It's time for part 2 in the best songs about California series. Different day - different mood - different songs.

5) California Dreaming - The Mamas & The Papas

- A song about California has never sounded so haunting and beautiful at the same time. The Mamas & The Papas' choral sound was a stark contrast to the popular California folk music of the time - California Dreaming is one of the more truly unique songs about California.

4) Hollywood Nights - Bob Seger

- Like A Rock himself. The Silver Bullet. The rock and roll Hall of Famer - Bob Seger. Hollywood Nights is my favorite Seger Tune. Listening to this song at night while driving through LA is an essential experience.

3) Slow Down - The Academy Is

- Remember when The Academy Is was good? I do. Think back to 2005 - USC had literally just taken a shit on Oklahoma in the BCS national championship when The Academy Is released Almost Here - their first and only great CD. I'll give you that this album can get old after listening to it 15 times, but the songs are catchy as hell and you'll be hearing them in your head after just one listen through.

2) California - Phantom Planet

- I've gotten over my fear of being associated with liking the O.C. if I listen to this great song. Some songs can only really be enjoyed at their true potential if you listen to them in the right setting. Listening to California while driving in California is a great experience.

1) Alright, and your #1 song about California (part 2) and also (and obviously more importantly) your song for the day.

Going To California - Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin IV is a total force to be reckoned with. Black Dog, Rock and Roll, Misty Mountain Hop, Going to California, and Stairway to Heaven all on the same album.. are you kidding me? Every one of these songs is worthy to be your song for the day and, in fact, probably will... Except for maybe stairway, no one really needs to be told to listen to stairway.

As mentioned in the previous post, I took the road trip of a lifetime from Ohio to LA in the fall of 2008. My two best friends and I drove the 36 hour trip straight, rotating out drivers while the guy in the back tried to sleep. While we drove through Texas, Garth Brooks was playing the majority of the time, and the instant (and not a moment sooner) we crossed into California we blared the Beach Boys Greatest Hits. However, easily the most-listened-to song of the entire trip was Going to California by Led Zep. The reality is; ever since I heard Going to California on Zeppelin's live album How The West Was Won, I have wanted to drive to California - not just go to Cali, but drive there. I had just turned 16 when I got that tape at a thrift store and the freedom every 16 year old feels behind the wheel just added to the desire.

One of the most memorable moments of my life so far: When we finally got to the San Onofre beach where we camped. It was 4 in the morning and we pulled into our little parking space adjacent to our approximately 8 square ft campsite. The site was right on top of a bluff overlooking the Pacific. I got out of the car after approximately 39 hours of travel and ran down the bluff. The full moon made it light enough to navigate the trails and end up on the beach. The first time I had ever seen the Pacific ocean. Absolutely incredible. And this is exactly what I think of when I hear Going to California.