As this is the last issue of the summer edition of Street, it heralds, for many, an approaching departure from West Philadelphia. Be it a road trip back to whence you came or a transoceanic flight to exotic shores that awaits, time spent en route profits categorically from a kickass soundtrack. As a parting gift, I give you my humble suggestions for 52 minutes and 20 seconds of music to travel to.
1. "Bamboleo"
Gypsy Kings
In High Fidelity, Rob says of opening tracks on mix tapes, "you've got to kick off with a corker, to hold the attention." This song is an undeniable corker (I think, I'm actually not exactly sure what a corker is). Regardless, the Gypsy Kings can only kick off your trip right.
2. "Got to Give It Up"
Marvin Gaye
"Got to Give It Up" brings on the groove, gets you swaying in your seat a little bit. When he gets going, Marvin really cooks.
3. "Alright"
Jamiroquai
Don't let the lengthy intro kill your buzz, the groove is still on.
4. "Clean Living"
RJD2
This song bridges funk and atmospheric jams as only RJD2 can do. With its twangy base and sustained hand claps, you get the feeling of listening to something subtly melodic but decidedly cool in a cave.
5. "Breathe"
Telepopmusik
Turn it up and close your eyes, this French lounge music staple takes dance music and lays it down on a velvet sofa.
6. "Bohemian Like You"
The Dandy Warhols
If a bohemian is supposed to spurn conventionality in art and in life in favor of some superior and deeply personal understanding of truth and beauty, this song is probably not a favorite among the true bohemian set. It's too catchy to be unconventional, and The Dandy Warhols are too over-the-hill to be that cool. But for what it's worth, I want to be bohemian like you, too.
7. "New English"
Ambulance Ltd
Speaking of catchy, this song is a verifiable crowd pleaser. Its melody simply settles in, and its quick pace will keep you moving forward without glancing back.
8. "Float On"
Modest Mouse
A song that celebrates wanderlust- what could be more appropriate?
9. "The Idea of Growing Old"
The Features
Daisies bloomed, honeymoon suites with heart-shaped Jacuzzis were booked, and hopeless romantics everywhere let out a long, faraway sigh when this track was released. Sigh...
10. "Walk In The Park"
Oh No! Oh My!
Blithe as the last track, this one is an unapologetic head bopper.
11. "Anecdote"
Ambulance Ltd
Another plainly delightful Ambulance Ltd song to keep things moving along. "Anecdote" has a great build-up, let-down in the chorus ("baby if you only knew...well I don't think you do") that kinda keeps you on your toes.
12. "The Tide Is High"
Blondie
It's a tossup between this song and Paris Hilton's "Stars are Blind" for my favorite reggae song of all time, but Blondie came out just barely ahead. (Why is it that even "came out just barely ahead" sounds like innuendo when used in the same sentence as "Paris Hilton"?) While forays into Reggae from any other genre are typically pretty sad, Blondie can pull it off. Debbie Harry is such a sex kitten, she can easily purr over a back beat and make it work.
13. "This Must Be The Place"
Talking Heads
As a rule, David Byrne makes little to no sense whenever given the opportunity to speak. For the consummate example, see the "David Byrne Self-Interview" in the special features of the Stop Making Sense DVD. Yet this song rings true to all who hear it, because even David Byrne knows that home is where the heart is.
14. "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay"
Otis Redding
Time to cool off, this mix tape is coming to an end. Hopefully (hopefully!) this song needs no introduction or explanation, but I will say that I like it because it positively oozes contentment. And when in transit, what more than contentment do you need?
