Music for Road Trips, aka Let's Play the Quiet Game

What to do when it's actually too cold to travel? Sit on the couch and try and figure out the top 20, wait no 30, nope... top 50ish songs we love to listen to on road trips.

We have thoughtfully and/or somewhat sporadically put together our favorite tunes to drive by and in some cases, just hold hands and let the music wash over us.

Some favorites to highlight:

Taking Care of Business by Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

Why? It's 2008 and Andrea's dad passed away suddenly and we're driving back from one of the many memorials when this song comes over the radio. The twins, then 4 years old, are nestled in the backseat of our 2001 PT Cruiser when Ian, our little guy, starts to giggle. Baffled by the sudden outburst of laughter in what was an otherwise somber drive, Andrea asks, "what's up, buddy?" Finally coming up for air, Ian smiles... "taking care of biscuits, that's silly!" And now none of us, fifteen year later can sing the original words.

Viva Las Vegas by ZZ Top

Why? Oddly enough, another funeral. Seems like there's a theme. Regardless, we're following the motorcade after Andrea's grandmother's funeral. Just the two of us and we had just endured a rash of somber, organ-filled hymns during the service. Ryan pops in a CD to lighten the mood. First song? Viva Las Vegas. Seemed appropriate, so we sang through it and a tradition was born.

The selection of blues on Ryan's list:

When Ryan traveled for work he found an appreciation for blues music through Blues Until the Sun Comes Up on public radio during early morning hours. Many years of missing time at home, driving long hours across the Midwest, and sometimes sketchy road conditions, the blues put life into manageable pieces until he got to the hotel for the night or home in Illinois.

So, kick back, turn it up and hit the road.