You Have A Beautiful Five Hour Drive. What ONE Band/Artist Do You Choose?
In the world of streaming/Spotify, our attention spans have given way to listening to music that is reduced to singular songs. A generation ago, it was still more whole albums. That was a combination of how the music industry was and that the internet — with information overload — wasn’t affecting our brains how we process the deluge of stuff.
Unfortunately, that “affect” was all too real, and it was documented in this book.
Generally speaking, not only are we listening mostly to songs, but we are most definitely listening to much shorter ones. Few are putting on side 1 of Relayer.
But I am. And, so is probably everyone in the stoner/desert/doom community. We’re listening to whole albums, and the longish songs that are often contained within them.
What we aren’t listening to anymore is dysfunctional and toxic society.
So, let’s imagine you have this beautiful quarter-day drive ahead of you. Yes, you can have a passenger or two, but the assumption is that they will love you more for your choices. If they do not, they are not getting in the car. Or, at the very least, politely being let out at the next gas station.
For me, this is both an easy and difficult decision. For example, Led Zeppelin, who I love a lot, is not going to be up for consideration, as I have listened to their catalog umpteenth times. I think I could do three hours, but not five.
Again, everyone is going to have their own list here — which is what makes listening to music so great!
Here is my list, which I am proud is a combination of contemporary and classic bands. I have also included an album from each band.
Thin Lizzy.
Zero hesitation. It’s my favorite band of all time. There is zero erosion of their catalog. Any excuse to listen to them endlessly — and a relaxing road trip is one of them.
The Black Rainbows.
Simply put their nine albums on in order, and let’s go. This Italian trio has climbed up the ranks fast over the last two decades. They also have some absolutely crushing long songs. If you don’t like this band, I would question your life choices. Seriously.
ZZ Top
70’s ZZ Top is just so chill with that Tex-Mex blues. It would relax me so much that I might get lost while driving — which would be so cool!
Speaking of which, we’ve lost that art — of getting lost.
Colour Haze.
An obvious choice with the fans of this genre. You’re going to lose sense of time and space.
The Beatles
Never a wrong choice. I mentioned the band over 50 times in my book, as I believe — everyone should believe — that all the amazing music being created today leads back to The Fab Four.
Ufomammut
Another Italian legend. My brain will probably have disintegrated after the drive is over, and an out-of-body experience while driving is not off the table.
Soundgarden
The only band of that generation/scene that makes the 5 hour cut. Deservedly so. Just play their albums in any order you want.
Heart
Unlike almost any other band from their generation, Heart put out some amazing stuff in the 21st century. They refused to be a jukebox band of 70’s hits. Also, their first album without Roger Fisher is criminally underrated.
The Hellacopters
Any band that put out two — not one — but “Cream of the Crap” compilations is gong to be flush with great music. For almost 30 years, this band has just churned out garage/punk with urgency and accessibility. Love this band more today than when I first discovered them in the previous century.
Pink Floyd
Duh.
Dozer
Duh.
The Rolling Stones
I will drive more than 5 hours here…
Domkraft
Not even on my radar 5 years ago. Today they are one of my favorite bands of all time. Warning: you will be numb for days.
Genesis
Could be an alienating choice. Too bad. Get in another car, or take the bus.
Monster Magnet
It’s not a car ride anymore. It’s travel by spaceship.
The Allman Brothers
I could put on this album on repeat until the journey is over.
Fu Manchu
Speeding tickets aplenty.
Black Sabbath
Sunil, did you suffer a brain fart? You’re just putting them in now!
High on Fire
Speakers will be blown before the ride is over.
The Tragically Hip
Some non-Canadian folks might not even know who this band is — which is what makes this choice even more special.
King Buffalo
Going out with one of the darlings in the scene. Like The Allman Brothers, every note these guys have written is crucial. Somebody else might have to take the wheel so I can be fully present listening to this incredible band.
This blog might be a living one, as I will update it from time to time. A list that will grow in both directions in time…:)
