If you’ve yet to set foot outside of Moscow, you are long overdue for a roadtrip. Not all car trips are exciting. Sometimes you’re heading somewhere boring, say Boise, perhaps. Since eight hours of sagebrush countryside can get a little samey, here’s a playlist that is a bit different.
“Paint it Black” – The Rolling Stones
In this, guitarist Brian Jones hangs up his mainstay instrument in favor of the twangy strings of a sitar–an instrument more commonly found in classical Indian music. A different kind of trip was probably involved in the making of this song.
“Drain You” – Nirvana
Among other things, this song is characterized by the musical stylings of an aerosol can, chains and a squeaky rubber duck.
“Good Vibrations” – The Beach Boys
The high pitched sounds in this #1 hit are made by a device called a theramin. The device makes sound when a person runs his hands over the electric field it generates. In other places, it is used to create eerie sounds in low budget horror flicks, but in this song, it creates chills of a different sort.
“Wherever I May Roam” – Metallica
Speaking of life on the road, this song will take you there with the hardcore accompaniment of a 12-string bass and an electric sitar.
“The Lumberjack” – Jackyl
Some guitarists can really shred. Lead singer Jesse James Dupree plays a friggin chain saw. As part of the live stage show for this song, he slices up a wooden stool and throws the bits into the audience.
“Love is the End” – Keane
Perfect for a rainy trip down a forsaken bit of lonely highway. The musical saw adds a haunting backdrop.
“Memphis Shakedown” – Carolina Chocolate Drops
Band member Rhiannon Giddens is destined to go down in history as the Hendricks of the kazoo. She completely destroys on an instrument that is otherwise only reserved for the sort of party favors that exist solely to annoy parents.
“Hurdy Gurdy Man” – Donovan
The unique droning on this track is made by a tambura, a long-necked plucked lute more often found in music from the subcontinent.
“Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport” – Rolf Harris
Watch your speed mate, ‘cause you are liable to go flat out like a lizard drinking while listening to this one. The woop-woop-woop sound is made by a wobbleboard, which is basically a piece of masonite.
“Tomorrow” – U2
You don’t have to drive all the way to Ireland to hear the distinctive sound of the Uilleann pipes. If anyone asks when you are coming back from your roadtrip, tell them you will be back tomorrow.