Roadtrip Mix: It’s An Art.

I’m a road trip person. Airport security freaks me out, and I just don’t have the desire to go places beyond a few days’ drive. I’d much rather just hop in a car and go. Rotate drivers and you don’t even have to stop until you get to your destination.

But, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from road trips, it’s this: music is key.

Making roadtrip mixes is really fun. You sprinkle in some classic belt-worthy tunes (think Bohemian Rhapsody) with low-key music you can talk over (Indigo Girls?) and some songs you want to rub off on your friends (seriously, listen to Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros).

The ipod has really enhanced the roadtrip musical experience. You get reminded of a song? Play it. You can make playlists as you go, tailor it to the trip during the trip. It is truly a beautiful thing.

But heaven forbid you have a friend with bad, or “different,” taste. For example, there is a limit to how many times I can listen to “Tiny Dancer” or “Sweet Home Alabama.” And if any Top-40-pop music comes on, Imma let loose. Real loose.

I’ve come upon a pretty solid way to organize mixes: by theme. The songs turn out surprisingly varied, and then you can have people guess your theme. Car game! Or break out the decades (make sure to throw in a 90s one).

Some suggestions for your next vacation:

-Ain’t Too Proud To Beg by The Temptations

-Sexyback by Justin Timberlake

-Lovefool by The Cardigans

-Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie

-Psycho Killer by Talking Heads

-Night By Night by Chromeo

-Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty