Scooter Music

June 19, 2007 | Filed Under Music 

I bought a scooter recently. Just a 49cc deal, but it’s pretty damn cool not having to take the bus everywhere. It’s silver and pretty and the first brand new vehicle I’ve ever owned. And with the appropriate soundtrack, it sometimes makes me feel like a badass.

Yep–as fun as it is to ride (when it’s not raining, at least), I still gots to have my music. I’ve been honing a little road mix playlist lately and aim to share with you some of my favorite scooter music here. I recommend taking these tracks on the road with you (you can listen in a car if you have to).

If you’re like me and you love The Clean (the best band to come out of New Zealand), chances are you’ll like the Bats. Their vocalist, Robert Scott, is/was a member of that awesome band (playing bass, mostly), and they have a similar jangly sound. This particular song is one of many that I enjoy from the Bats. It came to me on the excellent compilation Thousands of Tiny Luminous Spheres (2000, Flying Nun) but originally appeared on their fifth album, Couchmaster (1995, Flying Nun). It’s great for riding, and not just for the oh-so-appropriate lyrics. Not so much jangle here, but some great distorted/wah-wah guitar and the perfect tempo for spinning wheels.

The Bats: “For the Ride”

What better song to listen to while riding around town than this, a song that would make even a guy riding a busted 10-speed feel like a badass. The Black Angels are from Texas. This makes little sense to me, but ok. They have a big sound…Texas = big…ok, I’ll give you that. But what about the psych stuff? These guys sound like hog-ridding, peyote-pounding desert nomads.

If you like this song, definitely check out their debut record, Passover, on Seattle’s own Light in the Attic. It’s like a soundtrack for the Hell’s Angels.

The Black Angels: “Black Grease”

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