Rubber Meets Road - The Best Songs for Road Trip Playlists

Devendra Banhart - "Lover"

I don’t know who the guy in this video is, but I hope whoever he made this video for loves him A LOT! I think this is exactly what Devendra Banhart had in mind when he penned this wonderful song. It may be too happy for some, but for me it helps the miles slip by.

Chiddy Bang - "Kids (MGMT Remix)"

I love MGMT and after hearing Chiddy Bang’s re-mix of “Kids” I love him too. Check out Pretty Much Amazing to get the track and start the road trip off on the right foot.

TV on the Radio - "Wolf Like Me"

This band has been dropping gold for a long long time. This is just one nugget from TV on the Radio’s 2006 album. Road trip ready within the first five seconds.

Vampire Weekend vs. Mike Snow - "The Kids Don't Stand A Chance"

Vampire Weekend – Check
Mike Snow – Check
Filling the void where Postal Service used to live – CHECK!

I really like The Postal Service and was deeply saddened when I heard Ben Gibbard was “too busy” to make any more albums under that name. But thankfully Mike Snow and Vampire Weekend are picking up the slack.

Cut Copy - "Lights and Music"

From running to driving to cooking this song always seems to make into my mixes. Watch out for uncontrollable dancing while going down the highway at 70 mph. Cut Copy is not responsible for any accidents their beats may cause.

The Black Keys - Busted

Whenever this song is on in my car, I can’t help but open the windows wide and turn the volume way up.

Okkervil River - "Lost Coastlines"

Oh Okkervil River, if I was a girl I would swoon for you more than any other band in my iTunes library. When the second singer comes in at 45 seconds I’m completely hooked.

Lonely Island - "I'm On A Boat"

This lego video of Lonely Island’s “I’m On A Boat” is almost as funny as the song itself. This entire CD is pretty great for any kind of long or short drive (see also the Natalie Portman rap).

Modest Mouse - "Spitting Venom"

This video is from their performance at Red Rocks, but the songs sounds just as good as the recorded version. Clocking in at over eight minutes this Modest Mouse definitely helps you get a couple miles out of the way with a great song. The buildups, the lyrics, the dynamics… everything in this song brings out the music geek in me.

Matt & Kim - "Good Ol' Fashioned Nightmare"

I wish Matt & Kim were my next door neighbors so they could come with me on my road trip or watch my dog while I’m out of town. From the outside of my vehicle I probably look like I’m bumpin some big rap beats since this song makes me bob my head so fiercely.

Arcade Fire - "Wake Up"

I know this is a little old, but I still find myself singing (100% off key) through every second. Arcade Fire’s entire catalogue will easily get you from point A to point B.

The Modern Lovers - "Roadrunner"

Classic proto-punk road song!

Queen & David Bowie - "Under Pressure"

This came on in a random mix on my 11 hour drive today. It will come on again tomorrow during the next 11 hours, but this time it will be on purpose.