The Weight Is A Gift (Nada Surf, 2005)

Burtman's Notes:
A band with a playful energy and a lot of humor, whose lyrics reflect, sometimes deeply, on the mundane, countering the way they're delivered. My sample song is a good example. If you're on a long trip, and want something to add color and interest, this band might be just right. Even better, if you're strolling through a quiet neighborhood and feel like taking your time. Nada Surf's a little under-rated, in my opinion. They have things to say, if you have time to listen.

Rocka Rolla (Judas Priest, 1974)

Burtman's Notes:
I came across this one recently and it stuck in my playlist right away. A slow-paced bluesy vibe from a screamy metal band? Well, actually, yes, and it works really well. I admit I thought it was Pink Floyd, the first few times I heard it, and it fitted perfectly into my Floyd playlist. Anyway, have a go on this.

They Say (Scars On Broadway, 2008)

Burtman's Notes:
Realist nu-metal with a driving beat and a sarcastically tempered tongue lashing for the establishment and its cattle. What a great way to start your journey. This kind of sound gets me pumped up to get properly involved in my day. Fire it up and try it for yourself. It's got everything it needs to have and nothing more.

~ (Remedios Silva Pisa, 2000)

Burtman's Notes:
Featured in the Gatlif film, "Vengo", this song caught me quite off guard with its incredible beauty, landing it in my playlist for all to enjoy. For the road? Perhaps. Maybe it's more for a deep listening session, when you can afford to be thoroughly moved. In any case, I need to show this to you and you need to know about it.

Vamos Que Nos Vamos (Muchachito Bombo Infierno, 2005)

Burtman's Notes:
One of the most enjoyable bands I know, Muchachito and friends (often including El Ratón, Los Delinqüentes, La Bebe, Ojos De Brujo, Estopa, Macaco and many more of my own favorites) can put a big smile on anyone's face, with their energetic sound and playful interactions. It's hard to put just one song on, though. Get this band in your head and you'll be scouring the net for more. My love affair with Muchachito is as boundless as their enthusiasm.

Tokyo FM Live (David Bowie, 1990)

Burtman's Notes:
It's hard not to enjoy the summer with upbeat sounds like these. This track has all the energy of flying along hot tarmac on the way to somewhere new. See what you think.

Hatful Of Hollow (The Smiths, 1984)

Burtman's Notes:
I first heard this album when I played in my first band, some twenty years ago, and it's been on my shelf ever since. A well-paced, light and humorous album with a whole heap of excellent riffs that works especially well on midday highway drives.

From Beale Street To Oblivion (Clutch, 2007)

Burtman's Notes:
A somewhat typical "road" album, in terms of its overall sound, but an undeniably exhilarating one, all the same. This is a new find for me, and one I've been enjoying immensely. If there's a biker somewhere inside you, you'll feel this one even more. Follow the sun and forget about everything else. At least for a while.

Mutter (Rammstein, 2001)

Burtman's Notes:
Sometimes, you just need something heavy to smash your ears in. And when those times are upon you, there are few who can deliver like Rammstein. This album was released when I was just a lad, skipping art class to watch the metal channel at my pal's house; memories that live on as I thump the tarmac on the way to my thirties (shut up. It's mid-thirties).

Desire (Bob Dylan, 1976)

Burtman's Notes:
There were quite a few playlists on our early family road trips, and this album is the most memorable. I rediscovered it about 10 years ago and fell in love with it for myself. It featured in several road trips since then and has become a staple in the long, hot days of summer, when the horizon never gets any closer. The whole record feels like it was a spontaneous jam recorded in a barn and that just makes the ride feel safe, comfortable and personal. Sometimes, that's all you need.

Dead Again (Type O Negative, 2007)

Burtman's Notes:
One of my go-to metal bands since my discovery in 2011. Their sound profile is dense and foreboding, with a multitude of interesting diversions and unexpected changes that keep my metal face firmly in place from start to finish. An excellent album for those days when you need a little more from your sound system. Powerful, unique and deeply satisfying.

WHO-15 (Hot Lunch, 2012)

Burtman's Notes:
A hectic vibe for a summer drive and an all-round energetic feast for any time of the year, this rambunctious track pounds so hard, it tears up the tarmac and spits out the pieces in the rear view. If you're feeling like rolling down the windows and letting the world know you're awake, this oughta do it.

Ten (Pearl Jam, 1991)

Burtman's Notes:
As the sun burns down, topping up my trucker's tan, a handful of 90s rock classics stream from my window, and I feel like a teenage rebel all over again. As long and optimistic as this late summer road trip is, one track in particular stays with me when it's time to pull over. And while you may know it a little too well, there are some for whom this will bring a big smile. And if you don't know it, I'm happy to introduce you.

Nightcall (Kavinsky, 2010)

Burtman's Notes:
A somewhat reluctant addition, this track made it onto my playlist thanks to its cool suburban vibe and its driving beat. The fact is, this simplistic, catchy little retro number is guilty-pleasure enjoyable and it grows on you. Bring your neon specs and you're good to go.

Reflections (Gil Scott Heron, 1981)

Burtman's Notes:
First encountered during a midnight hail storm, this powerful album can be relaxing, thought-provoking, or exhilarating, depending on how you tweak your hearing:listening ratio. The musicianship is superb. The message, important and as relevant today as when it was made. And despite all of that, it's still a cracking sound profile for a dusk run through the leafy hills and back streets of a ghost town near you. An artist with a lot to say an plenty of ways to say it. Classic Heron.

Ænima (Tool, 1996)

Burtman's Notes:
Texture-rich and heavy as you like, this timeless masterpiece in metal is goosebumps-good with the early evening air streaming in on the international highways and mountains. As it ages, this album somehow gets better; it's still one of the best albums I've ever experienced and one that really needs to be examined and understood over a long period. I just can't get bored of Ænima.

Orion (King Buffalo, 2015)

Burtman's Notes:
Spacious and intense all at once, this album drives hardest at night, on long highways and winding village roads, alike. Powerful and tender in equal measure, and carefully balanced in all the right ways. I discovered this band while working as a sound engineer for another band in Germany. We used to listen to it on the way to their gigs and sometimes on the way back again. Play the entire album for the best experience.

August And Everything After (Counting Crows, 1993)

Burtman's Notes:
Masterful composition, thoughtful and emotive lyrics and raw honesty make this album one for the listener. If you find yourself lazing out on the bed with the side door open as the evening sets in, this one might just blow your mind. There's something in this album that everyone can relate to. Yet, there is a clever surreal element that separates you from the stories at the same time. A beautiful piece of work and great for the road.

Fever Ray (Fever Ray, 2009)

Burtman's Notes:
A pulsing, persistent album. Once it gets under your skin, its deep aural scenery and haunting vocals are hard to put down. I find it most immersive on a bike run through a busy city. It's intricate enough to be interesting, but repetitive enough not to steal focus from the road. Try it out. You might love it.

Black Star (Black Star, 2002)

Burtman's Notes:
A rarity in the hip hop world; more than two decades have passed without taking much from this clever, unconventional work. One of the most creative and interesting hip hop albums I've come across, and one that put Talib Kweli and Mos Def right on the top of my frequently-played list. The vibe is ideal for slow night drives through crowded cities, where you just take in the people and breathe the air.

Pokito A Poko (Chambao, 2005)

Burtman's Notes:
This vibrant and detailed canvas of music is a fantastic soundtrack for a coastline cruise. My first encounter with it coincided with my first Spanish lesson - something that changed my entire life. Enjoy the sunny vibe early in the morning as you wander down to the town to look around. I promise you'll be smiling all day.

Voices (Phantogram, 2014)

Burtman's Notes:
An optimistic sound that perfectly compliments the beautiful, carefree drives between villages and small towns. This one needs to be fairly loud and it wouldn't hurt if you happened to be on an infinite but empty highway at the time. The vocals are smooth and the tone of the album is light and warm. It's a good one for the days when you start and stop often and don't want to interrupt a deep listening session.