the perfect playlist -catherine van tatenhove

I've just spent the past week in a remote community in Talamanca, Costa Rica and with that came 4 flights, 2 layovers, one unexpected 7 hour delay, and a 12 hour bus ride beginning in the city and ending in the jungle. Needless to say I've had ample time to listen and consume myself in music. I am a huge fan of music. I am constantly finding and sifting through all genres and all styles trying to become fluent in the language that is music. So, without further to do this is my must have perfect travel playlist. 

1. Float on- Modest Mouse 

The infamous hit featuring Isaac Brock's iconic screams and upbeat tempo is beloved by many and with good reason. My brother, Cooper, was my first exposure to modest mouse and immediately following my first taste of what then was nothing I had ever heard before I began researching them and was struck by the sheer scale and range of their music. However, as it's clear from the title float on remained one of the most joyful and passionate songs they had produced. Thus, remaining one of my all time favorites as well.  

2. Future People- Alabama Shakes 

2015 was an incredible year for the music industry. It consisted of releases that sparked controversy and questioning contrasting with others that were purely aw inspiring. Sound & Color by Alabama Shakes was among these. Brittany Howard's deep soulful voice mixed with her unconventional approach to each song broke through in every detail of every song on this album. And, for me Future People exemplifies all of these pieces perfectly. So, when fearing for my life in the jungle of Costa Rica it's never a song I skip because I instantly feel calm and, well, aw inspired. 

3. Where the Streets Have No Name- U2 

Cruising through the twisting canyons of Nevada and Utah with none other than my 7th grade science teacher, Mr. J, and my closest school friends we reached a point where Mr. J quickly changed the song as we rounded a corner revealing the gorgeous mountains just ahead. We were glued to the seemingly perfect rock formations when we heard it. The quiet rifts that slowly swelled into what still is one of the most sentimental and important songs to me. The lyrics resonate with anyone traveling and searching for an escape from the mundane quotidian  routine of life. This song is probably the most fitting for the playlist as well, seeing as not only are there not street names in Talamanca there

aren't even any streets. 

4. White Winter Hymnal- Fleet Foxes 

At first listen the song sounds true to it's name. It's a short beautiful piece that is addictive from the get go. Regardless, even closer listens reveal the violent nature of the lyrics. Why this is on my travel playlist I don't know. But, I do know that it's one of my go tos for trying to block out turbulence because it's soothing but intricate all in the same stroke of a brush. 

5. Dance Yrself Clean- LCD Soundsystem

Listening to the live version of LCD's last concert in MSG affectionately known as the long goodbye even for the 6th dozen time I feel the emotion. This song in particular opens the show and you can practically hear the built up anticipation leaping out of the artist's throats. It's upbeat and danceable and when faced with a 12 hour car ride it not only gets everyone attention but people can't help but start vibin' to it. Therefore, here it sits on the last but still equally deserved position on this playlist. 

Obviously I listen to more than those 5 songs, and if I put together a true playlist it would be over 200 songs (this isn't hyperbolic I speak from experience) but, regardless there are some honorable mentions that just didn't squeeze into the top 5 but  I LOVE these five and if they can get me to Talamanca, a place not even on most maps, they are sure to carry you wherever your travels may take you.