22 April 2010

Joy Ride

::  J  O  Y   =   A    T  H  R  E  E    L  E  T  T  E  R   W O R D   ::
Today is Earth Day. So what could be more fitting than a blog topic that pays homage to a gas-guzzling carbon-emitting German vehicle, eh? Eeghads, sorry for the poor timing... While I can't take any credit for the Joy Is BMW campaign, (not to be confused w/this site http://www.joyisbmw.com Zing!), nor am I a BMW owner or advocate, I do love the campaign. The brand essence is woven so smartly into the messaging: Joy is Youthful  |  Joy Breaks the Mold  |  Joy is Timeless  |  Joy Can Be Counted

Driving is joyful-in any vehicle. It's euphoric and what we pine away for in our pre-license years. I've been blessed to own some crazy fun cars: Mazda RX-7 (a black '82 and a white '90) and my fave, my Alfa Romeo Milano. Windows down and/or sunroof open: even on the highway; even in the winter. For me, the equation is simple: car = music. Driving w/music an enriched experience. This playlist is a spin-off of the High Octaine playlist I created for valslist. The Joy Ride playlist below is a broader mishmash of tunes perfect for the quick trip to the Kwik-E-Mart or for driving for the sake of aimless driving moments. Actually, this post's offering feels more a mixtape than playlist. Enjoy + let me know where it takes you (physically or mentally). Save travels. Always ~Joy

California Soul (Diplo Remix)
Marlena Shaw
Damn, can she belt out this tune. Love the exaggerated intro. If you live in a metro area w/city-bound tunnels, I suggest cranking this tune upon exiting one as you enter the city as it has an "I. Have. Arrived." crescendo vibe. 

Lust for Life
Girls
I wish Girls had named this song otherwise, as I fear it gets passed over as an Iggy Pop remake. As you will hear, it's far from that. This is a quintessential tune for heading for a fun night out. Oh, wait for the background dudes and tambourine to chime in near :52--wonderfully campy. Poignant lyrics-easy to dismiss given the melody. Don't. 

Fire
Kasabian
Just love the giddy-up, lolly-gaggin' preamble in this song. Then :56 kicks in and BOOM: You are on fire, Kasabian-style. Enjoy this 4:14 inferno.

Dissembler
Woodhands
(new readers, a gentle reminder: joy = nerd)
Aside from the awesomeness of this song, the song title's syntax lingers w/me:  "Dissemble" as a noun vs verb...? Hmmmm... Regrouping: I always sing along w/this song while driving. Woodhands is self-billed as an electronic/pop/psychedelic duo so their LP title, Remorsecapade, is fitting. Want more? Check the video. It captures the awkward frenzy of the tune beautifully:



Id Engager
Of Montreal
I'd sing this song as well if I could reach the falsetto pitches Of Montreal's frontman, Kevin Barnes reaches. Not gonna happen. Ever.

Morning Exercise
The Heavenly States
This is a good morning song. The piano gets ya movin' along. This tune is for when you're still in your neighborhood, and happy. Def pre-expressway. You know what I mean.

Native Son
The Judybats
A throwback to my days at Witt. For many years, I always thought they were singing, "Major Tom" in the opening lines (as in my mind he was the 'native son') Shades of Cher Horowitz, no doubt.  ;)

Come Together
Primal Scream
Loads of bongos + percussion. Great tune for a sun dappled drive. This song is a big hit w/my soon-to-be 7 yr old son. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree, eh? Amen.

Shout Out Louds
Tonight I Have to Leave It
If Robert Smith of The Cure and Poi Dog Pondering got together, this is what they'd sound like.

Take Your Momma
Scissor Sisters
This is a last minute addition. I heard this song while driving in this morn, so am adding it. Felt like a great fit nestled twix the SOL's + Joan. And since it is the weekend, I do encourage you to take your Momma out. I sure wish I could.

Right Hand Man
Joan Osborne
Turn up the volume, Friends, as I'm kicking it into high gear. Ms. Joan take it away...

Windseeker
Mr. Quibble
Aside from my belief that Mr. Quibble sounds like a Mrs. Quibble, I dig the tune. (tiny chuckle)

Itza Trumpet Thing
Scott Harris vs. Simon Toogood
I've a penchant to end my posts w/songs that linger. I love this one as it's 7 minutes of jazz brass + techno goodness. Hope you do too.

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Oh, I wish I had a suntan
Oh, I wish I had a pizza and a bottle of wine
Oh, I wish I had a beach house
Then we could make a big fire every night
Instead I'm just crazy, I'm totally mad
Yeah I'm just crazy, I'm fucked in the head
And maybe if I really tried with all of my heart
Then I could make a brand new start in love with you


~ Lust for Life by Girls
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