Obvs, Mamas and the Papas "California Dreamin'" but my song would be Steely Dan's "My Old School" just for a golden lyric like "California...tumbles into the sea. That'll be the day I go back to Annandale." This leg of the tour is gonna be sweet, Matty. Are you feelin' it NOW? :-)
Carmelita - the Flaco Jimenez version, L.A. Woman - while late-night-driving on the 10 Freeway, and Pico and Sepulveda - by Lee Press-On and the Nails.
Seen a bunch that I would have said, so I’ll go with one that hasn’t been mentioned.
L.A. Freeway - Guy Clark. I actually like Roger Creager’s version from his “Live Across Texas” album since it speeds the song up. Gives you the urgency that you need to get the fuck off the 405 and back on a Texas county road.
Obvs, Mamas and the Papas "California Dreamin'" but my song would be Steely Dan's "My Old School" just for a golden lyric like "California...tumbles into the sea. That'll be the day I go back to Annandale." This leg of the tour is gonna be sweet, Matty. Are you feelin' it NOW? :-)
Mamas and Papas were so obvs, I didn't even include it in the show.
I am not a Dan fan, but that is a solid choice for a Cali song, Mike. Nicely done.
There's a Jimmy Buffett version on his Buried Treasure album that I love.
California Uber Alles - Dead Kennedys
Their very first single, the internet tells me!
Superb choice.
Bah, left the same comment without seeing yours. Honorable mention to Moon over Marin.
Time is just a construct, it's possible you left yours before me in an alternative (tentacles) dimension.
Thank you for your charity regarding the vagaries of spacetime
Yes!
Both a bit obvious but "Maybe California" by Neal Casal and "Come to California" by Matthew Sweet .
Hard to sleep on that Matthew Sweet jam. Nice picks.
California One/Youth and Beauty Brigade from the Decemberists, an epic journey of a song with an awesome bass-with-a-bow!
Fantastic choice. Los Angeles, I'm Yours is a pretty solid second choice as well. Thanks for being here.
California Über Alles, of course
Of course. Great pick nonetheless. Thanks for being here, Randolph.
Being a Matthew Sweet fan I also thought of "Come to California" immediately! Also:
California - Datarock
Doin' Time - Lana del Rey's version
Ventura Highway - America
It Never Rains in Southern California - Albert Hammond
California Dreamin' - Mama's & Papa's (also like Queen Latifah's version)
Great stuff here, Dan. Love that Albert Hammond jam.
California Girls - there are at least a couple of versions. The Beach Boys and David Lee Roth.
Californication and Under the Bridge by the Chili Peppers
Beach Boys seems obligatory, right? I figured we would see some RHCP love in this episode. I must admit I am not a fan.
“Estimated Prophet” by Grateful Dead. 💀
https://youtu.be/2R-_Hsurm7Y?si=cRzdOZOp1bd3ZjAO
Carmelita - the Flaco Jimenez version, L.A. Woman - while late-night-driving on the 10 Freeway, and Pico and Sepulveda - by Lee Press-On and the Nails.
Haven't heard the Flaco version of Carmelita. Will have to check it out. I sure love the Zevon version, a whole bunch. Thanks for being here, CL.
https://open.spotify.com/track/2qz7LTS6bc3R3QcdhslXzA?si=c8858ce61bce4cd3
CCR- Lodi
The Call- I Still Believe (reminds of a blazing hot central Cali during a road trip)
Phantom Planet- California
The theme to Beverly Hills 90210
X-Los Angeles
American Music Club- All the Best Souls Welcome You to San Francisco
Lodi! Someone was peeking at my notes. ;)
And hilarious that you included the 90210 theme.
Also: Jawbreaker- Condition Oakland, and I-5
Seen a bunch that I would have said, so I’ll go with one that hasn’t been mentioned.
L.A. Freeway - Guy Clark. I actually like Roger Creager’s version from his “Live Across Texas” album since it speeds the song up. Gives you the urgency that you need to get the fuck off the 405 and back on a Texas county road.
California by John Mayall from the album Turning Point
Nice. Thanks for chiming in, Paul. Great to have you here.
“King of California” by Dave Alvin.
Great call, Rod.