(Observe relaxation here)
For me, that sweet, sweet spark of summer means stepping up to the challenge of making a deck that:
A) not only captures the balmy thrill of air conditioners and sunscreen, but also
B) Proudly declare 'piss off!' to every other Marley carting carbon copy playlist that rears its ugly head year after year.
Sure, the nostalgia is comforting. But never as magical as the first time a true memory is made. So here are some new ones. A summer mapped out in 25 tracks.
(bring it up in a new window, then come back and read along! Or just click on them..)
1. Something Good Can Work - Two Door Cinema Club
Whoa! That's bright, thank you first blinding days of sunshine...
2. Roman History - Pet Lions
You'd never know it wasn't a classic, but it's definitely just as fun. Even if you don't like pop, its summer, you let it slide.
3. Us - Regina Spektor
Oh, how beautiful summer can be. This track puts the A-to-the-V for all the pretty things.
4. Silver Lining - Rilo Kiley One of those perfect early July Friday evenings, where you're still coy enough to get giddy about patio parties.
5. Medicine- Starfucker ...But after a few on the deck, someone busts out the happiest dance music they can find on short notice, and so it starts.
6. Silver City - Ghostland Observatory
Get at least: 40 into it... then you won't skip it, and or the 5th tequila shot that launches idol feet onto the dance floor.
7. I (Joe Beats Remix) - Andrew Bird
Mr. Bird makes it onto roughly 1/3 of my mixes, even the popped up versions of his nectar.
8. Sunship Balloons - The Flaming Lips
Out of the many to choose from, this is the one Flaming Lips song I'm allowing, because I have a feeling that there is more potential for new memories.
9. Shotgun - Pete Yorn
A solid, uncharacteristically optimistic release from his new album, released, you guessed it, this summer.
10. I don't know what I can save you from - Kings of Convenience
And since we're relaxing in hammocks and whatnot, everyone needs some major chord packed strumming euro-alty crooners to wash down the rum...
11. Please, please, please let me get what I want - The Smiths
God. Don’t you just want to stand in the middle of a room and feel that unapologetic inconvenient idiotic spark of attraction coming from a hazy stare, a couple of drinks, a late night, and a poor decision on a jukebox?
12. Always like this - Bombay Bicycle club
And then the next day you realize you got caught up in the moment and you hit those sunglasses harder than anything. Ever.Oh and if you ever wondering what'd it's be like to dance with me, watch the video.
13. Stanger Lover - Ghostland Observatory
By far the funkiest summer jammy jam. For midsummer when you've finally unwound and felt pure gratification of the season.
14. Shot in the back of the head -Moby
Something about July allows a fun little thing to happen in your brain that November is far too miserable to do: total connection to the breeze, the warmth, the sky, the grass and you mind... and it's all clear and open.
15. The Girls - Calvin Harris
Go ahead. Go to any club this summer. You probably hate this song by this point. But every summer has a sticky one. And this one is it.
16. Reckoner's Encore - Jaydiohead
And this is just fucking cool. Don't worry white folk. Move Ov-a Justin Timberlake, it's cool for white people to listen to hip hop again.
17. Pop Song - Starfucker
Somewhere between the first drink at home and the ill-conceived cab ride home that overdraws your account. (Which you didn't account for a $90 tab anyway, who knew?)
18. Breakin' Up - Rilo Kiley
Its okay, guys. It's nearly August, and it's okay for you to listen to girls.
19. Friday I'm in love - The Cure
Okay. You've gone most of the summer with some new tunes. I guess you can have a little reminiscence peppered in.
20. Folding Chair - Regina Spektor
Another phenomenal summer release.
21. Pot Kettle Black - Wilco
It's early August. The humidity is finally out of the night air, and you've subconsciously moved from excitement to contentment.
22. Ragged Wood - Fleet Foxes
It's prime season for a bonfire, without the sweat rag.
23. Reasons to love you - Meiko
I know. You're not ready to let go of summer, and here are a few reasons why (sappy, poppy reasons for which you have no explanation, other than you can't get away with this shit any other time)
24. The Shining - Badly Drawn Boy
...But if September must come, Let's watch the leaves flash a brilliant, glowing fade in the most beautiful display of perfection and poetry you've ever seen.. Much like this song.
25. A -Cartel
And remember every foolish escapade and drunken evening along the way. I know.. Slip on that first hoodie and head down to the bar for one more...
