Anyone who knows me knows that part of my reasoning for moving to Colorado was an obvious one- legalization. It needs to go federal as there are zero logical reasons for it to be scheduled like harmful drugs. However, this post isn’t about that.
Having looked before, no one can give a definitive reason that 420 is related to smoking but since it is, that makes this Saturday a holiday for all tokers (smokers and midnight jokers too 😉- truly a joy last year to see Steve Miller Band love).
This year, I found a solution other than making cannabutter that is less fragrant. Hoping it adds some consistency to the high of homemade edibles, but I won’t know until I make a honey cake on Saturday. While I’m baking, I’ll be listening to my 420 playlist that I made last year for the same event. So, if you want some good mellow jams for this weekend, here it is (with some commentary):
- Rocky Mountain High by John Denver. Yes, I know Denver is not a fan of this use of his song but it fits perfectly.
- Misty Mountain Hop by Led Zeppelin
- High Time by The Grateful Dead. I’m not big into jam bands, but you can’t have a 420 playlist without Jerry Garcia.
- Burn One Down by Ben Harper. I have such great memories of listening to this song around bonfires with my Nashville Krewe. Was so great to see some of them a few weeks ago!
- One Love/ People Get Ready by Bob Marley. Like Jerry Garcia, Marley was essential for this.
- Smoke Two Joints by Sublime. This and Bad Fish, I could listen to endlessly.
- Space Oddity by David Bowie. Not necessarily centered on herb but it fits the mood.
- Pardon Me (Live) by Incubus. The song itself isn’t herb centered but on this recording, they do a great addition at the end.
- Mary Jane by Tori Amos. Harder to find women artists singing about the wonders of this medicine but Tori brings it.
- Gin and Juice by Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre. Need I say more?
- Regulate by Nate Dogg and Warren G. Still a shame about Nate Dogg’s untimely death but hoping Warren G trots this out at his Red Rocks show tonight with Snoop and Ice Cube.
- Kid A by Radiohead. Also not exactly topic specific but it is definitely mellow.
- Down by Marian Hill
- I Get Lifted by Theryl de Clouet. Galactic is playing on this song and it’s actually the first Galactic song I ever heard.
- It’s Later than You Think by Kermit Ruffins and Rebirth Brass Band. Also the first song I ever heard by Kermit and, along with Under Pressure, is on every race day playlist I make.
- I’m Just Gettin Blowed by Devin the Dude
- Jimi Thing by Dave Matthews Band
- If You a Viper by Erin McKeown. This is an old jazz standard and “viper” was a common term for stoners in the 30s. Fats Waller also recorded a version but the original is from Stuff Smith in ’36.
- Storyville Blues by Louis Armstrong. Couldn’t have a playlist without including one of the most famous vipers of all time. This soulful sad tune is about Storyville, an area of New Orleans in what is now the Tremé, the red light area where drugs and prostitution were generally considered legal. To me, it’s just about going home, no matter if that home is flawed.
Enjoy and I hope your Saturday is as mellow as mine!
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