The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere Playlist, Vol. 5
Here’s the fifth installment of The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere Playlist, a baker’s dozen of tracks I’ve been listening to as of late that are in some way—specific, generally, or broadly—related to fly fishing, boating, water, nature, etc. Enjoy on your next angling road trip or perhaps while in preparation for the next one!
If you missed them, click here for Volume 1, here for Volume 2, here for Volume 3, and here for Volume 4.
And, here’s the running playlist on Spotify and on YouTube. Cheers!
“Little Bird” by The White Stripes
Years ago, one of my close fishing buddies blew my mind by introducing me to this song (and the album it’s featured on) in his A-frame cabin. We’d either fished that day or were fishing the next (or both?), and were enjoying the evening listening to records in front of the small wood stove in the cabin. This song is good for a shot of energy at any time.
“Homecoming” by Branson Anderson
I saw Branson in concert several months back and was taken by his storytelling, passion, and his style. This particular song brings me back to my more transient days, coming in and out of the homes of family and friends, while on the way to another place.
“This Morning I Was Born Again” (Woody Guthrie cover) by The Deslondes
The Deslondes have been among my most-listened-to bands for much of this year. Covers are often a tough sell for me, but this one does it. Had a tough evening of fishing? The next day, it’s a whole new story.
“Bottom of the Bottle” by TK & The Holy Know-Nothings
The video above is a three-in-one, and they’re all drinking songs, fodder perhaps for the apres-fishing campfires or sit-arounds where stories are stretched, and plans are made and forgotten.
“Embryonic Journey” by Jefferson Airplane
This masterpiece of an instrumental is good for driving, working, and could be a soundtrack to a fishing session. It’s energetic but soothing, and encourages mind-wandering — just like fishing itself.
“Hold On To The Light” by Jack Johnson & Hermanos Gutierrez
From Jack’s new album and film, this collaboration with Hermanos Gutierrez just feels good, and the more I listen to it, the more I find that I like.
“Seven Turns” by The Allman Brothers Band
There’s always room for The Brothers in a playlist, and this newer track has been a favorite for me while driving lately. The lyrics speak for themselves.
“Wood View” by Kacy & Clayton
I saw Kacy & Clayton in Seattle over a decade ago, and return to them often. The combination of guitar pickin’ and duet singin’ is tough to beat.
“Canon” by ZOX
ZOX is a band that will forever live in my mind, thanks to their repeated performances at Bates College while I was a student there. Their first album is an absolute gem, and it’s hard to pick just one track from it. But this one will do just fine.
“Crane Your Neck” by Lady Lamb
This is an older tune from Mainer Lady Lamb, but one that I still love. A great dose of energy for that last stretch of road to the river.
“Moving Through” by Jeffrey Foucault
I came to find Jeffrey’s music through some mutual fishing-writer friends, and I’ve now seen him play a couple times. We’ll get on the water together some day.
“Living With The Law” by Chris Whitley
A while back, I asked Riverhorse for a few music recommendations, and this was one he sent. Chilling, sobering, and thoughtful — I dig it.
“Skylarking” by Horace Andy
The first vehicle I owned was a 1990 Buick Skylark, and in it, I made my first fly fishing road trips. Were we ‘Skylarking’ while on the way? Must’ve been!
