Travel Music

So back in 2007 I randomly flew to Hawaii on a whim to try to get on the film "Tropic Thunder". I bought a plane ticket on July 5th and flew away the same day. I only had a few hours to grab what I needed. I grabbed some clothes, a friends gps and an ipod shuffle. It was one of the free giveaway shuffles that could only hold around 20 songs so I had to choose wisely. I decided to go with an album I hadn't heard yet - Paul McCartney's Memory Almost Full. I flew to Oahu for the interview. The day of the interview I realized I was on the wrong island, which might have granted me the award of most stress ever from a person visiting Hawaii. So, I made up some bs story and pushed the interview 3 days as I hopped on a plane to the right island - Kauai. Went to the interview and after some promising calls eventually didn't end up with the job. Meanwhile, during the 2 weeks that was my adventure in Hawaii, I was listening to Memory Almost Full. Now, even three years later, that album is and will forever be linked to that trip. When most people think of Hawaii they think of surfing and palm trees. I think of a British guy's album about the winter years of his life. Completely random but I love it.

Anyways, I thought that I'd post my suggestions for great songs to bring with you on your next journey. Here are my top 10:

#10 - "Red and Shine" by Blue States - This song must be played in that moment where it hits you that you are somewhere far away and you love it.

#9 - "Snow Spectrum" by Seekae - Play this song when you are lost in nature and you will be at peace.

#8 - Any Siqur Ros song - Seriously...any of them. They can make anything 10 times more epic. Chilling at the Great Wall of China? Cool. Chilling at the Great Wall of China with Sigur Ros playing? Amazing.

#7 - "Ever Present Past" by Paul McCartney - It's Hawaii for me, what is for you?

#6 - "Long Time Fish Pie" by Seekae - I imagine that this song would be a really great companion if you were lost in some Asian country. Try it out and let me know.

#5 - "Look to Your Laurels" by Blue States - If life were a film, this would be in a redemption montage scene. It wouldn't be over the top like Rocky but it would still be just as inspirational.

#4 - "Happy Up Here" by Royksopp - Such a poppy song that screams night out in Europe.

#3 - "We Are The People" by Empire of the Sun - This song has such a dreamy sound that I can't get enough of. I love the break in this (the part right after chorus). This song reminds me that I am young.

#2 - "World Citizen (I Won't Be Disappointed)" from the Babel Soundtrack - This song is the perfect song to listen to if you are far far away and alone. I'd prefer to hear it in a Japanese cigar/jazz bar at night.

#1 - "Allies" by Blue States - This song is in queue for my next inspirational films ending. It just hits you. It injects you with this amazing euphoria and makes you feel like anything is possible. Definitely check out this artist.

Top 5 Travel Movies

So do you need a little extra motivation to travel? After you watch one of these movies I think you'll already have bought your ticket.




#5 - 180 South

This one was just released and is available on instant view with Netflix. It's a documentary about a guys journey from southern California to Patagonia, Chile. He takes a sail boat all the way down there to climb the legendary Mount Fitzroy. There are some seriously beautiful shots in this film and the soundtrack was written by The Shins which really adds. A serious must for any adventure lover.



#4 The Art Of Travel

This is a small little movie that probably not a lot of people have seen. It's about this guy who drops everything in his life and jumps on a plane to Central America. Along the way he meets some interesting people and has an incredible journey traveling all the way to South America. This is one of those coming of age films but with travel. Although it can be a little rough around the edges (it's low budget), it's still a must for anyone who is stuck in a 9 to 5 job that they hate. Live vicariously through this movie and you'll understand why films like these are so good.



#3 - Vicky Christina Barcelona

I loved this film. I am a huge Woody Allen fan and he blew me away with this one. Sure, this movie might not be "realistic" but isn't that why we travel? To escape realism and find that fantasy? That's why I travel at least. This movie will make you want to visit Spain.



#2 - The Beach

Danny Boyle may be my favorite director but that does not make me biased. This is the ultimate travel movie. Although the second half kills the fantasy aspect of it, I still must recommend this film. It may not be a popular choice, knowing how everyone bags on it, but the locations are beautiful. I love what the main character Richard is all about and how he describes most tourists - people who travel far far away to sit in their comfy hotels and watch reruns of American television. Watch it!



#1 - Lost In Translation

I wish I could have amnesia for this film so I could relive the first time I watched it over and over again. This film is a masterpiece. If you haven't seen this film...GO OUT AND BUY IT NOW! And buy it on Blu-Ray. Buy yourself some Asahi, get some sushi and turn this thing on. Bill Murray gives his best performance since Groundhog Day and Scarlett Johansson gives her 2nd best (Ghost World can't be topped in my book). This movie is so hard to explain in a few words. It's more of a feeling. I can't begin to describe it but it's number 1 so watch it now. You'll want to visit Japan and do karaoke after watching this.