During my childhood, I can recall driving down the back country roads of Michigan with the windows rolled down and the wind whispering through the car. Along with the wind came loud blaring music that my Dad had put into the CD player. This is the music I grew up on. Here are three artists that were often heard blaring out of the car on our family trips in every direction.

Los Straitjackets

The Los Straitjackets are an extremely interesting group of artists that you may have not heard of. They are originally from Nashville, TN and were formed during the 80's. I love to drive around and listen to them while it is warm outside because they have great cruising music. If you have ever listened to music and pictured yourself on a beach surfing, this band will give you that exact same feeling. They have done covers from My Heart Will Go On all the way to Smells Like Teen Spirit by the infamous band Nirvana. No matter whether you are trying to catch a wave or just rock out on the highway, Los Straitjackets are for you.

Steely Dan

Steely Dan is a band from the 70's that not everyone can always appreciate. If you are one to appreciate the embodiment of groove, Steely Dan is the way to go. Some of their most famous songs that you may have heard come from the album Aja. In this album, there are timeless classics like Black Cow, Peg, Josie, and my all time favorite, Deacon Blues. These songs were able to give me a little bit of insight of what it was like to be alive in the era of 70's music. When I was talking about not everyone being able to appreciate this type of music, I was referring to those who might consider this genre of music "abstract". However abstract this music may be, I can't help but feel a positive wave of nostalgia wash over me. Hopefully if you check them out, you'll be able to feel the same great feeling of ease and good times.

The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys are more popular than the other two artists that I have mentioned. Most of us have at least heard a little bit of them around Christmas time every year. If not, it is quite likely that you have heard some of their most popular songs such as Wouldn't It Be Nice, Good Vibrations, Surfin' U.S.A, and I Get Around. It is too easy to find a pick-me-up tune in The Beach Boys full discography. This is also another great artist group to listen to at the beach as they do have beach in their name and they have and extremely surfer feel to them. If you have somehow managed to never hear any of the songs listed above, I recommend that you check them out and see if any of them tickle your fancy!