Ten Great Songs About Places

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Ten Great Songs About Places | Music

Ten Great Songs About Places
Anthony Jones

Whether you're a resident or a visitor, nothing can bring back memories of a place the way music can. With this in mind, the members and editors of travel website VirtualTourist.com have compiled this list of great songs about places. Some have become inadvertent anthems while others actually paint quite a dismal picture. Regardless they've become inextricably linked to their respective places.

1. "AUTUMN IN NEW YORK," BILLIE HOLIDAY

Almost nothing can ignite the sentimental side of hardened New Yorkers like this tribute to the city and while there have been countless recordings it is arguably Billie Holiday's restrained and languid interpretation with which most fans are familiar. The song is so evocative you can almost smell leaves when you listen to it.

2. "CALIFORNIA," MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND

Groovy, bittersweet, and made for driving the open highway, this song may not necessarily be about California directly, but it certainly evokes the feeling of it. For music aficionados the long and incredibly impressive guitar solo right in the middle of it is one for the record books.

3. "LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER," THE STANDELLS

In spite of being somewhat dark in theme (some of the lyrics revolve around a mugging experienced by the band's producer), this is a song that Bostonians consider an anthem. In fact, it was actually chosen as the official victory anthem at Fenway Park.

4. "MARRAKESH EXPRESS," CROSBY, STILLS AND NASH

If ever there were a song that made you want to get out there and see exotic lands, this is it! Although melodically laid back and mellow, lyrically this song perfectly describes the chaos of this famous ride from Casablanca to what is now Marrakech.

5. "I LOVE PARIS," ELLA FITZGERALD

For Francophiles no song could say it better. A love song to the City of Light if ever there was one, the simple lyrics reflect the deep affection admirers feel toward the world's most glorious and romantic town.

6. "TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROADS," JOHN DENVER

The ultimate '70s classic, this song is the official anthem of West Virginia University. Interestingly, those who've taken apart the song's lyrics say it's actually about the western part of the state of Virginia, rather than West Virginia proper.

7. "GOOD MORNING BALTIMORE," "HAIRSPRAY"

A tribute to "Hairspray" creator John Waters' hometown, this sunny and stirring hymn to the Maryland city opens the show and why wouldn't it? With lyrics like "Every night is a fantasy" it makes Baltimore seem more like Hollywood.

8. "IT HAPPENED IN SUN VALLEY," GLENN MILLER

If this charming and uber-nostalgic song doesn't make you want to visit Sun Valley, nothing will. With lyrics like "There were sunbeams in the snow/And a twinkle in your eyes" you may end up on the slopes by sunset.

9. "AMSTERDAM," JACQUES BREL

Although it may not create the rosiest picture of this exceptionally beautiful city, it's still a favorite among those who live and travel there. While purists may argue that Brel's version is definitive, there are those who say that Bowie's version is better.

10. "A FOGGY DAY (IN LONDON TOWN)"

Performed by everyone from Fred Astaire to Rufus Wainwright this classic written by the Gershwin brothers makes you feel as if you're walking down Regent Street, regardless of who happens to be singing it. First introduced to the public in the 1930s it continues to be a favorite of recording artists.

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