I admit it. I’m going crazy. The only things keeping me moving along and getting the important things accomplished before our trip are postcards from abroad and music to keep me jamming. So here it is, the travel music that I blast on 11 when I need that uplifting moment to remind me why we do the things we do.
This will take you from the slums of Havana, Cuba to the upbeat gypsy-esque music by Ukraine born Eugene of Gogol Bordello. If you’re looking to start the day right, with a bit of wanderlust on your mind, please give this a go. Get out of your cubicle, go for a run, do a little dance, but most of all, get upbeat. There is a whole big world out there and there is no reason that you can’t have that world brought to you for a little relief. We’re almost outta here, right?!
The list is quite lengthy, but I assure you it is worth the listen.
Buena Vista Social Club – Chan Chan
Gotan Project – Epoca
Giulia & los Tellarini – Barcelona
Gipsy Kings – Bamboleo
Slavic Soul Party! – Sisko’s Blues
Thievery Corporation – Facing East
Gogol Bordello – Wonderlust King
Flogging Molly – Drunken Lullabies (Live)
MIA – Galang
Chemical Brothers – The State We’re In
*Yes, from the Lost in Translation Soundtrack
Yann Tiersen – Comptine D’ un Autre Ete
*From the Amelie Soundtrack
And of course:
Bob Marley – One Love
Music is the soul of life. It is common sense that music should accompany the wide eyed traveler through their adventures. Everyone needs music for traveling.
Woohoo! Many of my favorites listed here, plus new material for me to love. Great list!
This is a fantastic list! “Come With Us” was a killer album. Chemical Brothers defy my normal aversion to electronic music with ease. Check out “Star Guitar” if you haven’t heard it. Few things I’ve never heard on here, gonna listen!
Love the list, especially Gogol!!! Now I’m gonna be singing that all day!
Oh I love music man and these are some songs I had never heard of. Thanks for sharing this. I may be using one of these in the future for an idea I have brewing and should be coming out very soon.
Nice collection of music! I’m assuming the waiting is the thing that’s driving you bonkers? I feel you 🙂 I’m going through the exact same thing.
Glad to know we were both working on music posts!! Some great picks here, and some I’ve totally never heard of. Thanks for sharing!!
Aah thank you for this Erica! You have no idea how dreadfully sick I am of my iTunes. I have 24 days worth of music on there and I can never find anything I want to listen to! And I’m a big believer in listening to music at all times – it’s the soundtrack to our lives, ya know?
Thanks for posting the songs right on your site btw! Makes it much easier!
Love Buena Vista btw 🙂
My suggestions:
The Only Living Boy In New York – Simon & Gafunkel
Long As I Can See The Light – CCR
Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad – Moby
Thunder Road – The Boss (I’m from Jersey can’t help it haha)
Most of the Temper Trap “conditions” album
Otis Redding – These Arms of Mine
Okay that’s all i could think of off the top of my head. 🙂
The 1st 4 and the last one are some of the greatest songs EVER!!!
You just gave me a good dose of awesomeness! Had already heard some of these songs and I love them! A few new that I’m liking! 🙂
Great music! I am listening to all of it today and it brightens a long day of work… If we can cheer you up while you’re waiting to hit the road – we’d be happy to send you a postcard if you email us your address 🙂 Dani @Globetrottergirls
I have heard Epoca so many times but never knew the name of the song or the artist. Great list. Listening to these right now….
time flies whenever i listen to Bob marley
Impressive picks! I’ve only heard of like 4 of these bands/songs… I better check them out 🙂
Nice!!! Alright, I’m blasting these tunes next time I get antsy about waiting for our trip to begin. Oh wait, that’s right now!
@Katrina: Thank you! I had to cut the list in half due to it getting to epic proportions!
@Evan: I’ll definitely check it out. I’ve loved Chemical Brothers for quite some time now. The weird thing is that the song actually played while we were in a bar in Japan. Total mind trip.
@Pedro: HUGE Gogol fan. I’ve seen them twice and almost made a road trip to New Orleans to see them at Voodoo Fest – unfortunately my funds did not allow me to do so – regardless, seeing them twice is still pretty good. 😛
@Jaime: Awesome! I’m glad I can help out with a bit of inspiration!
@Jill: Yeah – I’m totally going crazy waiting for us to leave soon. I mean, we have less than 60 days. So close but so far away!
@Phil: I was tickled pink that you also decided to do a music post. Something must be in the air!
@Lauren: If you ever want to talk music, I’m your gal. 😛 Thank you for your suggestions as well… even if Otis Redding has now been in my head for 2 days.
@Andi: I just love them dearly.
@Norbert: Glad I could help out!
@GTG: I will totally hit you up with that. It is so awesome when I get international mail! 😀
@Tran: Be careful – some of these are addicting!
@Zablon: Bob Marley reminds me of sailing in the Caribbean. Such a wonderful thing!
@Leslie: Thank you! I have a wide range of tastes when it comes to music. I had to edit down my list substantially lol.
@Kim: I had to do that yesterday. I had one of “those” moments where I got annoyed at things at home.
Awesome selection! I’d also suggest a little Brazilian music to go with the mix. Bebel Gilberto & Marisa Monte are two of my faves. And, a little Fado from Portugual — Madredeus, Misia & Mariza are all awesome.
@Sally: Why hello there! I’ll definitely check those out. My iPod needs a little refreshing by now!
Enjoyed listening to these! Already a fan of Vicky Christina Barcelona & Amelie soundtracks, and Gipsy Kings. Going to iTunes to download a few more now.
@Cathy: Thank you! I have to have music to get me through the day.
beautiful! at the start i was thinking, WTF?! the first few have been on repeat at our house over the years! would you believe that francisco’s family hung out with buena vista s.c. in cuba when his dad was minister of latin american affairs? loved the couple i hadn’t heard too- great list lady!
@Lorna: Buena Vista has been on my playlist for quite some time now. I fell in love with them the first time I ever heard them. I’m kinda jealous about Francisco’s fam. How amazing to be influenced by such amazing artists. *swoon*