Here’s a pro tip for time travelers: bring blue jeans. Fashion is a fickle beast, so don’t expect your Ed Hardy tee to blend in when you get to the year 2117. But blue jeans? They haven’t gone out of fashion since Levi Strauss sold the very first pair back in 1853. Sure, they’ve had their own fashion trends–acid washed, elephant ears, hiphuggers–but if you just stick to the most basic pair of Levi’s, you won’t look out of place during the Gold Rush, a Civil Rights march, or a protest against Blorg, Supreme Ruler of the Galactic Federation. Yes, the key to successful time travel is blue denim.

As for music, rock and roll and blue jeans are inseparable. That has as much to do with the juvenile delinquents of the ’50s as it does with iconic album covers from the Stones, Springsteen, and the Ramones–not to mention the grungy shredded chic of Kurt Cobain et. al.

So button ’em up (or unbutton ’em, whatever works), and let’s get to the music:

“Levi Song,” Seasick Steve & the Level Devils.

“Blue Jean Blues,” ZZ Top.

“Venus In Blue Jeans,” Jimmy Clanton.

“Red Bluejeans and A Ponytail,” Gene Vincent.

“Same Jeans,” The View.

“Lady Fits Her Blue Jeans,” Jimmy Webb.

“Dirty Denim,” The Donnas.

“Devil In Blue Jeans,” Neil Diamond.

“Ain’t No Fun Waiting (Waiting Round To Be A Millionaire),” AC/DC.

There you have it: Eight songs about the only pants you need to own. What did I forget? I’m listening.