I've been thinking about the five-hour car journey I make next Wednesday from Salt Lake City to my mother's town. I'll probably get up early, go to the gym in the hotel, eat breakfast, catch the shuttle to the airport where I'll pick up the rental car. Then, I'll figure my way out of the airport and onto the interstate.
But how will I keep myself entertained for five hours? What music should I bring? Should I buy some talking book CDs? Once I'm out of Salt Lake, it's pretty ho-hum so I need something to spice up the ride.
So I'm asking for some suggestions. What would be some good road music or books? C'mon, give me some ideas.
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15 comments:
Even if you've read Harry Potter, the audio books are really quite something. Jim Dale (I think that's his name) does an outstanding job with them.
I like Modest Mouse (only the last 2 albums) and the Arcade Fire for driving music.
Good luck. 5 hours is a long time.
Ann beat me to it! I was gonna suggest harry potter, for the whole family!
One of the games I play while driving, is going through the alphabet via licence plate numbers with oncoming vehicles or I'm passing. Look for an A in a number plate first, then B, then C, etc. See how long before you get through it all.
books on tape.
totally.
though frankly when i drive, i like being alone with my thoughts.
I like upbeat music that I can sing along to in the car. Preferably something familiar so I'll know most of the words. A few of my stand-bys are "Hotel California" and anything by the Beatles, but especially "Revolver" and "Rubber Soul".
If you go to Smiths - or on amazon I guess - tehre will be loads of audio stuff. how about some Victoria Wood? She'll bring a smile to your face.
Actually, since you've been in the UK a while, the radio stations will be playing different music so that might keep you distracted for a few minutes.
If you have time, and the technological know-how, why not download/upload your favorite songs from way back and put them onto CDs. Then make a fool of yourself by singing at the top of your voice or head-banging. (Not that I do this.) There may even be not many people on the road to worry about anyway.
A five hour drive? Pick the happiest (so far) decade of your life and line up the music, roll down the window, and "sing out Louise!"
Having spent a lot of time driving across the expanses of the U.S. where it is quite possible to run out of radio stations (!) or just not be able to bear listening to what they have to offer, definitely take some alternatives, I always like something I can sing along to. Safe journey!
- On the Road Again, Willy Nelson
- Legs, ZZ Top
- Can't Find My Way Home, Blind Faith
- Angel from Montgomery, Bonnie Raitt
- On the Road Again, Canned Heat
- Toward the Horizon, Carrie Newcomer
- Miles from Nowhere, Cat Stevens
- It's Friday (I'm in Love), The Cure
- Top of the World, Dixie Chicks
- 25 Miles, Edwin Starr
- Go Your Own Way, Fleetwood Mac
- Hell in a Bucket, Grateful Dead
- I've Been Everywhere, Johnny Cash
- 30,000 Pounds of Bananas, Harry Chapin
- Let the Mystery Be, Iris Dement
- Simple Twist of Fate, Joan Baez
- Jug Band Music, Lovin' Spoonful
- All Revved Up with No Place To Go, Meat Loaf
- Dock of the Bay, Otis Redding
- 500 Miles, The Proclaimers
- I'm in Love With My Car, Queen
- Radar Love, Golden Earring
- Love Radiates Around, The Roches,
- Hot Rod Lincoln, Ry Cooder
- Where the Streets Have No Name, U2,
- I Can See for Miles, The Who
Rinse and repeat. Works for me.
Obviously, I have too much time on my hands. :-))
I've just spent the morning catching up on your blog. I regret being away so long as it is a terrific read. You've had a bit of a bums rush so far this year with your hubbies job, doggy prolems and now your mother. Families eh? You are right to be so angry at your sister - she should be more spportive.
All the best and safe journey there and back.
One of my favourite bands is The Cars, and appropriately I often listen to them whilst driving, or U2 "Achtung Baby", anything by Robert Plant or The Rolling Stones (obviously).
For really long trips I'd go for books every time, the more complex the better.
Harry Potter?
Blackadder on cd. Brilliant stuff for car journeys.
Normally, I like to listen to Katie Melua, but she would send me to sleep in the car. We usually listen to the Beatles or Status Quo, when trying to stay awake.
Please come to my tea party and pick up an award, when you have a second.
-ann: Never heard of Modest Mouse or Arcade Fire. I'll look them up. Harry Potter sounds good.
vi: I'll try that, but for part of the journey there won't be many cars.
laurie: I don't want to be alone with my thoughts right now, so books on tape (or disc).
kaycie: Yeah, those are some good ones.
flowerpot: Victoria Wood is a fantastic suggestion. Thank you.
expatmum: For the Utah part of the journey, the radio is OK, but as we get into Wyoming, it deteriorates a bit.
lady m: Welcome back! Yep, I'll look for the 70s then.
softinthehead: Thank you. I'll try to be safe.
career guy: I wish I had the time to put this list together. It's fantastic! Thank you. I'll save it for next time.
mob: I think my sister is in denial. My mother's always been in the background helping her out and I think sis is just plain scared.
swearing mother: I love U2. I got the new Robert Plant/Alison Krause CD. I might take that.
iota: I LOVE Blackadder. I'm off to find some now.
mean mom: Thanks for the suggestions and I'll be over as soon as I can.
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