The worlds of manual transmission repair and music have one thing in common – a healthy appreciation for the majesty of the American automobile. Throughout the history of contemporary popular music, some of the greatest songs of all time have been written with road trips and other aspects of the automotive experience in mind. It’s easy to see why. Nothing captures the imagination quite like cars, regardless of their transmission system, be they classics, trucks or hybrids. Here are a few of the best car-inspired songs, if you need a soundtrack for your next trip to the mechanic. Cars by Gary Numan (1979) Numan helped usher in the era of electronic-tinged new-wave rock with this unmistakable number. Though sometimes dismissed as a one-hit wonder, Numan has maintained a prominent cult following to this day, though he never again matched the mainstream success of Cars. Like any genre, the popularity of new wave and other styles of electronic music tend to ebb and flow. But as a testament to the versatility of Cars, it gained fame among heavy-metal fans when Fear Factory released of a version of it in 1996. Indeed, whether you’re a new waver or a metalhead, Numan had the right idea - The only way to live, is in cars. Fun, Fun, Fun by the Beach Boys (1964) While it’s depressing how the legacy of this iconic American pop band has been marred with intense interpersonal grudges and lawsuits, at least we can always enjoy the music, no matter how much Mike Love and Brian Wilson hate each other. Some lyrics from the early, campy era of the Beach Boys seem dated these days, but Fun, Fun, Fun is an exception. Parents of teen drivers know all too well that if their youngsters are driving to the hamburger stand when they say they’re going to the library, and especially if they’re texting while driving, it’s time to take the T-Bird away. Brand New Cadillac by Vince Taylor/The Clash (1959/1979) Many people incorrectly assume the version of Brand New Cadillac that appears on the Clash’s masterpiece record London Calling is the original version. While Clash frontman Joe Strummer introduced the bouncy yet sinister track to a generation of punk rockers, it was first released by Vince Taylor and his Playboys 20 years prior. Having penned what’s still considered a rockabilly classic, you can’t help but wonder how many Cadillacs Taylor has been directly responsible for selling throughout the decades. Road Runner by Bo Diddley (1960) Not that any reasonable person would condone drag racing, but this anthem for excessive speed by one of the earliest rock ‘n roll legends certainly makes it sound cool. Diddley lived to be 79, indicating that he was interested in the fantasy of reckless driving, but not the reality. Road Runner has been covered by a laundry list of hard-rock kingpins – including The Who and Aerosmith – and also appeared on the soundtrack to the 2013 Leonardo DiCaprio Film The World of Wall Street. These facts certainly attest to the song’s timelessness. Next time you’re visiting your local manual transmission repair experts, be sure to ask about their favorite tunes.
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