We haven’t had a notable downpour around here in months, but with Travis—best known for 1999 hit “Why Does It Always Rain on Me?”—headed to town this week, it might be a good idea to dig out those umbrellas. A few tunes to help you prepare:
1. The Beatles, “Rain” (Past Masters Volume Two, 1988) The all-time rainy-day classic, with apologies to “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” and “Riders on the Storm.”
2. The Pogues, “Rainy Night in Soho” (Poguetry in Motion EP, 1986) “I took shelter from a shower/And I stepped into your arms.” Lyrics guaranteed to wash away your sorrows.
3. Superchunk, “Rainy Streets” (Here’s to Shutting Up, 2001) Remember, always steer in the direction of the skid, whatever the hell that means.
4. Tom Waits, “Rain Dogs” (Rain Dogs, 1985) Fortunately, listening to this song will not require you to rub up against a rain-soaked dog, or even smell said animal.
5. Minnie Riperton, “Rainy Day in Centerville” (Come to My Garden, 1970) Rain, tears—one way or the other you’ll be waterlogged after the soul goddess does her thing.
6. The Jesus and Mary Chain, “Happy When It Rains” (Darklands, 1987) When Jim Reid says it, we buy it; Shirley Manson ... not so much.
7. Whiskeytown, “Sit & Listen to the Rain” (Pneumonia, 2001) “Gonna watch TV and pray for decent reruns.” Hey, who told Ryan Adams our rainy-day secret?
8. Grateful Dead, “Box of Rain” (American Beauty, 1970) Hmm ... “Box of Rain,” “Looks Like Rain,” “Cold Rain and Snow” ... guess the Dead didn’t mind a deluge now and again.
9. Travis, “Why Does It Always Rain on Me?” (The Man Who, 1999) Um, maybe because you live in Scotland?
10. The Cure, “Prayers for Rain” (Disintegration, 1989) Something tells us Robert Smith has, in fact, spent several sunny afternoons praying for clouds.
Travis with Maximo Park. November 23, 8 p.m., $26.50-$56.50. The Joint, 693-5066.