Thanksgiving is nearly upon us, meaning it’s time once again for roadtrips home, time around the table with family and time for tryptophan-induced food comas.
Beginning Black Friday, we’ll be inundated once more with the same beloved holiday songs we’ve all heard a thousand times before, but where are the songs celebrating the events associated with Turkey Day?
All the best moments in life deserve musical accompaniment, and I’d argue that Thanksgiving is no less than an annual affirmation of the joys of living. For this reason, let’s take a look at a few songs I believe will enhance your upcoming holiday weekend:
“Take the highway”
Marshall Tucker Band
The title says it all, really. This song from country music legend Marshall Tucker deals with everyone’s need to get away from the stresses and responsibilities of day-to-day life from time to time, and I’d argue it’s one of his best.
It’s a great song for turning your mind toward the comforts of home.
“King Harvest Has Surely Come”
The Band
Who knew a song this funky could be produced by a bunch of Canadians?
The Band’s song deals with the back-breaking nature of turn-of-the-century agricultural work, but what better way to increase your appreciation for your Thanksgiving bounty than through this groovy number?
“Bolton Stretch”
Yonder Mountain String Band
Yonder Mountain’s entry in this list deals with the joys of putting vast stretches of open road – and the law – behind you.
It’s sure to get your toes tapping, perhaps save this one for when the monotony of a long trip begins to set in.
A brief warning for those who haven’t heard it before: this song will make you want to drive very fast.
The central focus of Thanksgiving is, of course, time spent at the table with friends and loved ones. These songs should provide a perfect backdrop to eating, drinking and the making of merriment.
“Stomping Grounds”
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
If you’ve never heard of Victor Wooten or Bela Fleck, there is no better time than the present to appreciate their musicianship.
Fleck, playing banjo, and Wooten, on bass, have composed a fantastically up-tempo song that will compliment the happy energy surround your Thanksgiving table just fine.
“Road to Gundaghi/ Waltzing Matilda”
Chet Atkins with Tommy Emmanuel
Once everyone is served, this understated song by Atkins and Emmanuel should suit the mood perfectly. Play it gently in the background and let its reverent, almost ethereal melodies take you to a place of calm contentedness.
Once your stomach is painfully distended, there’s little else to do than settle in for a nap or some football. Settle in with a little jazz and let the day pass you by.
“My Serenade”
Django Reinhardt
Gypsy jazz pioneer Django Reinhardt can do it all. Though he’s perhaps better known for his faster songs, this song’s slow, soothing melodies should have you dozing in no time.
Chris Miller is a journalism senior.
