One song that comes to mind for me, whenst rolling the topknot vessel over those rhythmic gentle swells sought by pikabike, is this somewhat dirge-like but peaceful tribute to cetaceans by CSN:
Then, there is this one by Van, which, though I’m not particularly a religious fellow, struck a reverent and rhythmic reminder into my paddled cadence as I canoed out over the not-so-gently wind-chopped, dark Assateague waters, one November evening years back:
This may not be real ‘gentle swell’ feeling but I think it’s the most beautiful tune Kottke ever did. And Pika… Cool Change has been stuck in my head for a couple of days now. I’m not complaining.
Jerry Vandiver’s songs are wonderful paddling songs from a PADDLER himself. “True and Deep” and “Me and Molly” are my favorites, but many great songs from a Nashville writer with a resume of hits from several country artists. Tough to listen to “Me and Molly” if you’ve ever had a 4 legged paddling partner! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccm6U_htzG0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHjNFMVG77k
I have always wanted to paddle a northern meandering quiet wilderness river to this music. To me it says “paddle away around the next bend”.
Last of the Mohicans Soundtrack: Promontory
Just returned from spending a little time by the ocean where, though I didn’t take a boat, I spent several mornings watching the sun rise over the Atlantic. On the calmer mornings with the long swells rolling in and the world waking up behind me the mood seemed a bit like this… I did wish I was out there riding the swells in the long morning light. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6WTYcFI8S4
In a similar vein, I can recall one particular early autumn day at sun rise. I was paddling the deep flat water along the base of a limestone bluff. The ferns had turned brown and had a touch of frost on them. Cliff swallows had departed but the chickadees and nuthatches were stirring and flitting about. The air was cooler than the water so there were tendrils of mist rising and the fog was dense enough so the opposite shore was shrouded and the rising sun gave every thing a pastel tint. This song fits that morning perfectly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYMQ2JOh87s