Memory Accompaniment – by Tim Martin

How does it feel,
How does it feel,
To be without a home,
Like a complete unknown,
Like a Rolling stone?
       
       – Bob Dylan

I was on the beach in Santa Monica the first time I heard Like a Rolling Stone on somebody’s transistor radio.  That song embedded itself in my brain and every time I hear it repeated, I remember exactly where I was and how I felt that moment.

We identify ourselves with music.  A piece of us belongs to that moment when we first heard the song, whether it’s Dylan or Manilow.

Wherever Lynne and I travel a “memory accompaniment” is always there peeking around the edge of our wonderful time, conjuring up a collection of just the right songs for a Home Free occasion.

I have decided to share a sample of the recordings we carry along with us on our road to everywhere.  Feel free to comment and add to our fun with some of your favorite travel songs. Memories have soundtracks.  What’s yours?  Share your favorite with us!

Click on the title to see a YouTube performance of each tune.

Born to be Wild – Steppenwolf
The quintessential anthem for a generation of bikers and wannabees.  Who can forget the first time they heard this song?

 Great Escape – Pat Monahan  
If ever there was a theme song for Home Free addicts, this is the one.  It is as if the songwriter is telling us, “This one’s for you.”

(Get Your Kicks On)Route 66 – The Nat King Cole Trio  
The classic road song.  You can’t get it out of your head (or heart, for that matter), done as only the master can sing it.

Friends – Elton John
“Makin’ friends for the World to see…” Early Elton from the movie soundtrack; simple, straight forward, and heartfelt.

 Ramblin’ Man – The Allman Brothers
This one reminds me of driving around with no particular destination, windows rolled down, volume up.  You just have to sing along.

Come Away with Me – Norah Jones
This is one of Lynne’s all-time favorites, romance at its finest.  This song and the Irish coast mix well together at the cocktail hour.

Free Man in Paris – Joni Mitchell
Wow, what can I say about these lyrics?  Escapism captured by a wonderful singer/songwriter, and all about freedom in my favorite city.

The Long Run – The Eagles
“Who can go the distance…” If you’re reading this, the answer is most likely YOU!  If it sometimes wasn’t a struggle, I’d have a hard time remembering it.  Thanks, guys!

Come Fly with Me – Frank Sinatra
The Chairman of the Board croons his way into our dream of the great getaway.  Martini, anyone?

Weather with You – Crowded House
One of my very favorite recordings.  These Aussies know their way around a phrase or two, reminding us that wherever you go you take yourself along.

Holiday in Spain – Counting Crows
Burnt out?  This track is for you.  It’s all about dreams and wishes from the fast lane.

Katmandu – Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band
First time I heard this song, I didn’t even know where Katmandu was.  Now, it’s on the list.  We’re goin’!

We Danced Anyway – Deana Carter
Dancing with a bunch of strangers in a faraway place, that’s what we’re up to, folks.  I’m a sucker for country songs, and this one is a winner.

Goin’ Up the Country – Canned Heat
Ok Woodstock fans, get out your tie-dyed t-shirt and cut-offs.  You’re not that old.  You can still rock!

Everybody’s Talkin’ – Harry Nilsson
A haunting beauty of a recording, it reminds me that negative attitudes sometimes go away when you do.  Try it.

This is Your Life – Joe Cocker
This is Joe’s anthem to what it’s all about.  Time to go,

ENJOY!  Let yourself drift off into YOUR LIFE and share your favorites with us.  You’ll probably tweak other peoples’ memories, too!  Postpone nothing – even reminiscing!