Ways + Means/Ossining, Mike Doughty
I couldn't pick one of these over the other one. It was actually a challenge to narrow my choices from this CD down to two, even though it's the last CD I bought and has had the least amount of time to rattle around in my brain. Even now I'm asking myself, "Should I include '27 Jennifers' instead? Or maybe 'The Only Answer'? Am I picking the right ones?" and then I am slapping myself and remembering why therapy can be such a good idea. For the record, just about every song on "Rockity Roll" -- packaged as a set with "Skittish" -- is great background music for a summer drive.

These Are the Days, 10,000 Maniacs
I haven’t listened to this one in awhile; I think it got overused at some point in my life and I’m detoxing. Still, even though I don’t seek it out, I still listen when it comes on in the car. This is a leaving-on-vacation song. You can almost see yourself on film, driving out of town with the top down, with this as the soundtrack.

Friday I’m In Love, The Cure
Funny how a band known for melancholy goth rock could put out one of the lightest, happiest, best love songs ever. My mood lifts whenever I hear this song. It came on the radio once when I was stuck in traffic, and I went from murderous rage and frustration to elated sing-along mode in about 1.5 seconds. I think I was actually bouncing. All radio stations should play this song at least once every rush hour.

Radio Free Europe, R.E.M.
Possibly my favorite R.E.M. song, largely because of that persistent thrum that drives it forward. It makes me want to be active somehow, to fake-drum on my steering wheel or dance in my living room. I should play it more often; I need the exercise.

Family Affair, Mary J. Blige
This one holds onto its rhythm more consistently than any song I've mentioned, and I challenge anyone reading to listen to it without at least nodding along. And if you're listening in the car, put your shades on.

Super Bon Bon, Soul Coughing
I realized I needed to add this one when it came on my mp3 player last night. If you wanted to, you could crank the bass on this one and rattle everyone's windows. Just keep in mind everyone's rolling their eyes at your obnoxious subwoofers.

Go Your Own Way, Fleetwood Mac
There are two Fleetwood Mac songs I really like, and you can’t really call “Landslide” a good car song unless you like weeping and driving into trees. This one’s perfect if you’re leaving your bad job/boyfriend/girlfriend/town in your rear-view mirror and taking off for greener pastures. The Cranberries did a cover of this one that is also worth a listen.

Let Me Go, Cake
A happy, fluffy meringue of a song. I have no idea where this CD went, but I have to dig it up now that I have a 6-disc changer.