Songs To Suit Your Ride; The Music You Should Be Listening To While Driving
It’s always a little uncanny when someone cruises by with their music blaring, but the melody doesn’t quite fit the model they drive. The tunes we listen to and the cars we drive are an expression of who we are, so it stands to reason that there should be some commonalities from one group to the next. From the classiest of the classical to the redneckiest rockers, let’s take a look at the genre of music that fits the personality of the cars we drive.
The Classiest Of Classical
The heavy rumble of a powerful V12 can be heard six blocks away, and the intimidating largeness of a Rolls Royce glides up the street like a banshee in the night. The window goes down, and from it, you hear the ominous violins that seem to jockey for position behind the brass section of Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries. Or, perhaps, the crescendo of Tchaikovsky’s musical take on the history of Russia in the 1812 Overture, complete with cannon fire. The passenger - because if you’re going about in a Royce, you probably have a driver - should play something as timeless and powerful as the car. Unless, of course, you’re John Lennon.
If classical isn’t your jam, perhaps our next choice for something with a little more down home would suit you better.
Big Country, Unnecessary Truck
If these folks had the modesty or taste to listen to real country, their truck would be as well worn as their jeans, and we’d be hearing some Hank Snow or even some classics from the man in black. Instead, their F-150 on a three-inch body lift (that looks like every other F-Series in a ten rural block radius) is pumping out canned country hits like Toby Keith's Red Solo Cup - since that particular brand of country boy life is just as uninspired as the music that follows it around. If you want to stand out from the jacked up plaid of country life, why not shake it up a bit and buy yourself a blue Tacoma instead.
The Hippy Dippy Driver
She might not jump like a Willys in four-wheel drive, but the Vee-Dub Micro Bus has a substantial legacy of taking folks on magical mystery tours stretching back through the 60s and 70s. Though, I can’t help but feel that it might be a bit more comfortable hopping and bopping to the cheery guitar stylings of Jerry Garcia than the Fab Four. A staple of deadheads and dog-toting mystery solvers, when that bus comes, you just know someone’s going to mellow out. It’s hard to be aggressive when your vehicle is the poster child of the love revolution. But, that’s just like, my opinion, man.
If you’d prefer something with a bit more attitude, then carry on to the next one, friend.
The Highway Star
Back in 1972, Deep Purple gifted to the world what is arguably the most significant road trip record ever recorded - the iconic Machine Head album. Featuring blistering solos and powerful rhythms that push the foot closer to the floor with each bar, this album deserves to be played through an equally powerful machine. Period pony cars cruising down the interstate pumping out over 300 horses like the Firebird, GTO or Challenger make excellent companions to this album, though it can be enjoyed in any car that gives a surge of power when the solo to Highway Star comes screaming through.
If you’re feeling something a little more mellow, our next musical cruiser might be up your alley.
The Jazzy Jalopy
Once quoted as being “kryptonite for dance,” polyrhythmic jazz deserves a vehicle just as abstract and obscure as it is. I suspect the Davis D-2 Divanor the Buick Electra to be the primary mode of transport for folks who listen to this schizophrenic genre of music.
For fans of smooth jazz or that big band swing featuring a single rhythmic line, something refined yet full of life fits the bill. Something classy but spirited, like a Mercedes C or even S-class, fit nicely with the smooth stylings of Duke Ellington or Charlie Parker. There’s just something inherently right about cruising down Broadway Ave in a ‘68 Cadillac DeVille convertible with Glenn Miller’s In the Mood or Benny Goodman’s Sing Sing Sing ringing out.
If jazz is much too crazy and you're too young for the blues, our next genre might just be more your style.
Heavy Metal Motorin’
Showing up to a gig in mum’s van is always a touch embarrassing, but what are you going to do when it’s the only vehicle that will fit your band’s gear? Crank up some Children of Bodom or whatever it is the kids are listening to today and cruise around through all your friends’ neighborhoods, so they know you’re cool. Bonus points to those kids who save up their candy money to buy a ‘91 Corolla for $300 and drop another grand on a stereo consisting of just subwoofers. Remember, if it’s loud enough, it won’t matter that the lyrics are indistinguishable and your car is shedding parts from the constant rumble of the bass.
We have another youthful character coming up in our next slide!
Electronica Civic
Perhaps it’s the unnaturally low stance that got these cars stuck, or that they don’t have enough juice from the alternator to power the engine and the light display that would make Home Depot blush, but they always seem to be grouped in parking structures and never actually on the road. They pump out electronica and dance music like they’re hosting a private rave, which they may as well be with the wall of speakers that has replaced the back seat. These cars are usually heavily modded Scions, Civics or Subarus, but domestic brands aren’t unheard of.
Our next one is probably more your Pop's style than yours.
Your Daddy’s Truck
This is your daddy’s country cruiser. The old work truck has seen more time in the fields than most cattle. The front end is as boxy as the rear with only a touch of a slope, mud on the tires and hay still in the box, it’s his favorite tool. Your Pa can tear it down and rebuild it with the same ease he can recount the lyrics to One Piece at a Time. That truck’s been a trusted friend since Johnny played Folsom Prison, and it'll still be here when the man comes around.That's our rundown of the soundtrack to our cars. From old and new country for bombing down dirt roads to underground EDM in underground SRXs, where do you find yourself on this list?