List: For Those Who Come to San Francisco: Creating Your Own City Soundtrack

Few, if any, places around the globe have inspired musicians as much as the City of San Francisco. Great musicians live here, and great music and lyrics have been written about San Francisco's vibe. It’s a cool place.

As a visitor, it doesn’t matter whether you’re driving a convertible over the Golden Gate Bridge or jostling for space on a Muni bus, stocking your MP3 player with San Francisco-focused songs will make the journey sweeter.

Ten essentials to download:

1) "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" became the official city song in October of 1969. Originally recorded by Tony Bennett in 1962, I-Tunes now offers a whopping 150 versions of the classic including instrumental takes by Duke Ellington and King Curtis.

2) "San Francisco," the second of the City’s two official songs, was originally performed by screen star Jeanette MacDonald in a classic 1936 film of the same name. Modern versions include a campy remake by Rufus Wainwright that celebrates Judy Garland‘s popular 1960s rendition.

3) An entirely different number by the name of "San Francisco" is available on Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks’ inspiring and thought-provoking ode to the Golden State: 'Orange Crate Art.'

4) Even Eric Clapton salutes "San Francisco Bay Blues" on his award-winning ‘Unplugged’ release.

5) Did you know that the Summer of Love classic, "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)," was written by John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas? As sung by Scott McKenzie in June of 1967, this recording was the reason thousands of kids - like me - decided San Francisco was the place to be.

6) Otis Redding’s melancholy music and lyrics to "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" stand the test of time. This is one great piece of recording history - especially the sections where he simply whistles the melody. Breathtaking.

7) Jefferson Starships’ 1985 hit, "We Built This City," may or may not have been originally written about San Francisco. Who cares? It’s an anthem performed by a home-grown band with a recording that directly refers to the City by the Bay -- so we’ve adopted it as our own.

8) The Magnetic Field’s plaintive ode for a boyfriend’s return, "Come Back from San Francisco," includes the girl’s caution that “pretty boys in discos distract you from your novel.” It’s just too bad for that girl from Manhattan that San Francisco’s queer writing community is thriving.

9) Shuffle to "San Francisco Nights" by Chris Isaak as you’re "Walking down to Market Street." You’re sure to feel your heart skip a beat…

10) Journey’s 1970s hit "Lights" contains so many “Ooh, ooh, oohs” that the song is laughable, but there is absolutely no better track to blast as you cross the Bay Bridge on your way to a fabulous evening in San Francisco.