Thursday, December 1, 2011

Top 5 Commuting Albums

When I first moved here, I was in love with idea of public transportation. As soon as it made sense (one year after living here, when we'd moved to a more transit friendly neighborhood), I sold my car. We were 100% reliant on the Chicago Transit Authority and I was still happy. Through chattering teeth while walking through snow to get to the grocery store I would say "See, this isn't so bad." It turns out, I could only keep that up for so long. I think I've reached my breaking point.

That's not to say I don't like the idea of public transportation. I think every major metropolitan area (I'm looking at you Detroit) should make it a #1 priority. It's good for the environment, more economical than car ownership, reduces drunk driving accidents (I don't know that there's a study on this last one, but it makes sense to me so just go with it), and helps those who may not have access to a car to get around. But when you've just spent 8 hours in front of a copy machine and all you want to do is put in your 30 minutes at the gym and get home, putting an hour on a train crammed full of people is the opposite of just what the doctor ordered. Incidentally, what would that be? Is there an opposite for doctor?

Needless to say, it can be grating. This person over here is not following the unwritten rules of the train and he's sitting on the outside seat during rush hour forcing people to endure the awkward situation of asking him to move, which most people would rather stand than endure. That guy over there is listening to house music, which is a crime in it's own right, but it's so god damn loud that I can hear it on the other side of the train. AND SOMEONE JUST STEPPED ON MY FOOT! There's precious little that can make this whole thing tolerable. The one thing I never ride a train without is my iPod. As long as I can stick something in my ears and stare out the window, it's going to be OK. A lot of times, I shuffle. But in the morning, on my way to work, I generally prefer to put a full album on so that I don't have to worry about doing any skipping around. With that, I present today's list.

Top 5 Commuting Albums


1. The Clash - London Calling

Favorite Track : Lost In the Supermarket

2. Material Issue - Destination Universe


Favorite Track : Ballad of a Lonely Man


3. Elvis Costello - My Aim Is True


Favorite Track : Miracle Man

4. Rancid - And Out Come the Wolves


Favorite Track : Old Friend

5. Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold


Favorite Track : The Waitress

So commuters, what are some of your favorites?

1 comment:

  1. 1. Taylor Swift - Sparks Fly
    2. Patton Oswalt
    3. Girl Talk
    4. Rapheal Saddiq (Can't spell today)
    5. Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run

    ReplyDelete