Sister to LA

Why my sister would move to LA when New York is readily available, I will never know. But I do know better than to try to change her mind, and as long as she's going, I will make her a road trip soundtrack.



Sister to LA

1. Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Under the Bridge"
2. 2Pac feat. Dr. Dre & Roger Troutman, "California Love"
3. Patti Smith, "Redondo Beach"
4. Rufus Wainwright, "California"
5. Snoop Dogg, "Gin and Juice"
6. The Ramones, "California Sun"
7. Guns N' Roses, "Welcome to the Jungle"
8. Frank Zappa, "San Ber'dino"
9. Tom Waits, "Hold On"
10. Joni Mitchell, "California"
11. Lesley Gore, "California Nights"
12. Billy Bragg & Wilco, "California Stars"
13. Elliott Smith, "Angeles"
14. Liz Phair, "Dogs of L.A."
15. X, "Los Angeles"
16. Beck, "Hollywood Freaks"
17. LL Cool J, "Going Back to Cali"
18. Tom Petty, "Free Fallin'"
19. Led Zeppelin, "Going to California"
20. Neil Young, "L.A."
21. Green Day, "Welcome to Paradise" 

As I've mentioned, there are far too many great California songs for one CD. To make this easier on myself, I eschewed the most predictable choices--no "Girls," "Dreamin'" or "Here I Come," although the latter's Bill Evans rendition tempted me. I couldn't resist "California Love," even though it hasn't been cool since it was included in the Marmaduke trailer, and I gave LL Cool J's "Going Back to Cali" preference over Biggie's, due to the former's appearance in a movie with my sister's favorite actor.

I'm happy with the mix of deep cuts and standards. Underrated tracks from Frank Zappa (a redundancy?) and Liz Phair (ditto?) both honor the state, and my music buddy Jesse hooked me up the excellent yet out-of-print Neil Young number. Then again, I'll never get sick of "Under the Bridge," "Gin and Juice" or even "Free Fallin'."

The sister likes girl groups, so I've included Lesley Gore, and she is also partial to Elliott Smith, Tom Waits and Rufus Wainwright. Sis also probably knows every word to Joni Mitchell's "California," so for good measure I've included it here with the song that Led Zeppelin wrote for Joni.

Welcome to LA, Sis. Enjoy the fun n' games.

PS> Good thing I had the playlist handy, as my buddy Erica also informed me that she's moving to LA on hours' notice. She's getting a mix with Frank Black, the Grateful Dead and others.

PPS> Sis, if you're reading this, the Morningside Heights Post Office is kind of sketchy. If the CD doesn't arrive soon, download it below.

Download here: Sister to LA