Firstly: Thanks to my friends for all of your input on the driving songs. It was fun building a list from your suggestions, plus a few of my favorites.

It’s in no way conclusive; that’s the fun thing about playlists. I’m sure the second I post this I’ll think of another hundred songs to go on it. With that in mind, please do not waste your time sending me posts about all the songs that should have made the cut! I know, I know.

And, so… the reveal:

Mama’s Trippin’ (Ben Harper)
This song will be track 1 on any drive list for me, simply because it was the song on the radio the day that Kristy went into labor with Sydney, and I was stuck in traffic! The irony of the lyrics in that moment (“Daddy’s slippin, and mama’s trippin) continue to bring a smile to my face.

Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay (Otis Redding)
Classic stuff! Great choice from my buddy Jenn, who also happens to be the winner of the iTunes card! Congratulations. It was quite the unique process of elimination, using piles of contest names, a tabletop, and a quarter. Now you can buy all the Otis Redding your soul needs.

Pride & Joy (Stevie Ray Vaughan)
Gotta give props to my friend Ben for this one; in fact, we have lots of music styles in common. Even if you hadn’t sent this I would still have it on there, though – it’s too good! This also made my Seattle half-marathon playlist of 2008, and will probably creep onto most playlists I make.

Ready Fuels (Anberlin)
Anberlin is a great band, and despite the question I always get when I mention them (“Who?”), they continue to make great driving rock music. Ready Fuels does it, and bonus: They are great to play air guitar or air drums to. Er… outside the car, of course!

Beautiful Day (U2)
Sunny hopeful rock from our favorite Irish arena packers. Thanks for the suggestion, Chara! Although I must confess, I wondered if I hadn’t posted a U2 song if people would have broken down my door and arrested me. How can you not have U2 on a playlist?

Lord, Save Me From Myself (Jon Foreman)
Jon Foreman makes great introspective folk-rock-stuff. He’s way better known as the frontman of Switchfoot, but I love the solo work he’s done. This is the kind of song you play while you sit in the driveway, the defrost on. Great thoughts.

Weapon Of Choice (Fatboy Slim)
My old buddy Camron (MC Cambo) offered two Fatboy Slim songs, and they were both great, but it spurred me on to a third:  Weapon Of Choice, one of my favorites, and a great one for midday in town traffic. Plus images of Christopher Walken dancing… well, if you know what I’m saying, then you understand.

Friday I’m In Love (The Cure)
Great song. The tempo is great for open roads (50 mph) and freeway onramps. It’s a great driving song, but sometimes it gives me the distinct impression that I’m in a “coming-of-age/finding-out-who-you’re-real-friends-are/realizing-you-love-the-girl-next-door” type movie.  Or an 80’s John Cusack casting call. They’re kind of the same thing, I guess. 

Smoothie Song (Nickel Creek)
Personal choice. This also happens to be one of the better running songs around. Try it.

Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes (Paul Simon)
Love me some Paul Simon. Ben offers Paul Simon, I can’t say no. Since you chose the Graceland album, I had to go with Diamonds… the drums are great for steering wheel tapping.

Thanks for all the suggestions! Hope to see you on the road.