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.

- Some driving songs are thoughtful and mellow (reflective ride)

- Some are fun and upbeat vacation songs (family singing along!)

- And yes, some are definately driving and rocking (get to work!)

The question for the day: What are your driving songs? Throw me a couple – either comment on this post or email me at beezerboyd [at] gmail.com.

I will pull from your songs, post the list, and randomly choose someone from the final compliation to win an iTunes card – so you can load up on your own driving playlist! Go for it! I’ll wrap up the contest and post the results by next Wednesday.

The downside is that this same week Buddy & Julie Miller have released a beauty of an album full of American alt-country-soul:  Written In Chalk.

Fans of Krauss and Plant’s Raising Sand will appreciate the Miller’s offering:  well-crafted songs, great stripped down grooves, and some seriously beautiful moments.

The guest appearances of EmmyLou Harris, Robert Plant, Patty Griffin and more help round out a great album – one you might miss if your eye is only on the horizon…

Book – Touch, by Rudy Rasmus

The pastor of St. John’s in Houston has written a powerful book chronicling the life of St. John’s; really it’s also an extension of his own life and experiences.  Touch is formatted in a way that anyone would enjoy, while also lending itself to being a great leadership book.

While reading it, I keep coming back to the words of Jesus, about those who have been forgiven much, loving much.  I was encouraged and challenged by the fresh and compassionate way Pastor Rudy looks at people.  Three reads in 2008 wasn’t enough it seems; I plan on cracking it again this year

Album – Gossip In The Grain, by Ray LaMontagne

I’m always on the lookout for albums that really capture me, make me stop and say, “Yep. That’s it.”  And while that hasn’t seemed to happen in a while, when I heard Ray LaMontagne’s Gossip In The Grain, there it was.  Since Trouble, I have really enjoyed LaMontagne’s stripped down, well-written tunes.  On Gossip In The Grain, he adds to the sound, including horns and background vocalists, taking it in a fuller direction, while keeping it centered around good bluesy, folksy (how many annoying adjectives can I insert?) songwriting.

For me, it’s still about his voice (smooth yet rough – however that works; velvety sandpaper?) and the emotive feel of the songs.  Comparisons to Nick Drake or Joe Cocker are easy enough, but the guy has his own thing going.  If you only buy one CD this year… well, you know.

Movie – Be Kind Rewind, by Michel Gondry

I thoroughly enjoyed Be Kind Rewind, a movie by Michel Gondry that slipped in under my radar until I spied it on the rental shelf.  Intrigued by the picture of Jack Black and Mos Def riding a VHS cassette, I grabbed it.

I could give you the whole synopsis, but a quick Google search can give you that.  Or just rent it.  Now.  I know that for me, it was refreshing.  It had some really funny scenes, but the everyday feel of it was what I enjoyed most about it.  The storyline has a way of bringing you into the movie itself.  I chose this movie as my 2008 fave because it was just plain enjoyable.