Appalachian ADV Mix Tapes – Music For The Ride

The summer is upon us.  Time to get out there on your two-wheels of choice, enjoy the wind in your face, and feel the freedom of the road and/or trail.

These Mix Tape articles and the playlists that go with them are inspired by the Motorbiking Lifestyle.  My good buddy Tony Russo is the Mix Tape Master and takes the time to mold a set of songs based on a theme that is currently inspiring him.  What better inspiration after the long journey through the cold than the warmth of summer and the possibilities of outdoor exploration.  This mellow mix of music might be better suited for base camp, after a long and challenging day twisting the throttle on the beautiful terrain Mother Nature has laid out for us to enjoy.  So sit back, stoke the bonfire, crank up the Amber Mix Tape, and grab a cold one...while your at it, grab me one too...

Tony's intro:
​The spirit of this playlist is a summer evening vibe in mid July. Maybe you’re sitting on the porch watching the sunset. Maybe hanging out with friends telling old stories, reminiscing about concerts you attended, or your crazy adventures together. Maybe sitting with family watching the kids play in the yard or splashing around in the pool. Planning a future trip with your partner with some mojitos on the deck. The songs in this playlist make me think about summer... Fun songs, songs with a dreamy vibe, or good hang out songs. Its music I’d play if I was having a cookout for family and friends.

The Amber Mix Tape

Song 1:
Track: Trailer
Artist: Mudcrutch
Album (year released): 2 (2016)
Label: Reprise Records
​Tony's Two Cents: This is a song of reminiscing and a little regret. “Coulda had the army, coulda had the navy, but no I had to go for a mobile home.” Mudcrutch was Petty’s first band who he reconnected with in 2007. They released two albums and Trailer was on the second one. You can also find a shorter version of it on The Playback soundtrack. Petty didn’t think it was worthy to be put on an album because he couldn’t find a fitting ending to the story during the initial sessions. The last verse was penned for the Mudcrutch release. He nails it, of course.

Song 2:
Hard Times
Ryan Bingham
Mescalito (2007)
Lost Highway
​Tony's Two Cents: I love Ryan Bingham’s music. This is a song about a man reflecting on his current life, and remembering advice his Dad gave him. It should pair well with a cold one on the porch.
Kane's Take: Probably the best songwriter of his generation and one of my favorite artists.

Song 3:
Something Good Coming
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
Mojo (2010)
Reprise Records
Tony's Two Cents: ​This one has a great lead guitar throughout. Play this one and watch the sun set. I think it fits nice lyrically following Hard Times.

Song 4:
Wasting Time
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Self-Titled (2015)
Stax
Tony's Two Cents: ​I like the harmonies in this one and the super chill vibe. It’s another one with a message of reflection and reminiscence.

Song 5:
Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way
Waylon Jennings
Dreaming My Dreams (1975)
RCA
Tony's Two Cents: I don’t need a reason to play Waylon Jennings, do I? This one is also on the Crazy Heart soundtrack. It’s a great movie about a country music star struggling to hold on to his career, starring The Dude.
​Kane's Take: Great freakin' movie...

Song 6:
​Howling At Nothing
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Self-Titled (2015)
Stax
Tony's Two Cents: ​I love the line “It never seemed to matter as the night slipped away 'cause there was soul in the air”. Just a song about hanging out and partying.

Song 7:
​Nutshell
Alice In Chains
Jar of Flies (1994)
Columbia
Tony's Two Cents: This song is from the excellent Alice in Chains 1994 album Jar of Flies. The lyrics are a bit dark and pointed, but I have always loved the mixture of electric and acoustic guitar and the beautiful harmonies.
Kane's Take: One of the best albums of the '90s by one of the best bands of the 90's.  Heavy but melodic.  Great bass guitar holding this one together.

Song 8:
​Back Down South
Kings of Leon
Come Around Sundown (2010)
RCA
Tony's Two Cents: ​another great summer tune about hanging out with your hometown friends. Being that I’m old and it has a more adolescent theme in the lyrics, it’s a song of reminiscence for me.

Song 9:
Hey Mama
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Tearing At The Seams (2018)
Stax
Tony's Two Cents: I wanted to have a strong Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats theme on this list. I believe he is telling a story about advice his mother gave him some time in his past. I love the “You picked a bad time to listen to me!” part. Listen to your mother.

Song 10:
Don't Think Twice, It's Alright
Bob Dylan
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (1966)
​Columbia
Tony's Two Cents: ​This is basically a break up letter as the author reflects on his past as he’s about to move on. My favorite line is “I gave her my heart but she wanted my soul.” This one reminds of my good buddy Jeff when he was a much younger man. He always knew when it was time to move on.

Song 11:
The Weight
The Band
Music From Big Pink (1968)
Capitol Records
Tony's Two Cents: Bob Dylan used these guys as his backing band for is first "electric" tour so when I hear Bob I always think of them, so I’m sure that’s how this one made the list. Take a load off. And please feed Jack, the dog.
Kane's Take: Come on now, you gotta be thinking about Easy Rider when you hear the intro... I picture Jack Nicholson riding on the back, waving his arms and acting all goofy while Captain America and Billy playfully twist the throttle.

Song 12:
Amber
311
From Chaos (2001)
Volcano
Tony's Two Cents: The title track. This is the mood I was going for with the dreamy tunes. I used to be super into 311 and my friend Kane will tell you a hilarious story from a 311 concert back in the day that left me and a female stranger completely drenched in beer. You might want to find something to smoke for this one.
Kane's Take: That is a great story, but will only be shared around a campfire on a motorbiking trip... this is from my favorite 311 album, nice pick T!

Song 13:
​Interstate Love Song
Stone Temple Pilots
Purple (1994)
Atlantic
Tony's Two Cents: I love the strumming guitars at the beginning. Another break up song as the author is moving on, leaving on a southern train remembering “all these things you said to me.”
Kane's Take:  One of my all-time favorite bands and the unmistakable voice of Scott Weiland.

Song 14:
The Stories We Could Tell
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Don't Do Me Like That / Century City (single release - 1980)
MCA Records
Tony's Two Cents: ​Another song about reflection, remembering all the stories you have with your buddies. Oh the stories, hold on to them, they’re leaving fast these days. My friends and I have been to countless Petty shows and I really fucking miss him.
​Kane's Take: Petty is, was, and always will be The Man.

Song 15:
High And Dry
Radiohead
The Bends (1994)
Capitol Records
Tony's Two Cents: ​“Flying on your Motorcycle, watching all the ground beneath you drop.” This song is on Radiohead’s The Bends album which I think is still pretty excellent. Be safe on the bike people but I chose this one for the vibe of the music.

Song 16:
​Whatever, Wherever
Band Of Horses
Why Are You OK (2016)
Interscope Records
Tony's Two Cents: This is a great song by Band of Horses. The video captures the environment I imagined: Having a cookout with your friends and playing with the kids in the pool. It’s a song of a man encouraging his little one and reinforcing that he has their back. I’m not crying, you are...

Song 17:
Off He Goes
Pearl Jam
No Code (1996)
Epic
Tony's Two Cents: Wait a sec, I don't remember this one being on here?
Kane's Take:  Sorry T, had to sneak Pearl Jam in there...my favorite all time band.  This particular song always reminded me of summer.  When my buddy Jeff and I went to the Air Force we spent our first two summers back home, taking most of our yearly allotted PTO in one crack.  The lyrics hit me right in the gut..."And now he's home, and we're laughing, like we always did. My same old, same old friend".  Songs do grow and the significance can evolve or take on dual meanings as we get older.  When I listen to this one now I still remember those summers but once I started on two wheels, Eddie's motorbike reference took me in another direction.  I think he captured an essence of the spirit of many riders..."he is off again".

Song 18:
​In A Drawer
​Band Of Horses
Why Are You OK (2016)
Interscope Records
Tony's Two Cents: Did you ever find something hidden somewhere in the house that you haven’t thought about in forever? That’s what this follow up Band of Horses song is about. Great video featuring VHS tapes, old Kung Fu movies, old cowboy movies and old home videos, and a good looking Asian woman that looks like a girl that both me and my friend Kane used to date.  And who doesn’t love remembering Grandpa?

Song 19:
Whatever It Is
Zac Brown Band
The Foundation (2008)
Home Grown Music
Tony's Two Cents: I’ve had great times at Zac Brown Band concerts, all in the summer, and had to include him in the list. This one is for the ladies, without them the fellas would be lost.
Kane's Take: One of the greatest live bands, perfect for summer outdoor venues or around a campfire.

Song 20:
Keep Me In Mind
Zac Brown Band
You Get What You Give (2010)
Southern Ground
Tony's Two Cents: ​Because you can’t just listen to one Zac Brown song. Dig on this little diddy. 
Kane's Take: Pretty cool that a few motorbikes make a cameo on the video, too.

Song 21:
Always Alright
Alabama Shakes
Available as a Free Download via band's website after Saturday Night Live performance (2013)
Self-Release
Tony's Two Cents: I was looking for two more songs to finish this playlist. This is the first one, by the one and only Alabama Shakes, featuring great vocals and great rhythm guitar.
​Kane's Take: Just a great damn song.

Song 22:
Patience
Guns 'N Roses
​Lies (1988)
Geffen Records
Tony's Two Cents: ​This is the other...(nailed it.)... Let me point out GnR’s bassist Duff McKagen. Duff is best known for his role in GnR but has had a long career and he pops up all over the place filling in with other bands. You only have a career like that if you are a dedicated professional. Check out the classic Patience video. He does the lion share of the acting, plays bass, and even counts down the song starting point. He’s the kind of guy that is reliable and can be trusted with several tasks. Like that friend you had in high school that not only started both ways on the football team but took on important roles on special teams. The kind of guy that can return punts and hold extra point snaps. And had really bitchin hair too!
Kane's Take: Duff in the Patience video has me thinking of growing it out again...

Appalachian ADV Mix Tapes - Music for the Ride

Here is our YouTube Playlist of Amber-The Summer Chill Mix Tape.  A few of the songs are slightly different versions compared to the list above.  This playlist can also be found on our YouTube channel.  Hope you enjoy the latest Mix Tape!

Have Fun, Take Chances