Nastinos

The success or failure of any holiday or long trip abroad hinges on many things – Have I got my passport? Has the hostel/hotel been booked? Do I know where I’m going once I get there? Have I got enough money? – These are all very important issues, but one of the more crucial questions which can either have an adverse effect upon holiday vibe or enhance the experience is “What music should I take with me?”

Planning your holiday playlist is not a task which should be left to the last minute, like say, packing! Much care, thought, and attention needs to be invested in it. You need to think about the place you’re going to and match your choices accordingly. For example, if you are planning a trip to the top of a tall landmark like say the Eiffel Tower or Niagara Falls, then it might not be a good idea to have Van Halen’s ‘Jump’ suddenly blaring out of your headphones! Clearly Balearic grooves are more fitting for sun, sea and sand rather than a skiing retreat to snow-fettered mountains, for which something post-rock would perhaps be more apt. For a relaxing retreat, chilled-out ambiance is probably more desirable than banging party anthems.

The percussion and rhythm of a song can convey a sense of physical momentum reflective of your means of travel, which can make the experience of getting to your destination all the more enjoyable and relieve some of the stress from travelling. Most important to remember is that holidays are about escapism, a relief from the trappings of everyday life. Your music should reflect this. You don’t want to be listening to songs with strong home associations when you’re away trying to forget about everything.

Here are my ten essential summer travel tunes, all of which I will taking with me on my impending trip to the Far East:

The Knife – Heartbeats

Made famous by Jose Gonzalez’s not inconsiderable acoustic cover version, the original is pure feel-good summer vibes. Great pre-going out, whilst watching the sun go down to with a drink in hand.

Supertramp – Take the Long Way Home

This song breathes pure escapism. Its whistling harmonica and bouncing piano riffs conjure up the image of a long sun-drenched train ride.

Paul Simon – Graceland

This whole album is an undisputed classic, and with its prominent African influences, its musical exoticism makes it perfect for globe-trekking. The title track in particular with its rolling baseline propels you forward in both body and mind to your destination.

Belle & Sebastian – Ease Your Feet In the Sea

The title says it all really. Lie back on the beach, relax, and watch your problems drift out to sea.

Phoenix – Too Young

Phoenix have consistently made great pop songs for years now, and their latest album presents their most feel-good summery sound yet. This classic track from their first offering has become synonymous with iconic foreign cityscapes due to its ‘Lost in Translation’ association. Its insistent guitar riff shoots past you as you stroll down busy sidewalks to the staggered rhythm of its chords, contemplating its emotive introspective lyricism with a simultaneous sense of wonder and longing.

Thomas Dolby – Budapest by Blimp

From the first ethereal synth note, it feels like your floating on air. Look out of the airplane window across a blanket of clouds, and dream.

Joe Jackson – Steppin’ Out

An all-time favourite of mine, its unrelenting bass-line propels you through the nocturnal streets while the piano melody shimmers around you like bright white city lights.

Laptop – Nothing to Declare (Les Rythmes Digitales Remix)

Catchy pure electro pop fun, its comic travelling sentiments will keep you smiling while you’re forced to queue for hours through customs.

M83 – Kim and Jesse

Possessing ghostly vocals, and moving from moments of windswept desolation to pure euphoric melodious joy, this song transcends both time and space.

The Zombies – Time of the Season

A classic holiday romance song, it manages to simultaneously induce a sense of nostalgia for summers past and optimism for the future. Its unmistakable vocal-clap percussion style merely adds to its musical sensuality.

I hope you enjoy them! Keep checking back for my musical musings from Singapore and Malaysia over the coming weeks.