Here's the idea...

In my universe, there's no better thing than when you're listening to music with perfect timing. I'm not referring to some sort of perfectly timed rhythm section that rattles off metronomic beats nor am I referring to that perfect 3:00 length to which all pop songs should aspire. I'm talking about those moments where a song seems to understand either the gravity or the frivolity of your current mental, physical, and/or emotional situation. Where music ceases to be background and becomes a co-focal point. When I'm pissed off about a girl and Bob Dylan sings "Don't think twice, it's alright"... When I'm driving on a shitty, rainy day and anything off of Low's "Things We Lost in the Fire" comes on... When I'm running and the hand claps start in "Rosalita"... Those perfect moments? That's what music means to me. It's all about those times when your gutteral connection to the material is at its most profound and raw.

So what is it exactly that I'm trying to say here but am obviously obfuscating for dramatic effect? A few weeks ago, I heard a friend complaining about a long drive that was going to take her through multiple states and promised to be cripplingly boring. Given the fact that I am... in fact... a bit of a list maker/dork, I immediately (not hyperbole... this was actually my first thought) suggested making a playlist for each state through which she would drive. Not just artists from the state or songs about the state, but music that really captured the way the state would FEEL. She acknowledged the coolness of the idea (humoring me? probably) but did not seem all that disposed toward taking the concept and running with it. So rather than let such a brilliant idea wither on the vine like so many bottles of Crystal Clear Pepsi I've decided to undertake this task myself. So for the next... well... long time, I'm going to make a playlist inspired by each of the fifty states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, following the order in which the state entered the union (really just so I can maximize my time thinking of Sarah Palin jokes for the Alaska mix).

Cool right? I know. I thought so too. Get ready Delaware, time to throw down.




*They should... I mean I love Hey Jude as much as the next guy but couldn't you do without about 4 minutes worth of "Na na na nas?"