Like most musical genres, post-rock is one that will spark a heated discussion amongst music enthusiasts. There are countless websites, blogs, books and records devoted to the different sides of this classification, but there are usually a few things all parties can agree upon: post-rock bands generally put forth powerful instrumental records with a beautiful sense of heaviness.

You know that drive down Interstate 580, right outside of San Francisco, where you find yourself surrounded by rolling hills of dead grass, looming wind turbines and that summer heat that makes your shirt stick to your back? The traffic is always so congested you never even manage to make it near the speed limit, so you take advantage of the slow drive. You roll your windows down, you stretch an arm into the sun and you let your hair blow across your face.

It’s too hot to talk so you turn up the music to drown out the angry horns and passing cars, losing yourself in a wall of sound as thick as the Central Valley humidity.

You know that drive? It’s the perfect place for a post-rock compilation, a mix of songs that will have you relaxed and really looking at what you’re passing outside. You’ll find yourself smiling at those yellow hills and slowly nodding your head to the low-flying crows. You’ll be home soon.

Download!

Do Make Say Think - The Apartment Song (3:52)
Tristeza - Golden Hill (4:53)
Tortoise - TNT (7:33)
Valley Of The Giants - Westworld (6:27)
This Will Destroy You - I Believe In Your Victory (6:32)