Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Music on the Road

We listen to a lot of music while driving around. Sure we all have our own MP3 players to catch up on NPR podcasts and personal preferences, but we also listen to a bunch of music collectively. Below is a sampling of just some of the music we've been listening to on this trip and on several of our previous road trips.

'Stop Making Sense' by The Talking Heads

This is actually the soundtrack of the film by the same name. Directed by Jonathan Demme in 1984, the movie is in some ways a live concert of The Talking Heads in their prime, but it really is a spectacle both visually and aurally far beyond that. Below is an excerpt from the film. We cover this song 'Psycho Killer' and another classic Talking Heads song from later in the film, 'Burning Down the House'.







'Graceland' by Paul Simon

Paul Simon's 1987 masterpiece includes hits such as 'You Can Call Me Al'. Though we do not cover any songs from this album (yet), I'm sure we will soon. This is also my shameless plug for the hilarious music video featuring Chevy Chase. Enjoy!











'Steam Powered Aereo Plain' by John Hartford

This is not an easy album to find. I think we actually listen to a cd that was copied from the original record. Anyway, we cover the title track from this record. If you've never heard of the late John Hartford before, look him up. He's was (and still is) a bluegrass music legend and a satirical trouble maker.












'August Roads E.P.' by Red Tail Ring

Red Tail Ring is actually a local act from Kalamazoo, Michigan, but their music, which is heavily inspired by John Hartford (see above) is absolutely intoxicating. There are only 5 songs on this E.P. but they should have more music available on their website: www.redtailring.com. Only two people in the group, but it is perfectly tuned and balanced progressive-bluegrass music. If you like Nickel Creek, you should check these guys out.