What albums do you take with you on a 3 week drive from Toronto to Newfoundland and everywhere in between? The answer: ALL OF THEM, as it’s a damn long time in a car. Thankfully, between a bevy of iPods, stowaway CDs stuffed in the car doors and those that we would accumulate on the way, there was more than enough music to go around.

Of course, just like how Entire Cities won me over on a drive to Windsor last year, a few albums clawed their way to the dashboard more memorably than others this time around. Here are the ones that stood out the most for whatever reason:

Al Tuck - Food for the Moon

The latest from this east coast troubadour extroardinaire was in heavy rotation in more than one of the vehicles in our convoy. Of course, there’s good reason for that, as it’s an excellent addition to an already fine catalogue. Al Tuck’s croon is soothing music to highway bound ears.

Al Tuck - Every Red Road

Shotgun Jimmie - Still Jimmie

The sophomore solo effort from this Sackville resident is nothing short of a triumph. Full of endearing lyrics and infectious melodies, Shotgun Jimmie is cementing his status as one of the best songwriters around (not to mention an all-around good dude). It’s no wonder this album was the soundtrack to a debaucherous night of hanging-out just outside of St. John’s, as it really is solid from start to finish.

Shotgun Jimmie - Mind Crumb

Jon-Rae and the River - Knows what You Need

This album has been kicking around for a few years now (released by Jon-Rae and The River in 2006), but I’ve never really given it the attention or love that it deserves. Consider this my pennance, as Knows What You Need is a raucous and spirited hootenanny like no other. Unabashedly frantic and overtly sexual, this album made the perfect soundtrack to a wild dance-party in Sackville.

Jon-Rae and The River - Nothing to Do

Add to that a smattering of Paul Simon, a whole lot of Chad VanGaalen and a few oddballs like King Biscuit Boy and you’ve got the makings for a great soundtrack to an even better trip.