As a kid, I played the trombone and without bragging, I was a pretty decent player. I gave up the horn after I got the college and discovered that beer and working on cars with my pals (often while drinking beer) was more fun than practicing the horn. That being said, I have always had a soft spot for tunes that feature a kick ass brass section and this track, 1970s Vehicle by the band The Ides of March kicks an extreme amount of ass. Sure, there’s the whole weird lyrical thing where the singer is trying to lure a girl into his car with candy, but let’s not dwell on the negative. Instead, let’s enjoy a great tune that was insanely popular when it hit the airwaves in ’70. Believe it or not, Vehicle was the fastest selling single in the history of Warner Records up to that point.

By 1973 the band would split up and go off into different directions, never again finding that magical groove like they did with Vehicle. In 1990 the original band members reunited and have been playing tours and shows ever since. A couple of the originals have since passed on, but the group continues to delight crowds with the big brass sound and their funky attitude.

Certain songs really personify their era. I was not alive in 1970, but I have a small idea of what it felt like to be when I listen to this song. It is big and loud and brash and certainly hints at the excesses and attitude the decade would later become best known for.

PRESS PLAY BELOW TO HEAR THE IDES OF MARCH JAM OUT THEIR HIT SONG VEHICLE — ON VINYL!