Pick up the new Eminem CD and a small collection of gangsta rap. Whenever you approach a small, sleepy town, roll down the windows and turn the volume and bass up REAL HIGH. Bob your heads like you're really enjoying it.<BR><BR>See how many strange looks you get.

<BR>Entering Marion, by John Forster (album title song). <BR><BR>Its about taking a roadtrip in Mass and ``entering'' a buncha different towns. He is kinda thrilled at first, but then ends up filled with self-loathing, but in the end, comes back to Marion.

Singer/songwriters from N.E: <BR><BR>Richard Shindell <BR>Dar Williams<BR>Jonatha Brooks <BR>Vance Gilbert<BR>Cry cry cry<BR>Arlo Guthrie <BR><BR>

Second sn's recomendation for Wilco, but with the proviso that Yankee is their least accessible album. So for new listeners on a road trip...it just depends on your taste in music. Very roughly speaking, the new Wilco is somewhere between Talking Heads and Woody Guthrie...country prog (emphasis on prog).<BR><BR>Anyway, Wilco are America's best working band, for my money. Their albums "Summerteeth" and "Being There" might make for better traveling music. If you can find mp3s anymore (Kazaa maybe, or Limewire) try "I'm Always in Love," "Shot in the Arm" and "Far, Far Away" for representative songs from these albums.<BR><BR>The new Elvis C. is great too, but the songs come alive a bit more in concert. Not sure I fully agree with the mix of the studio album (lead vocal is too "up front")<BR><BR>Local favorite are the Nields, now dissolved, or Nerissa & Katryna Nields who continue on as a folk/country acoustic act. Try "Love Me One More Time" - the best country song I've heard in a looong time.

Moonlight in Vermont! "Pennies in a stream, falling leaves, a sycamore, moonlight in Vermont..."<BR><BR>Weekend in New England by Barry Manilow:<BR><BR>Time in New England<BR>Took me away<BR>To warm rocky beaches<BR>And you by the bay<BR>We've started a story<BR>Whose end must now wait<BR>So tell me<BR>When will our eyes meet?<BR>When can I touch you?<BR>When will this strong yearning end?<BR>And when will I hold you again?<BR>

I am surprised with all these Wilco fans and suggestions of Guthrie that no one has mentioned Mermaid Avenue by Billy Bragg and Wilco. This is a collection of previously unpublished Guthrie songs that his widow gave to Billy Bragg and Wilco to write music to and perform. It is an AMAZING, mellow album - great for the beautiful scenery in New Egland. I highly reccommend it.

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In regard to James Taylor and his home in Lenox...his new wife works for the Boston Symphony Orchestra which summers at Tanglewood (in Lenox). New home would be more like a [beautiful] necessity for them. I've been a JT fan since college when no one even knew who he was outside of the Boston area! Can't wait to buy his newest CD.

Yep, Sam's right, There are some great performances on the two "Mermaid Ave." albums. I omitted mentioning them partially b/c B. Bragg isn't my cup of cider - the Wilco songs on vol. 1 are brilliant though: "California Stars" "Hesitating Beauty" and "One by One" are my faves.<BR><BR>Just to clarify re. the Nields - they live in Northhampton, Mass., which is a fantastic little college town, and before that they resided in various places in Connecticut and around NYC. The most recent album by the Nields sisters is called "Love and China" and is a collection of mostly strong songs, including the aforementioned "Love Me One More Time". <BR><BR>Another great band, The Scud Mountain Boys, are no longer together, though Joe Pernice is still recording as a solo artist and w/t Pernice Bros, but their album "Massachusetts" is full of great Yankee folk angst - perfect for October driving through the NE. It's a creepy but lovely album that always makes me think of dying by exposure. The title track is my favorite on the album.<BR><BR>One more (driving is my fave time to listen to music, so I've got some opinions to express on the topic): Elvis Costello made an album of cover songs in mid-90's entitled, "Kojak Variety". A lot of his fans diss this album, but I don't know why. Elvis C. gathered some fine musicians, including a couple from Elvis P's old backing band, and cut a better-than-the-origial version of Dylan's "I Threw It All Away", a hilariously good take on the Supremes "Remove This Doubt", and a song called "Must You Throw Dirt In My Face" - I don't know who performed it originally - that is the perfect song for midnight driving.<BR><BR>Enjoy!

The Bands Big Pink album Paul Butterfields Fathers and Sons and Bob Dylans Nashville Skyline.