The Ultimate Backcountry Music Playlist
As I’m sure both managers of the Bell 2 Lodge and Ripley Creek at Last Frontier Heliskiing can attest to, our director Mike Watling is fanatic about two (lets just pretend its two…) things: Lighting and Music. Periodically throughout the year, mystery boxes appear from around the world, with instructions about joining a “leeang leeang” with a “flux capacitor” to improve the dining room. During my three years at Last Frontier Heliskiing, I’ve learnt how important the two are. Lighting can make all the difference, especially when eating, it can influence someones hunger and thirst. A stark room with appropriate lighting can become a rustic and cosy environment, perfect for a snuggle. Combine good lighting with music and you’re set.
The German poet once said, “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” We all have memories associated with particular music. Just last spring at Ripley Creek, while I was tucking into beef wellington on St. Patrick’s Day, a song came on (Mary Black – Only a Woman’s Heart) that I hadn’t heard for fifteen years. Suddenly I was taken back to my dads one bedroom apartment, listening to him pounding on a typewriter, bread baking in the oven, and that song playing on the stereo from a tape my sister made. The memory was so powerful, I had to leave for a few minutes to collect myself. Music can transport you through time, taking you on a journey, even though you don’t leave your seat.
At appropriate times, music can enhance moments. We all like to dance, whether it’s on a dance floor, in the streets, or even in secret in our bathrooms. We all have music in our souls that’s itching to get out. Here’s a playlist that I’ve made for myself, perfect for a trail run, hike through the woods, camping along the beach, or a fireside sit with friends. Hope you enjoy and don’t forget to dance!
1) All the Pretty Girls – Kaleo
2) Everywhere I Go – Lissie
3) Further On – Bronze Radio Return
4) Suburban War – Arcade Fire
5) Some Nights – Fun.
6) Praan – Garry Schyman
7) Mountain Man – Dean Brody
8) In Your Hands – Charlie Winston
9) Mississippi Isabel – King Charlies
10) One Day – Matisyahu
Want to listen right away? Here they are on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zERLVOHeOSk
About Liam Harrap
Liam grew up in Jasper, Alberta – a perfect place for scrambling pointy things and survival skiing. Liam loves to travel to cold and miserable places, as long as he has a steaming mug of tea and good grub to fry in bacon fat. While Liam used to work for Last Frontier Heliskiing as a radio operator at Ripley Creek, he is now a journalist/ski bum in Revelstoke, B.C.View all posts by Liam Harrap