 27, 2010
Freebird
Third of the way through the book. Loving it. Great writing style. Laughed out several times on the plane. Giving Karen her copy today. Should be stocking it in our lancaster store by now, I’ll check with the manager this week.
Stephen Burks said...
July 27, 2010
“awake my soul” Mumford & Sons
Stephen Burks said...
July 27, 2010
If you’re in Cleveland at meal time, let me know!
Janice Szarko said...
July 27, 2010
Something in the Way She Moves – James Taylor
Shane Tucker said...
July 27, 2010
‘My Deliverer’ – Rich Mullins & the Ragamuffin Band, The Jesus Record (both song versions from discs 1 & 2). It has pulled tears more than once – especially the full band version of the track.
Gail Hyatt said...
July 27, 2010
Can’t wait for you to get here!!
Off the Top of My Head:
Here are some of my favorites:
Tear inducing:
Vista – by David Wilcox
Everywhere – by David Wilcox
Hold it Up to the Light – David Wilcox
(I just love anything by David Wilcox)
Albertine – by Brooke Fraser
Classic Rock for the Road:
Let it Ride – by Bachman-Turner Overdrive
Free Ride – The Edgar Winter Group
Don’t Fear the Reaper – Blue Öyster Cult
Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins
Ramblin’ Man – The Allman Brothers
I Feel the Earth Move – Carole King
I’m Your Captain/Closer to Home – Grand Funk Railroad
Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf
Misc:
Tennessee – Mindy Smith – A MUST ADD!
For the Widows in Paradise – Sufjan Stevens
Heart of Gold – Neil Young
Old Man – Neil Young
Stay – Alison Krauss
Forget About It – Alison Krauss
The Valley Road – Bruce Hornsby
Who Wouldn’t Want to Be Me – Keith Urban
Live to Love Another Day – Keith Urban
What About Me – Keith Urban
Great Adventure – Steven Curtis Chapman
Only Natural – Steven Curtis Chapman
Let’s Get Loud – Jennifer Lopez – plain fun
Unforgettable – Natalie Cole (great sing along)
Artsts/Albums:
Carole King – Tapestry
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – So Far
James Taylor – Live
A Knight’s Tale – Soundtrack – love it!
Nickel Creek
Back-Porch-Chilin’-Type Music:
Anything by the Wailin’ Jenny’s – my favorite (try One Voice & Glory Bound)
Anything by the Weepies (try Hideaway & Happiness)
Instrumental Soundtrack:
Bobby Jones Stroke of Genius
The Horse Whisperer
Searching for Bobby Fischer
Gary Taylor said...
July 27, 2010
Probably too late for this but maybe for your next seven hour drive, John and Stasi Eldredges new “Love and War” was riviting, funny, deep for 5 of the seven hours to the grandkids. Better the second time with therapist soninlaw on a 9-hoiur trip to a wedding for a client. The wedding vow openner makes for laughter and saddness tears.
Ed said...
July 27, 2010
Papa Dookie and the Mud People by the Sub Dudes.
Gordon Weir said...
July 27, 2010
Be great to see what makes the final playlist…
Brad Ruggles said...
July 27, 2010
You’ve already got a great playlist going there. I would echo a lot of the recommendations above as well but here is my go-to album right now:
Poison & Wine by The Civil Wars.
I dare you to listen to the title track of the EP “Poison & Wine’ and not be moved.
Even better, these guys are your soon-to-be neighbors. They’re from Nashville.
If you like live albums like I do, you can download Live At Eddie’s Attic from their MySpace Page. It’s one of my favorite live albums.
Don Chaffer said...
July 27, 2010
Okay. No Dylan? The following are some unexpected cuts, that may bear you well on a zephyr of transformation (did I overdo the poetry on that?):
“Blind Willie McTell”
“Foot of Pride”
“Dark Eyes”
“Girl From The North Country”
“Seven Curses”
Also- and this is random- there are a couple cuts off of the Neville Bros.’ Yellow Moon album that, I think, are great road music. However, Aaron Neville’s voice is definitely love/hate, typically:
“Yellow Moon”
“Voodoo”
or, to squeeze in some extra Sam Cooke, I love Aaron Neville’s performance of “A Change Is Gonna Come”
Can’t wait to see you here in Nashville. Safe travels.
garyyonek said...
July 27, 2010
Pretending to care – Rundgren
maggi Dawn said...
July 27, 2010
dear ian, I already have your book … but I would love you to hear Fyfe Dangerfield’s When you walk in the room – it’s my current favourite car music, bright, happy, hopeful and makes the future seem to open up. Who could resist a song that has the line, “I can’t help it if I’m happy, can’t help it if I’m happy not to be sad…”
check it out: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0031G6WGQ/ref=dm_mu_dp_trk1
Matt Hanegraaff said...
July 27, 2010
Save You – Matthew Perryman Jones
Beautiful Things – Gungor
Here Comes The Sun – Yo Yo Ma & James Taylor
PS – I loved your breakout session at the Willow Arts Conference a couple of years ago.
Wendy Claire Barrie said...
July 27, 2010
I’m pretty sure you need some Bob Marley, though I am delighted to see you have the Beach Boys (I am, after all, a California Girl). I suggest “One Love”.
Sarah said...
July 27, 2010
Travel’n Through – Dolly Paron
Chasing Pavement – Adele
Let’s Get it Started – Black Eyed Peas
Paul Williams said...
July 27, 2010
I have always been fond of Land of My Fathers” for some inspiration and perhaps a road trip!
Sarah said...
July 27, 2010
A few more suggestions…
Where is the Love? BEPs
(for when you are making each other crazy – about mile 800)
People Get Ready – Eva Cassidy or Bob Marley
Speed of Sound – Cold Play
When the Stars Go Blue – The Corrs with Bono
Beat It (Fall Out Boy with John Mayer
Ring Them Bells – Bob Dylan
Sweet Dreams – Eurythmics
New Day – Griffin House
Blessed to Be A Witness – Ben Harper
Million Voices – Hotel Rwanda Soundtrack
Are You Gonna go My Way – Lenny Kravitz
Whatever Gets You through the Night – Los Lonely Boys
Extreme Ways – Moby
Rockstar – Nickelback
Shine Your Light – Robby Robertson
Gimme Some Loven’ – Spencer Davis Group
Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen
Beautiful Day – U2
Days Like This – Van Morrison
Be Thou My Vision – Van Morrison
Hand It Over – Keb Mo
Vivaldi – Madolin Concerto in C RV 425 1. Allegro
Vivaldi – Concerto in A for Guitar, Violin, Viola & Cello
Dancing Queesn – Abba
Knowing Me, Knowing You – Abba
Hard Days Night – Beatles
One – Mary J Blige
Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitude – Jimmy Buffett
I Feel Lucky – Mary Chapin Carpenter
Viva La Vida – Coldplay
Knock’n on Heavens Door – Warren Zevon
Something from the Gypsy Kings or Buena Vista Social Club – you’ll need some Latin flare.
Your favorite from The Mission soundtrack.
Kristi said...
July 27, 2010
Nickelback – If today was your last day
Every Day Woman – Emerson Drive
Terri said...
July 27, 2010
Andrew Peterson’s Counting Stars–the entire album. You won’t be sorry! Have a safe trip!
Anne Thatcher said...
July 28, 2010
Albums:
Traveling Wilbury’s
All the Road Running (Emmy Lou Harris and Mark Knopfler)
Etta James Greatest Hits
Chill out in Paris- Disc 1
Songs:
RESPECT – Aretha Franklin
South African National Anthem “Nikosi Sikelel’i Afrika”
Dragonsti Din Tea- O-Zone
Wind of my soul – Cat Stevens
The Mountain Song – Vertical Horizon
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy- Andrews Sisters
Daphne- Django Reinhart
Upside Down- Diana Ross
Acapella:
In this Heart: Sinead O-Connor
Non Nobis Domine – Henry V Soundtrack
Humor:
The Young Lutheran’s Guide to the Orchestra: Garrison Keillor
Chocolate Cake for Breakfast – Bill Cosby
The Same Thing Happens Every Night – Bill Cosby
The Elements (Periodic table set to “I am a Modern Major General) – Tom Lehrer
Rick Lyons said...
July 28, 2010
Wow…this is a fun idea. Just a few to add – LA Woman – Doors may be the best highway driving song of all time. You’ll be going about 95 near the end! Need some Steve Earle – I Ain’t Ever Satisfied a good choice (no editorial comment here!), Ashley Cleveland seems to be missing from your list – maybe her live version of Gimme Shelter? B52′s Deadbeat Club another good driving tune (again….no editorial suggstion meant!) plus if you add Love Shack the whole fam will start singing!, The entire The Band Rock of Ages album….you may even take the long way with this one on! Mary Chapin Carpenter Stones in the Road and the new one The Age of MIracles good additions. The Beatles remastered Love album that was done for Cirque du Soleil. And lastly, the entire 2 CD set of Peter Gabriel’s Secret Garden live tour…Well….maybe The Byrds version of My Back Pages as you pull into the driveway…Friend, you’ll be missed…please keep in touch and let’s visit the next time you’re back for a visit. God Bless and Safe Travels, Your Friend in Christ, Rick
Lynn Vander Elst said...
July 28, 2010
Welcome to Franklin!
Andrew Peterson’s Queen of Iowa and Michael Card’s album, The Hidden Face of God.
Bonne route!
David Kuo said...
July 28, 2010
Road trip songs?
Walking in Memphis – Marc Cohn
Miles Away – Marc Cohn
Walk on Water – Marc Cohn
I Wanna Be Your Lover – Prince
I Would Die 4 U – Prince
Two Princes – Spin Doctors
Sir Duke – Stevie Wonder
Hello Hurricane – Switchfoot
…maybe whole album
I’m So Paid – Akon
Thank U – Alanis
Stayin Alive – Bee Gees
Gotta get some Springsteen in there too…
ok, enough.. have fun.
Stephanie Dalton said...
July 28, 2010
Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts
Megan Joy said...
July 29, 2010
Johnny Cash – The Man Comes Around
Selah, Jason Crabb & Adam Crabb – Ain’t No Grave
John Fogerty
Dan Holland said...
July 29, 2010
Jackson Browne – These Days
God bless you my old friend. My how time flies. And while I haven’t seen you, or spoken with you in many years, your impact on my life (and my heart) is still felt to this day.
I wish you much love. And grace. Lots of it.
michael said...
July 30, 2010
Henryk Górecki – The Symphony No. 3, Op. 36
Kristin Vigard – Slave to my emotion
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Higher Ground
Mark Heard – Second Hand
David Sylvian – Let the Happiness In, Ghosts
Jane Siberry – Hockey
Peter Z said...
August 1, 2010
Surprized “Little T&A” by Keith Richards didn’t make the ride.
Cool Springs Jen said...
August 3, 2010
U2 – Where the Streets Have No Name
Welcome to Franklin! t’s a beautiful area to live and work.
Aaron said...
August 4, 2010
A quick glance through my library has mined these tunes out:
American Hearts – A.A. Bondy
Belle – Al Green
Bear – The Antlers
Ill With Want – The Avett Brothers
Everlasting Light – The Black Keys
Lenny Bruce – Bob Dylan
Anything off of Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen
Hang You From The Heavens – The Dead Weather
Anything off of Either/Or – Elliot Smith
Oliver James – Fleet Foxes
Hounds of Love – Kate Bush
Closer – Kings of Leon
Drunk Girls – LCD Soundsystem
Search Me – Mike Crawford and his secret siblings
Sigh No More – Mumford and Sons
Cry on Demand – Ryan Adams
Anywhere I lay my head – Tom Waits
The Kids Don’t Stand a Chance – Vampire Weekend
Tupelo Honey – Van Morrison
I am trying to break your heart – Wilco
…Too many songs, I need to stop the list here