Thursday, January 13, 2011

Soundtrack for the Subcontinent

For navigating the fast maze that is the Frankfurt airport, Amy does it best. "You know I'm no good," Amy Winehouse.

"Hey Bulldog" by the Beatles for running in Mumbai.

When in Bangalore, try "Hip to be Square" by Huey Lewis and the News.

Ray Charles and Johnny Cash work well in Kerala. Makes a lot of sense, if you think about it.

Kovalam is a good place to read a book quietly.

For Gurgaon, Bono. "Stuck in a moment you can't get out of," U2.

Varanasi has its own soundtrack. Just listen*

Counting Crows' "Goodnight L.A." or "One Fine Day" by David Byrne + Brian Eno as the fields of Uttar Pradesh roll by on a January afternoon.

Music is not allowed at the Taj Mahal.

Indian Bus rides call for Nina Simone: "Sinnerman" from the Thomas Crowne Affair soundtrack. Particularly appropriate as you get leveled by a speed bump while attempting to move out of the way when fellow passengers move an elephantine sack over your leg. Where ya gonna run to?

John Mayer is soothing when recovering from stomach ailment and dehydration in the Reston Emergency Room. "Waiting for the World to Change."

*whistling the ewok victory song by John Williams is strangely satisfying after visiting the burning ghats. 

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