I’m still pumped after attending the San Diego Adventure and Travel Show with my friend, Ruth, this weekend. My head is spinning with ideas about places I want to go, experiences I want to have and stories I want to write.
So, since the theme of this week’s Twisted Mixtape Tuesday is “Your Choice,” I kind of had to go with travel songs.
On a Tuesday in Amsterdam Long Ago by Counting Crows
I love Counting Crows. And I have soft spot for Amsterdam after my family’s adventures there inspired the post that helped me win Blogger Idol, which you can read here while you listen to the song — although they’re, uh, not quite the same mood.
Mother Russia by Renaissance
Well, this song will date me but Renaissance was great and I used to listen to this song and Ocean Gypsy endlessly. Also, we visited St. Petersburg a few years ago and spent an eventful morning at the Hermitage which almost caused an international incident. I’ll save that for another post.
Viva Las Vegas by Elvis Presley
I’m sorry but I had to. In 2001, my husband and I renewed our vows in Las Vegas for our 20th anniversary. Our kids were young and had no idea why this guy in a white jumpsuit was singing to us and shaking his hips. It was awesome.
Ohio by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
This song is so powerful and so defining of a specific time in history. Plus, I was recently introduced to an amazing 14-year-old filmmaker who created a short documentary around it. You can watch it here, and then you’ll wonder why this song wasn’t called Four Dead in Ohio instead.
Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out On Broadway) by Billy Joel
As a New Yorker, this song always hit home to me. I still find it reassuring to hear “they said that Queens could stay” since that’s where I grew up. Because “they sent a carrier out from Norfolk and picked the Yankees up for free,” it seems appropriate to feature this today, which just happens to be Opening Day in the Bronx. So play this song — and play ball!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I’ll be in San Diego in 2 weeks SQUEEE!!!
I have SO many songs that invoke certain memories or take me back immediately to a certain place. That’s what I love about music.
Lois Alter Mark says
Ooh, let me know if you need any San Diego recommendations!
Sheryl says
Wow, the memories these bring back! So visceral.
Lois Alter Mark says
I know! It’s fascinating how music can put you right back into a specific place and time.
Lisa J Jones says
Isn’t It Funny How A Certain Song Will Come On & Remind You Of A Certain time In Your Life, Memories It’s A Beautiful Thing!!
Lois Alter Mark says
Yes! Music brings back so many memories!
Sarah @ Thank You Honey says
Love your mix tape! What a great idea to remember fabulous trips. Hope you have a good week!
Lois Alter Mark says
Thanks so much! You too!
Deanna Ritz says
I love love love music and love the fact that when you hear a song it can take you back to the moment that something special happened. A song can bring back sad and great memories. I love running to music that lifts me up!
Lois Alter Mark says
I totally agree. The power of music is amazing.
Sandra says
I love listening to older songs and my kids laughing at me for belting it out. Classics!
Lois Alter Mark says
My kids just roll their eyes at this point!
Shauna says
There is this one song that was played during our ‘step’ test at the beginning of every semester in HS. I don’t remember what it is called but every time I hear it, my heart starts pounding… ha
Lois Alter Mark says
Ha ha! That’s hilarious! I wonder what song it is …
Pam says
I love how music can bring back memories of certain events or places! Most of my favorite songs remind me of wonderful moments.
Angel The Alien says
You’ve got some real variety there! I never heard any of them before. The “Mother Russia” song is my favorite.
JenKehl - My Skewed View says
This is a great mix and a great theme! I love your choices. I used to not be able to listen to Ohio because I over empathize and the lyrics would make me cry. Who am I kidding. I still don’t listen. But I appreciate it none the less.
I used Miami 2017 in my Epic Songs list. LOVE that song so much!
I am so glad you came back, I hope you join us again before the break, but I promise we’ll be back!
Ruth Curran says
That Renaissance song…. Oh put me in the way back machine and I am smiling so deeply!! Love your list.
Love dreaming together Lois!
Debbie Denny says
Love how certain songs just take you back!
Brett says
Isn’t it funny how one song can bring you someplace special??
Ps you travel a lot!
Trisha says
I love your picks, especially Viva Las Vegas! I really liked watching the video!
Diane @ Philzendia says
Interesting selection. all of these songs are new to me so thank you for sharing.
that cynking feeling says
Cool theme. I’m totally stealing this idea when mixtape returns!
amy says
I love how music can take you to a totally different time and place than you are in!
Dawn Lopez says
What a fun post, I love a good song! I’ve never heard of the San Diego Adventure and Travel Show but it sounds like a heck of a good time!
Cynthia L says
What great songs. I love Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and enjoyed listening to it. There are some great songs on your list.
Liz Mays says
The show you went to sounds really fun! I love Counting Crows too. I saw them in concert once and they were pretty amazing.
Maggie @ The Love Nerds says
What fun songs! I do love Billy Joel and some Presley!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
Ah, I must live in a bubble – I haven’t heard of any of these before! LOL!~
Kelly says
Miami 2017 always gave me the chills, once I stopped to actually, really listen to the lyrics rather than just the music.
Ohio is another chilling favorite.
Amanda A says
I agree how music is a gate to our soul. I can listen to some songs and they take me back to places an times that are so meaningful.
Amy says
Counting Crows ia always on our music list when traveling! There are just so many amazing songs! Hey Elizabeth is a great one too!
Aly Mashrah says
I wish I was old enough to know these songs. The only one I recognize is the one by Elvis!
mommy2jam says
I love music and I love how it triggers memories. thank you so much for sharing, Now I am singing away.
Danielle says
Oh my gosh, I forgot how much I love the Counting Crows! Thanks for the reminder 😉
Michelle Liew says
A cool mix, and we never go wrong with Elvis!
Stephanie says
Billy Joel looks like a baby in that video! He and Elvis!! Love them.