Music played in any social event is pivotal to its success. For example, you would expect upbeat songs in a birthday party because if the songs “My Heart Will Go On” or “Fifteen” will be played, it would not be able to help set the guests into a birthday mood.

Steve Holy’s “Love Don’t Run” is a song about a couple who wants to keep their relationship working and that need to talk about everything and try to sort things out. Even though the artist has not had any great hits during his career this song might game be it.

Footloose by Kenny Loggins – You’ve seen the movie. You’ve memorized Kevin Bacon’s signature moves. And, depending on your age, you might still be holding onto the soundtrack on tape in your mother’s basement. Now it’s time to cut loose and dance at your desk or station. Didn’t you know scrub tops were made for dancing, too?

The final track, “Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy” from “Ren and Stimpy,” performed by Wax, was a great choice. The song embodies the emotions one gets from listening to this disc. It should be noted that several of these theme songs did not come from a cartoon, but from puppet shows. This is only gripe with the disc. Puppet shows are great, but they are not cartoons, and should ‘not be on a compilation that calls itself cartoons’ greatest hits.

So, if you want your life’s soundtrack to be filled with more fulfilling songs, you must begin singing them. Doing this is easier than you might think. You can begin looking for things you love in your life right now. Find words of gratitude and make them your daily lyrics.

My Chemical Romance took a more laid back approach in ‘The Ghost of You,’ but that doesn’t make the song any less effective. This sad number explores the pain of the loss of a loved one. While it’s one of the more moody tracks on their ‘Three Cheers for Lovely Revenge’ record, it perfectly demonstrates the bands knack for combining mournful melodies with an angst driven delivery.

Then it hit me that it was a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song.” I quickly hopped on Google to find out who this version was by, and seconds before the answer appeared before me on my television set, Google had the answer. It was by Karen O of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails and Atticus Ross, who collaborated with Reznor on The Social Network Soundtrack.

The one unarguable necessity of any road trip is music. Every movie needs a soundtrack. It sets the mood, it frames the scene, and it eases the passing of the miles. Whether or not you should choose literal road tunes like Born to Run or King of the Road is a matter of personal preference. I invariably take several CD’s by Australian greats The Church. Their dreamy sprawling sound scapes are the perfect compliment to the land as it rolls by, and Steve Kilbey’s lyrics take one on a simultaneous journey to that place where ideas download from cosmic consciousness.