It would be just foolish to start an 18-hour road trip without an up-to-date iPod – yet both Mila and I put the musical responsibility on each other only to find ourselves in Susanville, Nevada (with 300 miles still to go) listening to the same songs over and over and over again. We fired off a quick (desperate cry for help) email to our resident lululemon mix master, Alexis, and she hooked us up with the ultimate #vannaontherun playlist. Here’s what we’re listening to:
official #vannaontherun playlist
st. lucia – closer than this
I swear Jean-Philip Grobler (the man behind St. Lucia) selected his band’s name to confuse people, leaving them to helplessly navigate Carribean-themed randomness in order to find his music. It’s worth the trouble, I promise.
twin shadow – five seconds*
Twin Shadow’s debut album in 2010 hinted at big things to come. That time is now….this is easily one of the best songs of 2012. It only gets better with every listen.
m83 – reunion
I have troubles describing this song without swearing. When “Reunion” starts, I get more stoked than a frat boy during frosh week. That’s right kids, STOKED.
little dragon – ritual union
Their front woman has the most interesting voice in pop since Nina Simone. The hook and beat on this song are infectious. Your part in all of this? Trying not to press ‘repeat’ 20 times in a row.
the naked and famous – punching in a dream
Everybody knows “Youngblood,” TNAF’s well, famous song from last summer. What none of us realized at the time was “Punching In A Dream,” the even-cooler track gracing the very same album. Get into it.
vacationer – trip
Speaking of dreaming, big road trips can be tiring. Pull on over, play this little ditty and relax. You’ll be having the sweetest dreams you could hope for in no time.
major lazer – get free (featuring amber of the dirty projectors)*
The sexiest and most dramatic pop track since “Heartbeats” by The Knife (no really). High praise, I realize, but completely justified. The only part that is kinda tough is thinking about Major Lazer performing the song without Amber…it just doesn’t seem right. Sync those tours, my friends!
passion pit – take a walk
Any group that starts by the lead singer making his girlfriend a tape of music as a Valentine’s Day gift definitely has their heart in the right place. Put it on and pump it up.
reptar – orifice origami
Do you love Vampire Weekend? Meet your new favourite band.
summer heart – i wanna go
If The Beach Boys came out in 2007 and lived in Ibiza, this is what it would sound like. This song was pretty much made for sunsets.
wintersleep – nothing is anything (without you)*
This is a perfect road-trip tune; catchy and poignant lyrics coupled with a melody made for campfire sing-along’s complete with guitar strumming and friendships. Plus, Wintersleep is from the Maritimes, which automatically makes them awesome (it just does).
the temper trap – trembling hands*
I’ll be honest, when I heard that The Temper Trap were going for anthemic, politically-tinged music, I got nervous. After all, this dude is the closest thing our generation is going to get to the Fine Young Cannibals! I wasn’t sure at first, but “Trembling Hands” has been steadily growing on me.
*this song is not available on iTunes (sad day) but was too awesome to leave off this list – hey, if there’s a will there’s a way and we’re sure you’ll find a way to get it.
