Bet you didn’t know there were so many artists out there taking the old classic rock sound you love and putting a new spin on it. Lucky we’re here! If you’ve got a Muscle Car, Street Rod, or maybe an El Camino, you’re in for a treat. (Treat still enjoyable even if you’re driving something not so exotic – we promise).
America is home to a driving culture unlike any other. Wide open spaces, and more miles of road than you could shake a stick at. Unlike most other countries, our borders are distinctly different, and far, far apart. With this comes an impressive variety in cars, races, shows, and driving environments.
Muscle Cars are a special breed; and both the Hot Rods that came before them, and the Street Rods that followed, have a long and rich history. A lot changes over the years. Paint jobs, what kind of engine you’re allowed to put in a car, speed limits, the amount of grease in your hair, and how beat up your leather is.
Music changes, too. The old lays the foundation, and the younger generations appreciate what came before, learn from it, and create a new kind of art entirely their own.
That’s what the beauty of this playlist is to us. Much like how an old Ford Model-T can be swanky and faster than lightning with the right modifications, new life can be breathed into old music:
Car lovers form a friendly community bonded by their love of classic vehicles. Sometimes it’s down-home and family friendly, others it’s rowdy and a little risky. We like to think that’s the best part about this culture.
The birth of the legend of Route 66 marks America falling in love with the driving experience. And it should come as no surprise that California, home to some of the best car shows in the country, was the birthplace of this environment. LA was surrounded by dry lake beds that made for good race tracks. Even better, some of the suburbs became designed for cars before pedestrians, which just might be the best thing ever.
Hot Rods, Street Rods, and Muscle Music oh baby!
Hot Rod was sometimes used in the 1950s as a derogatory term for any car that didn’t fit into the mainstream. But the 1960s brought the rise of the Street Rod – a mostly family-oriented phenomenon. Since it was now possible to buy a Muscle Car that didn’t require the effort of building oneself, Street Rods became the outlet for enjoying a good leisurely drive, while Muscle Cars took over racing right where the Hot Rods left off.
Lucky for us, we live in a world with hundreds of thousands of songs available right at our fingertips. Driving is a lot more fun when you don’t have to listen to commercials and you get to control the show.
We started this playlist last week, and are continuing by adding 10 new songs — a mix of the old and new, meant for feeling that good old-fashioned swagger, driving fast down empty roads. Our friends at Graveyard Carz are certainly experts in this if anyone is, and we continue to be inspired by them. Dance, Mark, dance.
So let us take you on a journey with this playlist inspired by the freedom of the open road. Letting yourself feel just a little wild, and not forgetting that anyone can be a badass.
This week’s additions:
- Superstition – Stevie Wonder ~ There’s a time and a place for Rock & Roll. There’s also a time and a place for a funky beat, so find your groove and dance along with this one.
- Love Is Mystical – Cold War Kids ~ Combining blues and indie rock, with a soulful approach, the Cold War Kids are known for putting on one heck of a good show.
- Bust A Move – Young MC ~ Try singing this at the top of your lungs and not have a great time doing it. Go on, we dare you. It’s not possible.
- Glitter & Gold – Barns Courtney ~ Not all that glitters is gold, but Barns Courtney makes a good case. Another British singer-songwriter who’s benefitted from opening for Ed Sheeran, this guy combines sensitivity with old-fashioned foot-stomping moodiness.
- Life Is A Highway – Rascal Flatts ~ We know, it’s close to corny. But it’s not quite all the way there, so we feel free to enjoy it.
- Parachute – Chris Stapleton ~ Last week we mentioned Chris Stapleton, but you heard nothing from him. Here’s the songwriting master himself.
- Hellfire – Barns Courtney ~ Is it just us, or does this sound like the theme song for a Dodge Hellcat?
- Lullaby – Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes ~ Your kids might not be able to fall asleep to this one. Frank Carter is no new-comer, and his “full-bodied, hard-hitting punk rock” is a joy to experience.
- Hook, Line, & Sinker – Royal Blood ~ Got a lover? Want one? Careful what you wish for. They just might get ya — hook, line, & sinker.
- Amsterdam – Nothing But Thieves ~ This band started small, but they are mighty. This might be a recurring theme for us, supporting the underdogs. We like to think it’s a good thing.
If you have a song you think we should add, use #MOPARMuscle to let us know, and enjoy!
We look forward to the summer car show season. If you have a car you want to show and don’t know who to trust with its care, look no further than J&S Transportation. Honest, with an emphasis on good communication, we hope to have the pleasure of transporting your beauties this season.
Take a listen to our playlist, and as always, let us know what you think or suggest new songs to add using #MOPARMuscle on Facebook and Twitter.
Follow us on Spotify here. https://spoti.fi/2r4yhmy
Dance Mark, dance:
