Travel Tunes

Crank up the radio as you groove to your vacation tunes.

Whether you decide to road trip with friends or family, take a scenic train ride, or fly over cities and states to your desired vacation destination, you need a solid arsenal of sound to act as your own travel soundtrack. Check out these new releases along with some of my personal favorite excursion tunes to get your inner deejay going.

New Discoveries:

1. “Love Sex Magic (feat. Justin Timberlake)”—Ciara
This is off of her newest release entitled Fantasy Ride [RCA/Jive Label Group, 2009]—dancing with the girls instantly came to mind upon previewing the album. “Work” feat. Missy Elliot is a close second favorite—who doesn’t love a new “One, Two Step”-esque Ciara and Missy collaboration track?
Ciara (feat. Justin Timberlake) \”Love Sex Magic\”

2. “Shimmer and Shine”—Ben Harper and Relentless7, White Lies for Dark Times [Virgin Records, 2009]
You probably know Ben Harper best for his smile-inducing “Steal My Kisses.” This is an optimistic, morale-boosting track—so even if your hair frizzes, you and your vacation buddies will still want to groove to this song.

3. “Coast of Carolina”—Telekinesis, Telekinesis! [Merge Records, 2009]
One of the most popular tracks of Telenkinesis’ debut album, this track is light and fun, a very “wanna get away?” solution song, and perfect for packing a garment bag and heading out!

Travel Album Archive—these tunes have lived on my iTunes playlists and are so worth adding to your shuffle.

4. “After Hours”—We Are Scientists, Brain Thrust Mastery [Virgin Records, 2008]
5. “Saturday Morning”—Eels, Shootenanny! [SKG Music, LLC, 2003]
6. “Life in Technicolor II”—Coldplay, Prospekt’s March (Bonus Video Version) [EMI Records, 2008]

The Virgins at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, Calif.

7. “Hey Hey Girl”—The Virgins, The Virgins [Atlantic Recording Corp. & WEA International, 2008]
8. “Time to Pretend”—MGMT, Oracular Spectacular [Sony BMG Music Entertainment, 2008]
9. “You Only Live Once”—The Strokes, First Impressions of Earth [Sony BMG Music Entertainment, 2006]
10. “80s Joint”—Kelis, Step Up (Original Soundtrack) [Zomba Recording LLC, 2006]

Setting aside your chosen music technology or travel group, challenge yourself to create your very own “iMix.” Just remember to enjoy your break from the daily grind and relax!

- Samantha Blake