Surrounded by the complexities of adult life, a certain “safe” place exists to cool off when things get overwhelming. “Songs for the Range” was crafted for the specific purpose of communicating a place of tranquility, particularly the Great Plains. This mixtape is one that soundtracks sitting on the porch watching cattle graze, marching through tall grass on an afternoon walk, or lying on the ground staring at clouds way up in the sky.
“Corn Rigs” – Paul Giovanni and Magnet
There’s a song that plays only to those stranded in the sea of wheat heads and golden grasses surrounding the range. The warm summer wind rushes through the plains, encouraging its residents to join their whispered choir. Their song rises up with the wind, dispersing into the furthest heights of the atmosphere before riding the wind back down to the earth. Like the summer winds of the range, “‘Corn Rigs” breezes through the ears steadily with its soft guitar. Just as quickly as the song floats in, it leaves with a culmination of overlapping and circulating woodwinds before they breeze off into the air.
“Homeward Bound” – Simon and Garfunkel
A long day of cruising and looking out the window upon open fields with rolling hills requires a song fit for the range, and this one will certainly do the job. The chorus, uplifting and driving, can bring about a sense of guidance in spite of the endless fields of grains, corn, and vegetables.
“Once I Was” by Tim Buckley
Sitting on the porch, the last rays of the failing sun shine through the forests of uncut grass, a sense of melancholy settles in as the summer winds die down. Tim Buckley’s mellow harmonica is a fit companion for such a landscape. His guitar gains momentum as his voice swells with emotion before dying back down as twilight sets in.
“Fare Thee Well, Miss Carousel” by Townes Van Zandt
Much like Van Zandt on the album art, this song about moving on from someone will have you sitting around the house reminiscing about what was, gazing out the window at the open range. His strumming and soulful voice bring about some feelings of sorrow but the lyrics also offer a sense of hope for what is to come.
“When I’m Thinking About You” by The Sundays
Despite the passing of the sun under the horizon, the range explodes with light. This cloudless night stars the moon; its pale face beams out across the plains. Lightning bugs break out their bright suits and gowns for a moonlit dance. The soft romance of “When I’m Thinking About You” provides them with a slow rhythm. The warm tenderness of the song matches the warm atmosphere of the summer night.
“Don’t Pass Me By” by The Beatles
This tune, driven by fiddle playing and a country-toned Ringo Starr, sounds straight out of a small town summer fair. Concession stands and games light up the surrounding nighttime scenery as this innocent love song plays. Ringo sings about waiting around for love to come his way, expressing patience necessary for life out on the countryside.
