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Summer Songs Say So Much
Before we break it
down to individual songs, there are a few musicians whose music - pretty
much ALL of their music - says "summer" like none other. Again pointing
out an obvious fact, we'll name The Beach Boys first - from their
best-known tune "California Girls" to "All Summer Long," their music
evokes bright visions of surfing, summer flings, little deuce coupes, and
beach bonfires complete with roasted hot dogs. Another sure bet are
The B-52s, a band out of Athens, Georgia known for their breezy, new
wave-wacky hits like "Love Shack," "Rock Lobster," and "Roam" - if these
songs don't make you want to drive around in your car with the windows
open and the radio blasting, then not much will! Last, but most certainly
not least, Bob Marley and the Wailers' sound is something that
sounds absolutely out of place in cold climates and winter weather - but
sounds perfectly perfect when the heat is on and the summer winds are a-blowin'
- what better music than reggae to set the stage for your barbecue or
beach party?
And now on to those
summery tunes that may or may not be one-hit wonders - but are single
songs whose association with summer seems meant to be. First up, we'll
look at cheerful summer songs, starting with '80s band Katrina and the
Waves with "Walkin' on Sunshine," a song so full of cheer it's often
used to this day in movies to indicate a jubilant moment in the lives of
whatever character it's applied to. Another girl-fronted group are the
Go-Go's, whose "Vacation" is another slice of summertime fun, as is
"Cruel Summer," the city-summer song by girl group Bananarama.
For that retro feel, "Summer Lovin'" from the Grease soundtrack is
always a winner, as are The Kinks' "Come Dancin'," The Surfari's
"Wipe Out," Martha Reeves and the Vandella's "Dancin' in the
Streets," Jan and Dean's "Surf City," and The Ventures'
"Theme From Hawaii Five-O."
A little more
recently, the All-American Rejects' "Swing Swing" is pretty darned
evocative of summer cruising days, as are Moby's "South Side,"
Beck's "Tropicalia," Madonna's version of "American Pie,"
Weezer's "Island in the Sun" and "Surf Wax America," U2's
"Beautiful Day," Lenny Kravitz' "California," Len's "Steal My
Sunshine," Talking Heads' "And She Was," Sheryl Crow's "Soak
Up The Sun," or even Will Smith's "Summertime" with pal DJ Jazzy
Jeff. Getting the picture? For those more melancholy summer moments, what could beat Don Henley's "Boys of Summer," with its vivid description of summer at its end? Or how about Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game," with its beachy video? Perhaps it's Norah Jones' "Don't Know Why" that strikes that summer chord for you - or maybe it's The Honeydrippers' old hit "Sea of Love," Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow's "Picture," Sixpence None the Richer's "Kiss Me," Belle and Sebastian's "A Summer Wasting," Jets to Brazil's "In the Summer's When You Really Know, or No Doubt's "Don't Speak"? What appeals to you will depend largely on just what those wistful summer thoughts are about, whether it's romance, friendship, your summer job, your summer vacation - or your first brand new car.
But, of course, now we're back to our first point - the best way to make your own summer mix is to first think of your own summer memories, and then add in a little summer flavor from other artists and genres of music that you might otherwise not listen to. Pop might sound exotic to those who only listen to folk, hip hop will add a little flair to a mix for rock or country fans - and that out-of-the-box thinking can be a great start to getting your summer mix on track. Where to begin? Well, just start with our first three can't-fail summer artists, and then blend in your choice of summer songs that are your personal favorites - and before you know it, you'll have a perfectly mixed musical margarita that'll make it another summer to remember!
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