Here's a gratuitous road trip photo, care of whatsisface...

​Summer means barbecues, beaches, sleeping in and wearing next to nothing, but the best part of the season is the annual road trip (although, seeing people wearing next to nothing is a close second) taken by many across the vast country of ours. Even the least experienced road trippers know to pack clothes and munchies, but pulling out of your driveway without the proper soundtrack can make those boring ass drives across Nebraska (think the 5, but with even less to look at) make you wonder what in the hell Kerouac saw in this shit.

Once you've got your tunes in order, it's crucial that you create a playlist that helps set a mood. Take me for example. I'm not a morning person. In fact, I almost punched one of my best friends during a brutal Texas morning for no other reason other than I was awake. To remedy this, I start with something that will wake me up without a bunch of screaming and yelling because, sure, I love Black Sabbath. Just not at nine in the morning.

On the flipside, I always make sure to save my sing-alongs for when the sun goes down. This is important because when you're out there on a two-lane road to nowhere, the only thing preventing you from becoming one of those homemade crosses on the side of the highway and seeing your destination is the ability to stay focused. Again, for me, this is all about singing.

Here's what I'd do if I was hitting the road today. I'd love to know what others have in mind because I'm always up for adding new tunes to my road trip rotation.


More >>

Welcome to Road Sores, Heard Mentality's latest feature, where bands on tour will guest blog about life on the road, photos, videos, what that smell is coming from the corner of the van, what they're listening to, or whatever the hell it is they feel like talking about that day. Ed Breckenridge from the Orange-based Thrice just sent in a few more photos from his iPhone, even addressing why lead guitarist Teppei Teranishi had to drop out of tour for a while.

Ed Breckenridge

"Normal preshow hangout in Philly."

​More >>

More >>

Welcome to Road Sores, Heard Mentality's newest feature, where bands on tour will guest blog about life on the road, photos, videos, what that smell is coming from the corner of the van, what they're listening to, or whatever the hell it is they feel like talking about that day. Thrice's Ed Breckenridge checks in again with more iPhone photos from tour life. Check out Ed's previous entry here. More >>

Welcome to Road Sores, Heard Mentality's newest feature, where bands on tour will guest blog about life on the road, photos, videos, what that smell is coming from the corner of the van, what they're listening to, or whatever the hell it is they feel like talking about that day. This week: Thrice. 

Sterling Andrews

​
Hometown heroes Thrice are currently in the midst of a tour with Brand New, which will be immediately followed by a headline tour with the Dear Hunter and Polar Bear in mid-November. And good news for you audiophiles: It was just announced today that their latest studio album, Beggars (which, if you remember, had some issues with leaking early), will be available on vinyl--in limited edition colors--beginning December 15. The pressing will be restricted to just 2,000 numbered pieces and will also feature a digital copy and an autographed 24-page booklet with liner notes written by the band themselves. Fans in the United States can pre-order the vinyl right here. And those in Europe/the UK, here!  

In the meantime, Ed Breckenridge, bass player for the Orange-based Thrice, checked in with us via iPhone (what else?) and weighed in on how the band's choosing to spend some of their downtime.

Hint: It involves gettin' fancy with some toy guns.   More >>