Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Shining 'cross this dark highway where our sins lie unatoned

It was cold yesterday morning, but not too cold. Minus 4 degrees Celsius, if I remember correctly. That's a fine cycling temperature. It's a hell of a lot better than plus 30, that's for sure. One sweats in those conditions, and risks arriving at work in need of a shower. Yeah, it's gross. On those days, I ride slowly, slowly. But yesterday, the roads were clear but not because the City of Toronto finally managed to properly clear the roads. The warm weather had intervened and returned the roads to a more cycling-friendly state. They were flat, ice-free, open.

At this time of year, I think people start hankering for spring. It's a bit too soon. Yesterday morning, I saw a guy cycling with no gloves and wearing only a fleece for warmth. Clearly, he suffers from delusions. Later, waiting at a traffic light (something many cyclists don't bother to do), I heard some music. At the next light, I realized that the music was coming from a car right beside me.

I guess he thought it was spring. The windows were down, the cold air flowing through his hair. If one is going to blast the tunes with the windows down, certain musical choices have to be made. Some music just doesn't work, especially in association with certain automobiles. I mean, you can't blast Madonna...well, unless you are driving a PT Cruiser or a VW Beetle or maybe even a Mini Cooper. I don't think it is OK to drive a muscle car are treat the neighbourhood to the musical stylings of ABBA, for example.

So, I look over and notice that this dude is driving a nondescript American-type car. Out of his windows came My Father's House, from Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska album. I was actually quite stunned. Most people on the planet consider Nebraska to be one of the most boring albums ever made. Not this guy: he had it cranked. But, I realized that his car agreed with the music.

This morning it is snowing again and the roads are being dusted in white.

13 comments:

A said...

It's been around the same temperatures here. Usually when it gets that warm here it means it's almost spring, but we still have a ways to go. It's only February.

"So, I look over and notice that this dude is driving a nondescript American-type car.... But, I realized that his car agreed with the music." Ouch?

tshsmom said...

OK, since I didn't realize that the music had to match the car...does my F-150 Ford truck match the Nickelback I have in the CD player? Please let me know before I roll down the windows. ;)

Anonymous said...

You know, you could have a lot of fun figuring out what music goes with what car. My Smart, for example....

zydeco fish said...

Alex: I should probably point out that I don't mind Springsteen. Back in the day, I was a rabid fan.

tshsmom: I would have thought Bob Seeger. I guess this is not the time to say that I hate Nickelback...

k: Hmmm, Send in the Clowns? I have to wonder how many will fit. Other than that, the only thing that occurs to me is Bronski Beat, but I am not sure why :-)

Deodand said...

Sadly, I usually have ambient or house pumping out the sunroof of my Lancer, so my car and music do match - just like a Mitsu commercial. I wonder if you've stumbled on to something?

zydeco fish said...

Ii hope so...

Unknown said...

Dance music from my Honda Civic; windows up or down? Please advise. Truth be told, I should be riding my bike.

zydeco fish said...

I sort of think a Honda Civic supports any kind of music, because it is an every-person kind of car. But, I will argue with windows up :-)

S.M. Elliott said...

Nebraska is the greatest album in the history of recorded music. Keep cranking it, American-car dude, wherever you are. I'll sing along if you drive past with your windows open.

Our car is a used Hyundai with duct tape serving as a rear window, so I assume world music is a good match?

And Mom, for the love of all that is good and holy, do not play Nickelback with the windows down. ;D

S.M. Elliott said...

P.S. I think it's HILARIOUS when kids blast gansta rap in their moms' minivans.

zydeco fish said...

I thought the greatest album was generally regarded to be Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. I do own Nebraska on vinyl and CD, so my criticism of it was somewhat hyperbolic.

"A Hyundai with duct tape serving as a rear window"? Is that even legal? You should be playing gansta rap!

tshsmom said...

ZF, that's OK, I'm not that fond of Springsteen, so we're even.
I DO play Seger in the truck, so I'm glad that's a good match.

SME, I'll play Nickelback, with the windows down, the next time I drive YOU through town. *giggle*

S.M. Elliott said...

Oh not a back window, just one of the little windows. That would prob'ly be illegal. I hope.

Nebraska beats out even Sgt. Pepper, because the characters in the Nebraska songs could kick the snot out of the characters in the Sgt. Pepper songs. Meter maids and chicks who float around in the sky don't stand a chance against Charlie Starkweather, people who work 16-day hour days for min. wage, or very bitter alcoholics.

Mom, I am sooo never riding with you again!