The official first day of summer is tomorrow! In preparation, Readings St Kilda Shop Manager Amy Vuleta shares her best album picks to pack for a hot Aussie road trip.

Hunky Dory by David Bowie

Kicking off with hits like ‘Changes’ and ‘Oh! you pretty things’, I challenge you not to have the best time cruising along the highway, just getting right into the best damn seat-dancing those passing trucks and caravans have ever seen. I promise you’ll know all of the words even if you’ve never listened to the record before, so sing along and remember the late, great Bowie in style.

Coming Home by Leon Bridges

Leon Bridges is one cool cat, and the smooth jive, funky riffs and deep soulful sounds of this album will have your shoulders dancing, your head bopping, and your toes tapping like nobody’s business. Run this album as you get back on the road after lunch – it’ll make you feel better about those chips you just ate.

The Whole Story by Kate Bush

There’s not a single person who doesn’t want to sing along to ‘Wuthering Heights’, ‘Running up that hill’ and ‘Babooshka’, so this Kate Bush compilation album is one to have in the car with you at all times.

Paper Mache Dream Balloon by King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

Super chilled-out, richly instrumental, acoustic-flavoured weekend backyard alt-psychedelic pop weirdness from a group of song-craftsmen of the highest order. This record is less frenetic and electric than previous albums from the group, but its relative calm that never, not for a second, verges into boring territory makes it the perfect roadtripping album. Pop it on as you head for the beach or into the hills, getting ready to dive into the water and keep it cool.

I Love You, Honeybear by Father John Misty

Listening to this record is like shooting the breeze with your favourite smart, witty girlfriend (who can also be a little bit of a B) over a few drinks at the pub. Father John Misty is a master of irreverent lyrics, catchy hooks and swelling rock riffs, and a drive with this album will probably help your beard to grow extra long and luscious. Win-win.

Boots No. 1: The Official Revival Bootleg by Gillian Welch

It’s the afternoon and you’re ambling through the back roads between a string of one-horse towns, and Gillian Welch has provided the perfect selection of bootlegs, demos, and previously unreleased gems, on the 20th anniversary of the release of her album Revival. Welch and her collaborator Dave Rawlings craft country songs that I’d describe as lyrically and temporally perfect. You will feel transported outside of time and space as you listen and drive and dream the highway away.

Don’t Let The Kids Win by Julia Jacklin

Night has fallen and you’ve hit the road alone, winding your way through the streets of your hometown, or an unfamiliar new place. You head towards the horizon of your dreams, everything that you long for stretching out behind you. Your heart will swell as you drive away listening to Jacklin’s perfect nostalgic twang, and her steady, swaying guitar. Once the final track plays, sit in silence for a little while and let your mind drift blissfully towards your destination.

Amy Vuleta