With gas prices touching four dollars a gallon, most Americans cringe when they hear the very word “gas.” However, the word can cheer you up, especially when it is in the title of a popular song.
The next time you have to empty your wallet or checking account to fill your tank, put these “gas” tunes in your mp3 player to ease the pain.
“Gas Station Woman” by Phil Ochs: This classic country tune was recorded after the folksinger had abandoned the war protest movement, but it is one of his most enjoyable. The steel guitar, fiddle, and theme of heartbreak give it a feel like something straight from a George Jones or Buck Owens album.
Gaslighting Abbie” by Steely Dan: The catchy song from the band’s comeback album Two against Nature is a about a husband and his mistress who are trying to drive his wife insane.
“Classical Gas” by Mason Williams: This instrumental ranks right up there with greats such as “Hawaii Five-O” and “Walk Don’t Run” as the best of its genre.
“Gasoline” by Airborne Toxic Event:: This fast-paced electric gem is one of the highlights from the indie band’s self-titled debut album.
Gasoline” by Sheryl Crow: Ben Harper helped out on this pseudo-protest song from the Detours album.
“Gas Station Down” by Radar Brothers: The mellow indie-folk band has a unique sound, epitomized by this track from The Singing Hatchet album.
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash (It’s a Gas)” by the Rolling Stones: Mick Jagger’s vocal is at its snarling best on this hit that has become so popular it has inspired a movie title and received mention in a Fountains of Wayne song.
“Gasoline Alley” by Rod Stewart: The title track from Stewart’s #1 album is an acoustic classic that fits snugly alongside his covers of Bob Dylan’s “Only a Hobo” and Elton John’s “Country Comfort.
“Banapple Gas” by Cat Stevens: “Everybody’s sniffing it,” the folk-rock singer chants on this sing-along track from the Numbers album.
“Flat Busted (and Out of Gas)” by Foghat: This rocking number from Family Joules came out twenty-five years after the band’s peak in popularity, but it would sound right at home beside classic anthems such as “Slow Ride” and “Fool for the City.”
“Gasoline Alley Bred” by the Hollies: A beautiful song from the 60s pop band, this track is as good as more well-known songs such as “Carrie Ann,” “Carousel” and “Bus Stop.
“Life’s Gas” by T. Rex: Marc Bolan’s tenor shines on this electro-acoustic tune from the psychedelic band’s Electric Warrior album.
“Out of Gas” by Modest Mouse: Before they became the well-known hit makers with Good News for People Who Love Bad News, the indie band made some really strong records. The Lonesome Crowd West, from which this track comes, is one of them.
“Gasoline” by the Don’ts: The indie band hasn’t been around long enough to build a huge following, but with catchy tunes like this one from Those Delicate Chemicals, they will are destined to become well-known.
“President Gas” by Psychedelic Furs: Before they reached stardom with “Pretty in Pink,” the Furs were MTV favorites because of the David Bowie-like “Love My Way.” This track, also from Forever Now, has proven even more enduring.
