In my recent corporate incarnation, I’ve begun carpooling. Not only am I filled with an incredible sense of environmental responsibility which would make Al Gore blush, but it also makes the 45 – 60 minute commute more interesting with a few coworkers along for the ride.
My two coworkers are pretty cool and we generally have a lot to talk about, but a commute with other people can be uncomfortable and even awkward. Strange silences mixed with repetitive talk about the weather and how weird traffic is, can get very old.
Thank goodness there’s a radio or CD player. Of course these distractions can bring up some more questions: What should you play? What type of music do these people like? How much compromise should I give? I mean, it is MY car.
I’ve compiled a play list which runs just under 60 minutes which should work out really well for the drive into work. This play list is centered around my musical tastes and obsessions at the moment and some are standard indie fare. If you don’t like the songs I’ve chosen, too bad. Granted, you can substitute most for similiar songs, but seriously… you shouldn’t have to. Assuming your colleagues aren’t as musically savvy as you are, you can educate while they learn. Please Note: This is the Indie Rock version. You’ll be able to gauge the success or need for a different genre if you get a poor response.
A soundtrack for the way to work (The Indie Rock Version)
Nico – These Days : A great lead off song. Soft and lilting with a hint of interesting weirdness. They’ve probably heard this song somewhere but can’t put their finger on it.
The Velvet Underground – Sweet Jane : Another build up song. It has a great groove and gets every one’s spirits up. Plus, if there is some knowledge in the car, you’ve proven your knowledge of indie history while not alienating the n00bs.
The Shins – Know Your Onion : Everyone loves The Shins now. This track from their first album as The Shins shows you’ve known them before Natalie Portman told you too, or you at least listened to her. (Modest Mouse could be added here as well, as they are getting very popular these days, or so I’ve been told)
Band of Horses – The Great Salt Lake : I’m pretty obsessed with BoH right now, so I just wanted to hear this song. It’s a good morning song, plus it’s hard to understand what the song is about. There might just be a conversation in there somewhere.
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin – Oregon Girl : “Wow, this songs pretty good. Who is this” “Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin” “You sure do listen to some crazy bands…. Can you burn this for me?”
The Islands – Swans (Life After Death) : Weird and wonderful, but pleasant enough for even the most horrible morning person. It’s also over nine minutes long with a crazy classic rock guitar break at the end. This will be a very telling song as to the preferences of your riders.
The Arcade Fire – No Cars Go : Everyone loves The Arcade Fire now, plus it’s CanCon. Although this track is on their latest album, Neon Bible, it first appeared on their EP. Is it history if it’s only a few years old? Either way it’s inviting for rock radio listeners but also holds a tiny sliver of indie cache.
The Decemberists – 16 Military Wives : Now we’re building up for the horror that is the work day. Plus, Colin Meloy’s voice and speech impediment will at least make a few people laugh.
Deerhoof – +81 : Ok, you’re almost at work. It’s time to get a bit more strange. You need to keep your mystique a bit, right? Deerhoof. Awesome. (The Flaming Lips could work here if you don’t want to freak them out too much.)
Well, that’s it… these guys either won’t talk to you or can’t wait for the ride home. If they say “Do you have any hip-hop, country or classic rock?” tell them to wait a couple weeks.
Next week however, we gotta get you guys home!!
