Daniel Oines/Flickr Creative Commons
Hoo WEE! If this subject doesn’t cause arguments the world over, I’m not sure what will. Heck, I just got finished blaring some Eagles on my last trip. (Yes, RV Nana knows how to rock). Let’s face it though, when you have miles and miles and miles of road ahead of you it really helps to have some good music playing to help occupy your mind while the miles and the hours roll by. It used to be that you could tune in the AM radio as you drove across the country and get a real taste of the region you were driving through, but in these days of broadcasting consortiums eating up local radio, hearing those distinct accents and regional music styles is getting more and more rare. If you’re lucky you’ll still stumble on some real gems like Alfred Vrazel on KMIL 1330 AM based in Cameron, TX, who has been hosting the Vrazel Polka Hour for the last 60 years, or KCFJ 570 AM in Alturas, CA, which broadcasts old-time radio shows and, in the last 10-15 years or so, news stories from China.
So today I thought I’d add some suggestions for music that’ll help take your mind off the miles. My first suggestion would be to consider film soundtracks. I say that for a couple reasons, first of which is that soundtracks are designed to help you visualize actions, mood, places, etc. when you hear them, plus if you’ve seen the movie you’re natural inclination is to think “Oh yeah, he was about to kiss her during this part” or “Aw man, this part was so tense” and sort of watch the movie in your mind as the music plays. Two really good travel soundtracks (in my opinion) are “Music By Ry Cooder” which is a compilation of his various soundtracks, and “The Professional” by Eric Serra. Both of those albums really help the miles pass and are largely instrumental. If you prefer music with lyrics, might I suggest either albums with stories in them like “Red Headed Stranger” by Willie Nelson or “The Wall” by Pink Floyd. If you’re looking for something more up-to-date check out Jason Isbell’s album “Southeastern”; he is a master of telling stories in every song.
Hope these suggestions help make the road-time seem shorter, and the only other suggestion I have is to click this link for any parts and accessories y’all may need!