For me, listening to music and travelling go hand in hand. No matter the type of transportation (boats/ships aside) or the distance to destination, I must absolutely listen to music. This has been the case ever since I was little; more specifically, when my parents got their first car after coming Stateside. It all started with listening to cassette tapes of Chinese (and the occasional Western) artists my parents love/d, some of which I came to love myself. That eventually progressed into listening to my walkman, then CD player, and then the ol' ipod.
While driving or being a passenger in a car, particularly, there's just something about watching the landscape pass me by, especially if it's accompanied by the perfect song. It may be the music, the lyrics, or both that make every turn, every place more...alive? So unmitigatedly indescribable. Regardless, there is nothing else like it.
Here are a few travelling favorites:
Nick Drake - Pink Moon
I actually discovered the music of Nick Drake from this commercial (my favorite), which pretty much sums up the point I made. I love listening to this, especially at sunset/night.
Iron and Wine - Naked As We Came
Mellow song that's perfect for travelling past less populated areas/farm areas or for a smooth drive.
Cat Power - The Greatest
For a cloudy or dreary day or when particularly thoughtful.
The Postal Service - Clark Gable
The beat of this song gives turns more of a whimsical feel and almost seems to push you forward. But I really added this because I love this song and especially this one lyric: "And I want life in every word to the extent that it's aburd."
Bloc Party - So Here We Are
Perfect for listening at night in a city or some place with a lot of lights in the distance.
